Rathwa inaugurates new Dakor railway station

Nadiad, Sep 9 (UNI) Union Minister of State for Railway Naranbhai Rathwa today inaugurated the new Dakor railway station building built at a cost of Rs 40 lakh.

The building, which is two metres above ground level and is close to the old building, comprises two booking offices, a station superintendent's office, a deputy superintendent's office and a VIP room. It took over a year to build it.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Rathwa said the idea of this new building came into being during the 2005 flooding, when the old Dakor railway station was marooned. The Shanti Express that was in the station was marooned too for over 24 hours.

He praised the youths of Dakor who braved all odds during the flooding to help the marooned people.

To a question how many such stations were there that faced flooding, Mr Rathwa said most of the stations were situated in Saurashtra and added that to build a new station, the concerned state government has to bear half the cost.

To a plea from the local public that two trains be introduced one between Dahod-Godhra-Dakor-Anand-Nadiad-Ahmedabad and other between Dahod-Godhra-Dakor-Anand-Vadodara-Surat, the Minister said the proposal would be considered.

He said the Indian Railways will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with six nationalised banks to set up ATMs at 1,400 stations. These ATMs will also help people to send fees to their wards who are studying at a faraway places.

On the future plans for Dakor, Mr Rathwa said an unreserved ticketing system would be provided, development of circulating area, computerised passenger reservation and raising of platform level.

Inaugurating the two booking offices, Union Minsiter of State for Petroleum, Dinsha Patel scotched rumours that there would be a hike in petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices in the near future.

Referring to non-availability of kerosene in PDS shops, he said it was the state's responsibility to see that distribution was done properly. The government is now subsidising cooking gas to the tune of Rs 175, petrol by Rs 5 and diesel by Rs 4.50.

Mr Rathwa was also accompanied DRM of Vadodara Ms Suhaskumar.

UNI