New projects worth over ₹10,000 crore will be launched and several old projects completed by the Railways during its ongoing ‘fortnight programme,’ Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said today.

He was speaking at the New Delhi Railway Station premises here after signing a memorandum of understanding with the Railways’ public sector undertaking Concor (Container Corporation of India) for upgrading of passengers amenities at the city station.

Action plan

“During this 15-day period, new projects worth over ₹10,000 cr will be launched or old projects completed. Large-scale cleanliness campaign is also under way,” Prabhu told reporters.

Railways is celebrating Modi government’s completion of one year in office with fortnight-long programmes from May 26 to June 9.

“Programmes are being undertaken in at least 15,000 places across the country. Lakhs of people are being given free medical aid from the Railways.

“We are taking independent feedback from people on railway services, such as food or hygiene, among others,” the Minister said.

High-speed train

On the Gatimaan Express, the first semi high-speed train service between Delhi and Agra which would touch speeds of up to 160 kmph, the Minister declined to give any date for its launch.

“The CRS (Commissioner of Railway Safety) has to give the final clearance and as soon as we receive it, we will let you know. But I cannot give any date right now,” Prabhu said in reply to a question.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding, Concor will undertake upgrading of passenger facility at the New Delhi railway station as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a railway official said.

The Minister earlier undertook an inspection of a special railway train, which had a solar-powered carriage attached to it.

The Railway Minister later visited an exhibition on steam engine era of the national transporter at the New Delhi station.

The exhibition will be on till June 9.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW