Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa welcomes railway budget

The railway budget today won appreciation from unexpected quarters when Karnataka chief minister BS Yeddyurappa hailed it for sanctioning some projects for the state, saying it would help improve rail connectivity.

"I am happy that the railway budget presented today sanctioned a number of projects for the state", Yeddyurappa, heading the BJP government, told reporters here today.

"I take the opportunity to thank railway minister Mamata Banerjee for sanctioning eight new railway projects based on cost sharing by the state," he said in contrast to the BJP's strong criticism of the budget at the national level.

He also welcomed the Centre for sanctioning four new railway lines. "Five projects under the PPP which are very important to the state have been accepted", he said.

After independence, Karnataka had been neglected as far as railway projects were concerned, he said.

He said the state would be committed to its promise of contributing Rs600 crore as its share of contribution in cost sharing for early completion of projects. Karnataka was the first state to have come forward to contribute 50% of the railway project cost, he said.

Survey of seven new railway lines and approval of new trains and extension of trains would also be beneficial, he said adding if all projects were implemented, railway connectivity in the state would improve.