Gogoi demands increase in speed of Assam long distance trains

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today urged Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to increase the speed of long distance trains from Assam and to improve the facilities in these trains.
Prabhu, who called on the Chief Minister at his residence here, agreed to it and assured the Railway Ministry would work on it at the earliest, an official release said.
Gogoi also urged Prabhu to modernise Guwahati Railway Station and upgrade Kamakhya Railway Station to cater to the growing rush of passengers and pilgrims.
The Railway Minister assured Gogoi that he would initiate necessary measures for modernisation and upgradation of both the stations.

Prabhu also suggested that the Assam Government could tie up with Indian Railway for forming a Joint Venture company for development of railway stations and tourist circuits,including the Lumding-Badarpur section.
He said the Railways would come up with a world class terminal at the north bank of Guwahati through PPP mode.

The Chief Minister requested the Railway Minister for a separate zone for the North Eastern Frontier Railways so that "candidates from the region get a fair chance in the recruitment process."
Gogoi also urged Prabhu to expedite construction of the Bogibeel bridge and for a parallel rail bridge near the existing Saraighat rail bridge owing to increase in the volume of goods traffic.

The Chief Minister submitted a memorandum to the Railway Minister enlisting various demands, the release added.