Prabhu unveils slew of projects for region

Sukhmeet Bhasin

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, November 13

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today laid the foundation stone of the Rajpura-Bathinda rail line doubling project worth Rs 1,300 crore and inaugurated various development projects across the state.

While addressing a rally, Suresh Prabhu said they would introduce four superfast trains — Tejas Express, Humsafar Express, Antodaya Express and Uday Express — and out of these two trains will connect Punjab.

He said, “We are laying major emphasis on railway development, infrastructure and investment. The launch of these trains will be a major achievement for India in the field of railways.”

“The Railways is also planning to open small scale industry in the state, which will create employment for the youth,” he added.

He announced to turn Amritsar and Jalandhar railway station into world-class places by giving them a facelift.

He said the work on the Jalandhar railway station would be completed by the end of 2017 while the project for Amritsar was being finalised in consultation with the Union Tourism Ministry.

The Humsafar service will be the fully air-conditioned with optional catering; Antyodaya is a long-distance unreserved superfast train for the common man; Tejas will have all modern features like entertainment, Wi-Fi and local cuisines; and Uday will be an air-conditioned double-decker train on the busiest routes.

SAD leaders used the stage of the rally to attack the Congress and AAP over the SYL issue.

Bikram Singh Majithia said the Congress was trying to befool the public for political gains.

He said Punjab Congress president Capt Amarinder Singh wanted to abandon the people of Amritsar and contest the next Assembly elections from Patiala.

“If Amarinder is so disturbed by this development then why hasn’t he asked all Members of Parliament to resign?” he asked.

Majithia questioned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on being silent over the SYL canal issue. He said the issue had clearly exposed AAP.

Public Development Works Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon sought an under-bridge for Maur.

Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Sikander Singh Maluka demanded a mini under-bridge for Rampura.

Bathinda MLA Sarup Chand Singla demanded direct access to platform at the Bathinda station.

The Railway Minister assured that all these demands would be fulfilled soon.