Rahul Gandhi launches rail project in Amethi

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Tuesday laid the foundation of the Uchahar-Salon-Amethi rail line and flagged off two local trains during a visit to his parliamentary constituency.

Union Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge was present during the launch of the 67-km rail line that will cost Rs.380 crore.

Gandhi flagged off the Lucknow-Pratapgarh and Lucknow-Sultanpur local trains.

The new line was a dream project of his father, late former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Congress leader said at a public meeting on the occasion.

It will allow local farmers to sell their produce at the food park planned in the area, Gandhi said.

Gandhi, who represents Amethi in the Lok Sabha, said he was not able to give enough time to his constituency as he had to tour the country after becoming party vice president in January this year.

He also spoke about the rural job plan MGNREGA and the food security act which will guarantee cheaper foodgrain to the poor.

Congress MPs from Uttar Pradesh, P.L. Punia and Rajkumari Ratna Singh, and former state party unit chief Pramod Tewari were also present.