JV formed between Haryana govt and Railways: Prabhu

Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu today said a joint venture company between Haryana government and Railways has been set up and added that more investment would be made for strengthening infrastructure in the state.
"This would result in attracting more industries to Haryana, increase revenue and provide employment to youth," Prabhu said.
He said as the state is known for its greenery, Railways has also inked an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Haryana government under which saplings would be planted on the vacant land on both sides of the railway lines.
He said various steps were being taken for the upgradation of railway stations in Haryana.

The assistance of a French company is being taken for the modernisation of Ambala railway station. Work has also been started on speed raising on Delhi-Chandigarh route, he said.
He also lauded Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for his decision to celebrate International Gita Mahotsav.

A decision has been made to undertake new work associated with railways in Kurukshetra, a religious destination, by investing a huge amount of money, he said.
This would not only attract more tourists but also provide more employment opportunities to the youth, he said.
He said for many years the required investment for development of rail infrastructure was missing in the state but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi a growth rate of 100 per cent was registered in terms of investment in Railways during the last two years.

Haryana has a potential to become an industrialised state, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Khattar said all the new rail projects in the state would be undertaken with the assistance of the joint venture company.
He said all railway stations in the state would be modernised and upgraded in accordance with religious and cultural importance of the area. The design of Kurukshetra railway station would be related to the message of Lord Krishna.
Prabhu also flagged-off a new train between Kurukshetra and Mathura at Kurukshetra railway station. Along with Khattar, he laid down the foundation stone for upgradation of passenger amenities at the station.

The new express train number 11901/11902 will run five days a week. It would have 12 Deen Dayal Coaches equipped with the latest facilities, he said.
The chief minister said the new train would benefit the passengers of both Kurukshetra and Mathura in a big way.
He said with the assistance of Railway Ministry, all the manned and unmanned crossings in the state would be replaced either with an underpass or a Railway Over Bridge.