Centre on Thursday said railways is committed to <g data-gr-id="24">provide</g> better connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Northeastern states, where it aims to connect their capitals with rail network by 2020.
“The Prime Minister has been <g data-gr-id="29">emphasizing</g> on ensuring all-round development especially in infrastructure sector in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in <g data-gr-id="28">North-Eastern States</g>. Indian Railways is committed to <g data-gr-id="25">provide</g> better railway connectivity in <g data-gr-id="27">North-Eastern States</g> and in the State of Jammu and Kashmir,” Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said here. The minister was addressing the Consultative Committee meeting of Members of Parliament for Ministry of Railways held here.
Prabhu said that most of the railway projects have been declared national projects in <g data-gr-id="20">north</g> and north-eastern region and adequate funds have been provided by the government.
He said efforts are on for timely completion of projects to avoid cost <g data-gr-id="21">over-run</g> and time over-run.
“Efforts are being made to provide connectivity to all capitals of North Eastern states by 2020. Similarly, the work is going on the railway connectivity project between Katra and Banihal,” Prabhu said.
Referring to the existing train connectivity in the Kashmir Valley and also in the Jammu-Katra section, Prabhu said Railways have made spectacular achievements and created engineering marvels despite challenging geological conditions, difficult terrain and adverse law and order situation.
RLys plans policy for water vending machines installation at stations
With a view to further improve the availability of potable drinking water for passengers, Ministry of Railways has formulated a comprehensive uniform policy for installation of water vending machines (WVMs) at the railway stations across the country. The objective of this policy is to lay down guidelines to make available potable drinking water of prescribed standard to willing customers at <g data-gr-id="44">affordable</g> price through WVMs at stations. Under the policy, the installation of WVMs will be handled by railway PSU, Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The WVMs will have multiple dispensing tapes to facilitate maximum passengers to avail the facility simultaneously.