Ludhaina-Howrah, Delhi-Mumbai freight corridor in first phase-Lalu

Puri, Jan 17 (UNI) The Ludhaina-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai freight corridor will be laid in the first phase, while the Mumbai-Chennai- Howrah freight corridor will be taken up in the second phase, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said here today Mr Yadav, who was on a three-day visit to the holy city, told newspersons here that the dedicated freight corridor for the movement of goods across the country would be laid at a cost of Rs23,000 crore.

The Union Minister said Konark, famous all over the world for the majestic Sun temple, could be linked through rail network if the state agreed to share 50 per cent of the cost of the project.

He said the Railway Ministry was considering the demand for development of railway network and other facilities in Orissa.

The Railway Minister said the Puri railway station would be revamped at a cost of Rs100 crore.

The projects included raising of platform heights to provide trouble-free access to commuters to board trains, electrification, illumination and expansion of rail washing facility and other infrastructures.

Stating that railway played a major role in steady growth of the country, Mr Yadav said the Railways had registered a steady growth of over eleven per cent since the sixth five year plan.

He flayed the state government for misutilisation of Central fund meant for poverty amelioration, corruption in mid-day meal and issue of BPL cards.

The Union Minister, who arrived in this pilgrim city along with his family members last night, is scheduled to leave for New Delhi tomorrow.

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