''Top priority to construction of Bhanupali-Bilaspur rail line''

Bilaspur, Jun 8 (UNI) The Centre has agreed to accord top priority to the construction of broad gauge railway line from Bhanuplai in Punjab to Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh, State Forest Minister Ram Lal Thakur said.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad had agreed to accord top priority to the project during his meeting with Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh during his visit to the state recently, Mr Thakur said, while addressing a public meeting at Jhiriyan village of the district, here last evening.

Mr Thakur said the survey of the line had already been completed and had been cleared for construction, thes would ease vehicular traffic on the National Highway,he noted .

The railway line would also reduce transportation cost of cement from Barmana in Bilaspur district and Darlaghat in Solan district, besides transportation of raw materials to the cement factories, he said, adding that it would also provide comfortable journey to tourists planning to visit Kullu and Manali.

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