RailEnquiry

In an apparent attack on the BSP, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today said when the Rail Coach factory project was launched here rumours were spread by some persons against it but defying them the project has seen light of the day in such a short time.The foundation stone for the RCF project was laid in January 2009 just before Lok Sabha polls and the then BSP government in Uttar Pradesh had termed it as a "political gimmick" on the eve of election to gain political mileage. "I here want to mention those who spread rumours against the project...But it has been completed in such a short time", Gandhi said at a function to flag off rail coaches at RCF here in Lalganj. The land for the project was initially denied to Railways, which had blamed BSP government for delaying the start of project.Before flagging off 20 coaches produced in the factory which would be used in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, Sonia inspected them and said she was feeling elated while flagging off the coaches from here. "Railways on which 1.5 crore passengers travel every day is crucial for the economy of the country. It is the biggest employer in which over 15 lakh employees work", Gandhi said in the presence of Railways Minister Pawan Bansal."I have seen how people in far away places in Jammu and Kashmir were enthused when the service started there", Gandhi added trying to highlight its importance. Sonia said that it was the third coach factory in the country, on which of the total project cost of Rs 2,700 crore Rs 800 crore have been spent till now and added that new technologies are being used here to provide better facilities to people.

Emphasising on security and cleanliness in trains, Sonia said that she hoped that the minister would work on ensuring security (in trains) with seriousness and include cleanliness in its main jobs. Stating that establishment of the factory would not only generate employment opportunities for locals but also ensure development of the area, Sonia said that for the start of the factory full compensation was given to farmers by the railways. "The regional industries are likely to grow and locals will find new employment opportunities", she added.