Long pending rail projects in M'wada to be completed soon:Lalu

Nanded, Maharashtra, Jan 31 (UNI) Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad today assured according top priority to long-standing railway projects in backward Marathwada region in order to speed up development of the Central Maharashtra region.

Speaking after inaugurating the new broad guage Mudkhed-Adilabad project and flagging off the Adilabad-Nanded-Adilabad passenger train 551/552 at a glittering function held at Kinwat in the district, the Railway Minister said 'Renuka Express' would soon be launched on the 105 km route of Mahur and Kinwat.

Taking a cue from the earlier speakers, Mr Prasad said the demand of launching a 'Bullet Train,' would be considered once the infrastructure is established for the same.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, Union Minister of state for rural development Ms Suryakanta Patil, Maharashtra Minister Ashok Chavan and top Rilway official attended the function.

Referring to long-standing projects such as --Latur-Kurduwadi --, and Beed-Parali-Nagar, Mr Prasad assured that these pending projects would be accorded priority and completed at the earliest.

Expressing concern over the lack of railway network in the tribal and hilly areas, Prasad said that efforts would be made to enhance rail network targetting these areas in the near future.

Speaking on the occasion, Vilasrao Deshmukh urged the Railway Minister to set up Bidar-Nagar railway line. he pointed out that unless a full-fledged Railway Network was established in the region, development won't be achieved in the backward Marathwada region and urged Mr Prasad for his special attention towards the region.

Sharad Pawar said only Railways can attract the farmers towards the agri marketing and exhorted the need for creating a railway network in order to offer transportation facilities for the farm produce from one state to other.

UNI