Railway profit-magic was a trailor, a film to follow: Lalu

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Jan 6 (UNI) Assuring the common man that there will not be hike in passenger fares, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today hinted for greater expansion and development in the goods trains and setting up of outlets for the farmers to take the Railways to yet another height of profiteering in the coming year.

Addressing a gathering as part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of leading Marathi newspaper, Daily Lokmat here, Mr Prasad said, ''If converting Railways into a profit making venture was magic, then it was just a trailor of the film. Wait and watch to see the full film soon,'' he said.

He was never in favour of increasing the passenger fares, the minister said assuring that he will stick to his stand and find our other avenues to generate profits.

Plans are afoot to set up outlets at prominent railway stations for farmers to sell their produce. It will be helpful for them to sell perishable goods, he added.

The Railway Minister said cleanlines will be given highest imortance and the passengers would be offered all kinds of amenities as the railway stations would be upgraded to meet the world standards.

Mr Prasad, who has been receiving accolades for his vision for the Indian Railways, said during allocation of ministries under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, he never insisted for the Railway Ministry as he was interested in others. However, it was a decision of the UPA government he said.

He announced that the recently started Shatabdi Express between Mumbai and Aurangabad on a trial basis, would be made a regular train.

Various organisations and individuals submitted several memorandums pertaining to the long pending development of Railways in Marathwada, on the occasion.

In his hour long speech, Mr Yadav not only shared his experience with the students but also advised them to preare for a struggle to achieve success.

UNI