New Delhi, Jan 21 (IANS): Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge Tuesday said safety of passengers would continue to be the topmost priority on Indian Railways.

The Railway Minister stated this while addressing the two-day conference of general managers of all Zonal Railways and Production Units which began Tuesday.

Kharge called upon general managers to make all possible efforts to prevent accidents and to improve overall safety environment on railways. He also asked them to ensure that full and proper attention was accorded to the maintenance of railway assets including the fixed assets and rolling stocks.

He said there should be enough meaningful surprise inspections and night inspections and strict action should be taken against those found responsible for lapses during the course of inspections.

The railway minister asked the zonal chief executives to ensure that there is no laxity on safety and general managers should personally monitor it regularly.

Referring to the recent two cases of fire on trains, the minister said there should be comprehensive action plan to prevent such unfortunate incidents, which may include an audit of each passenger rake, and ensuring best quality of fire retardant material.