The Hindu Business Line : When Rabri met Lalu... and discussed Rlys

If you find that hard to believe, just read the official release issued by the Ministry of Railways: "The Chief Minister of Bihar, Ms Rabri Devi, called on the Union Minister of Railways, Mr Lalu Prasad, here today and discussed the progress of railway projects in her State."

And neither was the meeting of a general nature. It was focussed on specific projects, which Ms Rabri Devi wanted to be accorded top priority under her husband's stewardship. And Mr Prasad, on his part, ensured that the meeting was attended by the Railway Board Members, including the Chairman, Mr R.K. Singh. The latter even presented her a booklet on the ongoing Railway projects in Bihar.

Mr Singh told the Chief Minister that the Railways' construction arm, IRCON International Ltd, had already completed the preliminary work for building 38 rail over-bridges in her State. The actual construction on these, involving an outlay of Rs 200 crore, would commence on October 2, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. Besides, work on the proposed Rail Wheel Factory at Chhapra (Mr Prasad's constituency) will also begin `soon', with RITES Ltd entrusted with the task of preparing a detailed project report.

The Chief Minister was also informed that an additional Rs 33 crore has been allocated by the Centre for revival of the two sick units of the public sector Bharat Wagons Ltd at Mokamah and Muzaffarpur.

Moreover, the coming Gandhi Jayanti would deliver additional bonuses to the State with the introduction of two new trains connecting Muzaffarpur to Mumbai and Hajipur to Ahmedabad, respectively.

But Ms Rabri Devi did not stop at that. She sought renovation of the dilapidated railway stations in her State. That request, too, would be "considered actively," the Railway Board Chairman said, as per the release.

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