Solve problems dogging suburban rail network: Suresh Prabhu tells SWR

Indian Railways officials from the South Western Railways division were instructed to hold meetings with City Development Minister K.J. George to smooth out the problems dogging the suburban rail network for the city.

This was announced by Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu at a function here on Sunday where he launched several passenger amenities and railway projects across the state. During the function, several Union and State leaders urged Mr. Prabhu fast-track the project and consider a new cost sharing ratio between the union and state government.

“I do not agree with the 80:20 (State:Centre) ratio that has been proposed. With the cost of land acquisition to be borne by the state, the burden will further increase and I request you to reconsider this arrangement,” urged D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Minister of Statistics and Program Implementation.

While Mr. Prabhu chose to not address the issue of cost sharing, he announced that railway officials would immediately hold meetings with the State Government to begin the process.

The amenities launched include a lift at the Yesvantpur Railway Station, two road over bridges at Rajanukunte and Muthyalnagar, and a renovated food plaza at the Hubbali station. Mr. Prabhu also flagged off of a rake procured from JSW Steel under the Liberalised Wagon Investment Scheme, besides releasing a booklet on the role of Indian Railways in Karnataka.