Develop rly stations on PPP model: Prabhu to industrialists

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today called upon industrialists here to come forward for the development of railway stations on PPP model and assured them of full assistance from his ministry.
Addressing industrialists at the Jodhpur Industries Association hall on the second day of his Jodhpur visit, Prabhu termed the city as commercial hub of the country for its entrepreneurship and availability of minerals, specially lime.
He said these features can play an important role in taking the country to the desired heights in manufacturing sector.
On tourism potential in Rajasthan, Prabhu said the Central and state governments together are forming a company to explore the tourism potential in the state and addressing the rail-related issues in a better way.

"This company will generate funds for strengthening of rail infrastructure, making and implementing new projects and enhancement in the rail and passengers' facilities," he said.
Considering the tourism potential in Rajasthan, a new tourism policy will be drafted soon, which will provide new direction to the tourism industry in the state, Prabhu said.

He also met the erstwhile ruler of Jodhpur Gaj Singh II yesterday to explore the possibilities wherein the Indian Heritage Hotels' Association (IHHA) and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) would work together for the promotion of tourism.
The discussions were centred around restoring and developing the heritage properties and unused ancient rail lines as a part of a tourist circuit.

Singh said that heritage tourism has a huge potential and these properties can be utilised and promoted as added tourism attraction.