File Photo: Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu (Press Trust of India)
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today pitched for greater investments in railways and said development in the sector will help the country grow.
The minister was flagged off two new trains - Ahmedabad-Chennai bi-weekly express and Ahmedabad-Darbhanga Jansadharan express. He also launched Wi-fi facility at the city railway station.
"It is a matter of pleasure for the country that our economy is on the path of improvement and progress. With this, responsibility of Railways has also increased. We need to work on many levels," said Mr Prabhu.
He said that Railways' financial health is not good and there is an urgent need of increased investments in the areas of modernisation, safety and security of passengers.
"We have decided to increase investment in Railways... We have also decided to connect with various states for this (investment). Railways will fulfil the needs for Gujarat's development as well. I will discuss with the Chief Minister on how to work on larger scale for improvement," he said.
Mr Prabhu later met with Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel.
The minister also claimed that Railways was priority of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government and the sector can contribute to his mantra of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas' (participation of all for development of all).
"Development of Railways is on the priority list of our Prime Minister. If railways develop, economy will also be strengthened... and GDP (of the country) will also rise by 2-3 per cent. Though our GDP is growing today, with much efficient railways system it will grow rapidly," he said.
The minister said further development in the sector will also create jobs for youths.
Mr Prabhu appealed to people to join Mr Modi's flagship 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' and said the mission is associated with country's identity.