Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, June 20: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare symbolically inaugurated the electrification of the entire 740-km Konkan railway stretch at the Indrali Railway station here on Monday, June 20, at the same time as Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the electrification project to the nation in Bengaluru.
In her address, Shobha Karandlaje said, ‘this was a dream of people of the Konkan region. Konkan railway is the lifeline of the India’s coastal region and is our pride. When the Konkan railway name comes, I would like to remember George Fernandes on this occasion. The project was completed after weathering several environmental problems. It is a connecting link between the North and the South. Now, ten trains are operational on this line. The electrification will help in saving Rs 380 crore annually to the Centre and also help in saving Rs 180 crore towards fuel costs besides another Rs 120 crore towards maintenance. This is a pollution free mode of transport with low fuel consumption. About 16 express trains and 10 goods trains will travel on this route.”
She said, “Prime Minister Modi is aiming to develop the entire Indian railways network on a single gauge. India’s rail network runs to about 67,956 kilometer out of which gauge conversion has been completed on 45,881 km route and the remaining route will be completed by 2024. The budgetary allocation for the project will be Rs 13,500 crore. Development of road transport and railway network is an important factor to develop business and trade.”
Shobha Karandlaje said Prime Minister has taken up many projects for completion as promised to the public when he assumed power. “Prime Minister Modi has accorded priority to many sectors and has achieved success. One more dream is doubling the farmers’ income and raising GDP level up to 25%. Modi also dreamt India to be one among the top 10 food exporting countries. Over the years, we obtained 9th place in Top-10 countries,” she added
B B Nikkam, Regional manager, Karwar Region office, Konkan Railway delivered the keynote address.
Sumithra Nayak, president, City Municipality Council Udupi and Sudha Krishnamurthy, PRO, Konkan Railway were present.
Rajesh Nayak, senior PRO, Konkan Railway welcomed the gathering.