CM urges Lalu to strengthen railway network in HP

Shimla, Jan 16 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today urged Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad to provide adequate funds to the state in the Railway Budget for strengthening its rail network.

The Bilaspur-Bhanupali-Beri Railway line should be declared a national project in view of its strategic location and for developing railway infrastructure in the state, he told Mr Prasad when he called on him at Delhi today.

Mr Singh also urged the railway minister to expedite the work on the Una-Talwara line, work on which was going on at a snail's pace, saying that the line would aid in ushering in massive economic activity in the state.

The broad gauge railway line between Una and Talwara would not only meet the long pending demand of the people besides providing an alternate mode of transportation to them, he said.

He also stressed upon laying a broad gauge railway line between the industrial towns of Baddi Barotiwala and Chandigarh and said it was necessary to sustain the economic activity.

Mr Prasad assured all possible assistance to Himachal for strengthening its rail network.

UNI