Central and State governments were two rails of a track:FM

Sivaganga, Tamilnadu, Jul 2 (UNI) Stating that the Central and State governments were two rails of a railway track, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said both of them should not deviate from their path for maintaining cordial relationship and implementing development programmes.

Dedicating the newly converted broad gauge section between Karaikudi and Manamadurai to the nation and flagging off Sivagangai-Manamadurai inaugural special train, here tonight Mr Chidambaram said if the rails deviate from their path, no development projects could be implemented.

He also indirectly sought the support of leftists for implementing various development projects by saying that ''we (UPA Government) will take up development projects only if you render your support to the government.'' Mr Chidambaram complimented Railway Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav and Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu for implementing various railway projects in Tamilnadu.

The Centre is ready to give financial support to development projects in the State, he added.

In his address Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu said a ''silent revolution'' is going in the Indian railways.

He said the railway department which was in red had earned a surplus fund of Rs 9,000 crores at the end of the first year after the UPA government assumes office.

In the second year, it was Rs 15,000 crores and in the third year the surplus fund touched Rs 20,000 crores.

Last year, it was Rs 25,000 crores and by the time the when UPA regime completes its five year full term, the Indian railway's overall surplus fund would be around Rs one lakh, he said.

He said after the completion of the ongoing electrification of Villupuram-Tiruchirapalli section, he will strive for taking up the electrification of Tiruchirapalli-Rameswaram section and new railway lines would be laid between Chennai-Cuddalore and Erode-Palani for which administrative sanction was already cleared.

He said at the end of five year term of the UPA government, various railway projects worth Rs 5332 crore would have been implemented in Tamilnadu alone.

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