President Murmu Calls on Young Railways and Engineering Officers to Lead India’s Infrastructure Transformation

In a significant engagement underscoring the critical role of infrastructure in India's development journey, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today interacted with Probationary Officers of the Indian Railways (2022 and 2023 batches) and Assistant Executive Engineers of the Central Engineering Service (Roads) (2021–2024 batches) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The interaction comes at a time when India is accelerating investments in infrastructure, with record allocations in recent Union Budgets and an ambitious push towards multimodal connectivity, high-speed rail, and world-class highways. Addressing the young officers, the President positioned them at the forefront of this transformation, calling their roles pivotal in shaping the nation's future.

"A Defining Moment in India's Growth Story"

President Murmu emphasized that the officers have entered public service at a defining juncture, as India advances with the collective vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India). She highlighted that their responsibilities go far beyond administrative duties, directly influencing the lives and aspirations of millions.

"As young officers of Indian Railways and the Central Engineering Service (Roads), you are stepping into roles that impact citizens at the grassroots level. Your decisions will shape not only infrastructure but also the quality of life across the country," she stated.

Infrastructure as the Backbone of Economic Growth

Underscoring the strategic importance of infrastructure, the President described railways and highways as more than transport systems—they are powerful enablers of economic expansion, social inclusion, and national integration.

India's railway network, one of the largest in the world, carries over 20 million passengers daily, while the national highway network has expanded significantly in recent years, improving connectivity across urban and rural regions. In this context, President Murmu noted that when a train reaches a remote village or a highway links distant regions, it catalyzes economic opportunities, access to services, and overall regional development.

She stressed that robust infrastructure:

• Reduces logistics costs, making Indian goods more competitive

• Boosts domestic and international trade

• Attracts investments and enhances industrial productivity

• Strengthens national unity by connecting people and regions

People-Centric Development: Beyond Numbers

Highlighting the importance of inclusive growth, the President advised officers not to measure success solely through statistics or project completion metrics. Instead, she urged them to focus on the real impact of their work on citizens' lives.

"The true measure of your work lies in how it improves the lives of people—how it enables mobility, creates opportunities, and enhances dignity," she remarked.

Upholding Values in Public Service

President Murmu called upon the officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and commitment to excellence—values that form the foundation of effective governance.

She acknowledged that their careers would involve complex challenges and difficult decisions, especially in large-scale infrastructure projects that demand precision, transparency, and efficiency. In such moments, she advised them to remain guided by ethical principles and public interest.

Encouraging a forward-looking mindset, the President also urged the officers to:

• Stay curious and continuously upgrade their knowledge

• Embrace innovation and modern engineering practices

• Leverage technology for efficient project execution

• Maintain a citizen-first approach in all decisions

Enablers of Progress and Guardians of Trust

In her concluding remarks, President Murmu described the young officers not merely as administrators but as "enablers of progress and guardians of public trust." She emphasized that their choices, standards, and dedication will leave a lasting imprint on India's development trajectory.

As India continues its rapid infrastructure expansion—spanning high-speed rail corridors, expressways, logistics parks, and smart mobility solutions—the role of such officers becomes increasingly central to achieving sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready growth.

The interaction at Rashtrapati Bhavan serves as both recognition and a call to action for the next generation of public servants entrusted with building the physical and economic backbone of the nation.