Government committed to rail line expansion

Shimla, March 19

Industry Minister Bikram Singh today reiterated the state government’s commitment to undertake expansion of rail network in the state.

He was replying to the Private Member resolution moved by Ram Lal Thakur of the Congress under Rule 101 in the Vidhan Sabha today. “The issue of rail network expansion has been completely ignored despite the fact that it can give a major boost to tourism, industry and horticulture,” said Thakur. He urged that the Shimla-Kalka rail line should be made broad gauge as this could prove to be a boon for the apple economy. He also urged that the Bhanupalli-Beri rail line must be extended up to Ladakh as it had immense strategic importance.

The minister said the Baddi-Chandigarh rail line had been given special status and Rs 232 crore had been released, including Rs 177 crore by the Railways, for the project. The motion fell through voice vote as Ram Lal Thakur refused to withdraw the resolution. — TNS

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.