Metros to be connected with third lines: Lalu

Chitradurga, Karnataka, Feb 11 (UNI) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav today said the Indian Railways would lay a third railway line to connect industrial cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai.

Speaking to newspersons on the sidelines of a function organised by Sri Krishna Yadava Mahasamsthan here, he said the move was to promote fast paced industrial growth in tune with the growing national economy.

"In the coming railway budget, I will be announcing a 70-day bonus to all the workers of the Indian Railways. The railways has turned the corner and has made Rs 20,000 crore surplus last year.

"This has been achieved despite not hiking the passenger fares.

In fact I have reduced the fares marginally. I am for 'aam admi' (All People) and many of my moves have been directed towards helping him. One of the examples is the 'Garib Rath' that gave the ordinary man the comfort of a luxury coach. I will continue to dole out such innovative facilities to the common man," he said.

Mr Yadav promised start of gauge conversion work between Chitradurga and Challakere within a month to provide a direct line between the Chitradurga and Bangalore cities.

UNI RS MSP GM1951