The Hindu : Front Page : Rameswaram linked to BG network

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Monday, Aug 13, 2007
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Rameswaram linked to BG network

S. Vijay Kumar

Indian Railways serve as a vital link for national integration: Sonia Gandhi

— PHOTO: S.JAMES

FOR TAMIL NADU: United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurating the Manamadurai- Rameswaram broad gauge line in Madurai on Sunday. Others in the picture are (left to right) Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and Minister of State for Railways R. Velu.

MADURAI: Rameswaram was put on the broad gauge network of Indian Railways on Sunday.

United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi dedicated the newly laid Manamadurai-Rameswaram BG line to the nation and flagged off train services from the island at a function here.

The multicrore project assumes significance in view of the structural modifications made on the Pamban bridge (across the sea) for gauge conversion.

Speaking at the function, Ms. Gandhi said the Railways not only fulfilled an economic function but also served as a vital link for national integration. Indian Railways remained the largest employer in the world. After the UPA assumed power at the Centre, it underwent a transformation with notable improvement on various fronts, particularly passenger amenities. “The finances of the railways have improved dramatically. For the first time, we have a budget that imposes no burden on the common passenger. Trade and industry is also extremely happy with the quality of service provided by the railways,” she said.

Noting that many bridges/culverts had to be constructed, besides developing new designs taking into account the geographical and climatic conditions in site of the Manamadurai-Rameswaram gauge conversion project, Ms. Gandhi said that whenever there was a challenge, railway engineers and staff responded magnificently. “The Railway Minister Lalu Prasad deserves our thanks for the leadership he is providing.”

Uni-gauge policy

The uni-gauge policy was initiated by the earlier Congress regime. During the last three years, Southern Railway received a major boost when it came to execution of conversion, doubling and electrification projects. “I am particularly happy to be here because the ‘Dakshin Kasi’ (Rameswaram) will be connected by BG trains. Lakhs of pilgrims and tourists will be benefited, she said.

‘Tamil Nadu exemplary’

Ms. Gandhi said Tamil Nadu continued to move ahead under the leadership of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and was setting an example to other States. Describing the veteran leader as a “senior statesman,” she said the Democratic Progressive Alliance in the State was “strong” and functioned well. “The DPA is a mandate of the people of Tamil Nadu and we will strive to fulfil the trust and confidence they have reposed in us.”

Ms. Gandhi said the inaugural function, originally planned at Rameswaram, was shifted to Madurai to avoid inconvenience to visitors. “For all of us, this is an opportunity to visit Madurai, a beautiful city that has over centuries reflected the glory of Tamil culture in its art, architecture and music.”

Mr. Karunanidhi said bridges not only linked places but also societies and communities. Apparently referring to the Ramar Sethu issue, he said though there were some obstacles, the Sethusamudram project was progressing well as it had people’s support.

Many major projects were coming up in the State with the support of the Centre. Ms. Gandhi played a key role in getting Tamil declared as a classical language, he said.

Reward announced

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad announced a reward of Rs. 25 lakh for Southern Railway for successfully completing the project. Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the country recorded a growth of nine per cent in the last two years.

Minister of State for Railways R. Velu, Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G.K. Vasan, Central Administrative Reforms Commission Chairman, M. Veerappa Moily, Southern Railway General Manager H.K. Padhee were present.

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