Foolproof security for J&K railway track: Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Saturday said an elaborate plan is being prepared to ensure fool proof security to the railway track in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the Pathankote terror attack, in which four terrorists were killed and combing operation was being carried out, Suresh Prabhu said he learnt about the attack in the morning. "I spoke to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. We are preparing a plan to ensure fool proof security to the railway track in Jammu and Kashmir."

Prabhu was speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony for constructing a multiplex complex, escalators, lifts, mechanized laundry and an executive lounge at Jammu railway station.

Describing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision about surface links in the country as "history in the making", he said as the railway minister he was implementing the vision of the prime Minister.

"Railways have initiated major reforms which are in fact history in making", he said.

Meanwhile, the minister also said the initiatives taken by the prime minister both within the country and abroad to revive the Indian economy have produced a positive impact.

"Mufti Sahib (Jammu and Kashmir chief minister) had demanded linking Kashmir with Delhi through better surface and air links. We have promised to link Kashmir with India's 'Dil' (heart)," Prabhu said, adding: "I hope and pray Mufti Sahib gets well soon and we work together to fulfil the dream of all inclusive growth for the state".

Replying to a query about concessional travellers not being able to use e-ticketing facility at Jammu railway station, he said the railway minister said journalists entitled to concessional travel would soon be using e-ticketing facility.

State deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh, Minister of state (PMO) Jitender Singh and two local parliamentarians Shamsher Singh and Jugul Kishore were present on the occasion.

Heightened security arrangements were in place during the railway minister's visit in Jammu city because of the terror strike in neighbouring Punjab.