PM to lay foundation for new Rly lines

Jhabua(MP), Feb 5: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will lay the foundation stone of the Godhra-Maksi and Chhotta Udaipur-Indore railway lines at a function at Haribhai-ki-Bawdi area here on February 8.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad, Minister of State for Railways Naranbhai Rathwa and Minister of State for Agriculture Kantilal Bhuria will also be present on the occasion, official sources said today.

The 252 km Godhra-Maksi line, estimated to cost about Rs 1000 crore, is scheduled to be completed in 8 years, while the 152 km Chhotta Udaypur-Indore line is targetted to be completed in six years at a cost of Rs 620 crore.

The Prime Minister, who will be accorded a civic reception by the tribals of Dhar and Jhabua districts, will also address a public meeting.

The district authorities are giving finishing touches to the arrangements for the VVIP visit.

Governor Balram Jakhar and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan are also likely to attend the foundation laying function.

Strict vigil is being maintained on the state's border with Gujarat and Rajasthan.

UNI