"I will not increase freight and passenger tarrif": Lalu

Ajmer, July 5 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said, the Indian Railway is trying to improve its income without increasing the passenger tarrif and freight rates.

Mr Prasad was talking after the inauguration of the new broadgauge lines from Ajmer-Chittorgarh and Kolayat-Falodi section under North West Railway here today. He also flagged off the maiden journey of Ajmer-Udaipur City Express and Bikaneer-Jaisalmer Express on the new broadgauge lines.

The Railway Minister, who is credited with bringing in a turn around of the largest railways in the world, promised that in future also he will not touch the passenger tarrif and freight rate as better utilisation and management of the existing infrastructure could earn enough revenue to the railways.

Mr Prasad promised the expansion of the railways network in the state by doubling the existing lines, survey for new rail lines, and extension of freight corridor project.

The Railway Minister also conceded the demand of the people for stopapge of trains at Gulabpura and Mandal stations.

Minister of State for Railways R Velu, Narayanbai Retuwa, Union Minister of State for Forest and Enviornment Namo Narayan Meena, Former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi and Rajasthan Minister of State for Education Vasudev Devnani were among those present on the occassion.

The Railway Minister Laloo and wife Rabri Devi then visited the Ajmer Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.

UNI