Lalu admits no expansion of railway network in HP

Shimla, May 27 (UNI) Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today admitted that expansion of railway network in Himachal Pradesh has remained neglected even after independence, saying steps will be taken to expand the rail links in the state.

''I have held detailed discussions with State Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on the issue. Besides Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had given several assurances during his visit to the state a few months ago,'' he said while talking to reporters after inaugurating a computerised railway reservation centre here.

Mr Prasad said he would hold talks with the Prime Minister about the railway projects in Himachal, adding that railway network expansion would accelerate industrial growth in the state.

This is the 17th computerised railway reservation centre in the state, while another would soon be opened at Keylong, the headquarters of Lahaul and Spiti district.

UNI AS VKJ YA HS1829