Railways’ designer line for staf uniforms

Ritu Beri has submitted four sets, and the public can soon give their opinion online

NEW DELHI: Five lakh railway

employees — front oicestaf, ticket examiners,guards, drivers and catering personnel — willsoon don new uniformscreated by fashion designe rRitu Beri woven aroundthe theme of Indian culture.Ms. Beri submitted foursets of uniform, each with adistinct theme, to the Railway Ministry five days ago, and the public transporter will soon launch an initiative on its website and Twitter and Facebook seeking theviews of people to help it select the attire. The new uniform willcost about Rs. 50 crore in the first phase covering five lakh of the 13 lakh staf. Ms. Beri said the look of the uniform would be an ode to India and its exoticism. “The focus is to reflect modern India whilerespecting our deep-rooted tradition and culture, thus reflecting the glory of India. The uniforms will be Indo-western in cut and silhouette with comfort being the most important factor,” she said. Ms. Beri’s new collection includes saris and T-shirts. The uniform is expected to be ready by the year-end, the oicial said. One of the designs Ms. Beri has submitted is based on tribal art, while another is inspired by rustic coins and currency of the “golden age” of India. The third is based on the legacy of nawabs and the fourth is inspired by pop art. The fourth option, classified as the vibrant soul of India, reflects elements of culture, business, music and entertainment.