BJP member rues `dismal` rail infrastructure in state

A BJP member from Gujarat on Thursday voiced the concern over "dismal" and "insufficient" railway infrastructure in the state despite its highest contribution to the nation's economy. Newly-elected member Smriti Irani, in her maiden speech in the Upper House, lamented that Gujarat's pleas for improvement of railway infrastructure in the state had not been accepted by the Railway ministry. She questioned whether the Minister considered Gujarat as part of India's growth story.

Irani lamented that the state capital was not even directly connected to the national capital. "Gandhinagar is not connected to Delhi by a direct train," she said, adding, "there are only two trains connecting Gandhinagar, while there are as many as 22 trains plying from other state capitals like Bhubaneshwar."

Irani demanded introduction of a bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. She said the state government has asked for double- stacking of container facility on Kandla-Bhatinda route for speedy execution of cargo to northern states. She also said that the salt industry of the state had sought freight concession.