Suresh Prabhu seeks Mamata's help for development of Bengal through Railways

Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu today said the state and the Centre will have to work together to for development of West Bengal and assured that his ministry will help fuel the state's growth story.

"I spoke to the Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) who is now in Dhaka, this morning. I hope to meet her soon once she comes back. The Centre and the state will have to work together," Prabhu said.

While inaugurating a series of railway projects here, he said, "It is happy to note that West Bengal is one of the larger economies of the country and also a big contributor to the national GDP. We will make sure that West Bengal grows at a much faster rate and the Railways play an active part in the process."

Reposing faith on the potential of the state, Prabhu said his aim would be to make West Bengal a growth engine of the country.

Describing Kolkata as a thriving city, Prabhu said it should be the "natural commercial capital of the country and get back the position which it deserves." "West Bengal has got more money in the last budget than what it got during the UPA regime. It is a priority for the Railways in helping the growth to happen here," he said.

He also praised Banerjee for being present at the signing of the historic Land Boundary Agreement at Dhaka in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

On the issue of non-availability of land for railway projects in the state, he said, it was becoming an important issue and needed to be addressed jointly by the Centre and the state.

Sounding an alarm on encroachments on Railway land, which was thwarting development, the Minister said "The problem of encroachment is serious. We need a joint action by the Railways and the state."

Prabhu said a new policy would be announced where partners would be invited for development of railway stations, which have a huge potential in generating revenue.

"Railways can then turn its attention to its primary job of providing transportation," he said.

He also invited the state governments to form companies jointly for taking up development projects considered important for the respective states.

Advocating massive investments in the Railways, Prabhu said it was absolutely necessary for developing a world class network as China had done.

Stating that safety of passengers was an important aspect, he said, the RPF had been asked to prepare a national database of criminals and also sought the transfer of functions of the GRP to the Railways for seamless policing.