Lalu Prasad on 'touch and feel' visit to Europe

New Delhi, Jun 21: As part of mission to make Indian Railway No. 1 in the world, Minister Lalu Prasad is leaving on a tour of five European countries on June 23 to 'touch and feel' the world class passenger amenities there.

Back home, Mr Prasad would want to replicate the experience for his passengers, a promise made in this year's Railway Budget.

This will be Mr Prasad's first visit to any foreign country as Railway Minister.

The Minister will first go to UK, then to France, Italy, Austria and Germany, in his visit lasting two weeks.

In Frankfurt, German Railway Board Chairman will give Mr Prasad a ride in his special train.

The minister will familiarise himself the technical advancement in the rail system of these countries, but his emphasis will be on passenger amenities and sanitation, railway sources said here.

The Railway Minister will sign an MoU in Italy on technical know-how. Besides he will attend various seminars and workshops there and other countries.

Mr Prasad, who is credited with bringing about a turnaround in the Railway's fortune, will focus on how to tap the potential of the Railways for development of the country.

UNI