Soz thanks Lalu Prasad for rail projects in J

New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) Water Resources Minister Saifuddin Soz has complimented Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on the occasion of the laying of foundation stone for the electrification of Jammu and Suchi Pind section and the flagging off a 'Garib Rath' train between Jammu and Kathgodam at a function at Jammu tomorrow.

Prof, Soz said the two events, linked with the expansion of railway network in Jammu and Kashmir, woiuld constitute a major stride towards the improvement and augmentation of railway and communication services in the state and its connectivity with the rest of the country.

He said these steps would facilitate speedier movement of passengers and goods to and fro the state.

Prof Soz also drew the attention of the Railway Minister to the need for accelerating work on the Jammu-Katra and Udhampur-Qazigund sectors, which would be the ultimate test of railway performance in Jammu and Kashmir.

He said the work on these sectors had to be speeded up and the survey work on Jammu-Poonch sector expedited.

''The people in the Kashmir valley are eagerly awaiting the completion of the work on the Udhampur-Qazigund sector, which would connect the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country,'' he added.

Regretting his inability to participate in tomorrow's function because of his scheduled engagements, he thanked Mr Prasad for launching the ambitious programme of connecting remote areas with the mainstream through the railways.

UNI/SKS JT HT1900