Railways to launch new projects worth Rs 10K cr during fortnight programme

Railways is celebrating Modi govt's completion of one year in office with a fortnight-long programmes from May 26 to June 9

New projects worth over Rs 10,000 cr will be launched and several old projects will be completed by Railways during its ongoing fortnight programme, Union minister Suresh Prabhu today said.

The minister was speaking at the New Delhi Railway Station premises here after signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Railways' public sector undertaking Concor (Container Corporation of India) for upgrading of passengers amenities at the city station.

"During this 15-day period, new projects worth over Rs 10,000 cr will be started or old projects be completed. Large- scale cleanliness campaign is also underway...And, our union men as brand ambassadors are also undertaking part in it," Prabhu told reporters.

Railways is celebrating Modi government's completion of one year in office with a fortnight-long programmes from May 26 to June 9.

"Programmes are being undertaken in at least 15,000 places across the country. Lakhs of people are being given free medical aid from the Railways. We are taking independent feedback from people on services offered by railways, such as food or hygiene, among others," the Union railway minister said.

On the Gatimaan Express, the first semi high-speed train service between Delhi and Agra which would touch speeds of up to 160kmph, the minister declined to give any date for its launch.

"The CRS (Commissioner of Railway Safety) has to give the final clearance and as soon as we receive it, we will inform...But, I cannot give any date right now," he said in reply to a question.

As per the MoU, Concor will undertake upgrading of passenger facility at the New Delhi railway station as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a railway official said.

The minister earlier undertook an inspection of a special railway train, which had a solar-powered carriage attached to it.

The Railway Minister later also visited an exhibition on steam engine era of the national transporter at the New Delhi station. The exhibition will last till June 9.