Once when I was on tour to Mumbai to look into a troublesome project from the Maharashtra Government was getting unduly delayed due to the mischief of the contractor. I received a message from the minister to see the Railway Minister the same day in the evening. I reviewed the project in one small restaurant where the contractor was asked to come and had a tea and snacks meeting near the airport while the ticket was booked. I discussed all related problems and suggested some steps to progress the project to avoid cancellation. This surprised the contractor as no Chairman in his memory could hold a discussion in such a small place and arrive on conclusions so fast, and give assurance to resolve several related issues. Some of those connected with government officials, which I started contacting immediately after completing the meeting. My officer was equally fazed at the fast speed of deciding actions and follow up. He was given responsibility to meet the concerned government officials with my personal greeting and request to help. And tis happened as expected.
Back in Delhi I went to the Ministry where my appointment was fixed by my representative. I had to wait for a longtime as the Minister was meeting his party men in the late evening hours. I introduced myself to the minister and explained the purpose of my visit. He promised to direct the Railway Board to look into our case in the most favorable way. It resulted in many crores worth of orders and my tiring day ultimately brought some favorable results.
Two projects in Amritsar were very important; one was development of International Airport and second was a Museum on Sikh Gurus. I was chased by the aviation minister himself and the second one was followed up by the Directorate of Museum, Government of India, which took me to the place for the first time. I visited the historical Golden Temple and recollected facts about this important religious place, where one is forced to be a common man of the society served with standard Prasad etc. The Airport project was cancelled by the minister without giving time to discuss. The Museum was completed in the shortest time.
I tried to tie up for order in National Highways projects and met the Directors in their Dwarika Head Office. But we couldn't compete due to heavy fund requirements.