Creating better infrastructure in Bengal very important, says Suresh Prabhu

The railways will be investing as much as needed to create more infrastructure in Bengal, said the railway minister Suresh Prabhu. In the same breath, he took names of neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Myanmar with which the Indian Railways is taking steps to develop railway connectivity.

Prabhu was speaking at the inaugural programme of several projects of the Eastern Railway, South Eastern and Metro Railways at Howrah Station on Saturday. He also inaugurated the commencement of construction work of underground Metro station at Esplanade of the East-West Metro Corridor.

The Railway minister assured that all steps will be taken to resolve the issues those creating hindrances in undertaking the East-West Metro Corridor project in some parts. Stressing on the need of creating infrastructure, he said it will be of immense benefit if trains at a speed of 200 km per hour are made operational. But for that, necessary infrastructure has to be in place.

He said that Kolkata was once an important commerce centre not only in the country but in entire Asia. People from across the world used to come and visit the city. The Budget allocation of railways for the state has also been increased by 300 percent in the past three years.

While speaking about further developing the infrastructure for the railway in the states in the eastern part of the country and to establish railway connectivity with neighbouring countries, Prabhu said: "We had discussions when the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina came to Delhi a few days ago.

Another minister from Bangladesh had also come two days ago and we held a meeting." Prabhu said that people will realise the difference when all the projects to create infrastructure will complete and there should be fast and efficient implementation of the projects. After speaking about the rich culture of Bengal, the railway minister asked the railway officials here that why Rabindrasangeet has not been played during the opening of the inaugural programme.

Prasun Banerjee, MP of Howrah, urged the Railway minister to take step to construct a flyover connecting Shalimar to Ramrajatala Station. He said: "This is a long-standing demand of the residents of the area as they face difficulties. They face a challenge when they need to take someone ill to the hospital as there is no flyover," said Banerjee after appreciating the move to expedite the work of the East-west Metro project.