Saturday, May 14 2005 18:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chhindwara (MP): Firmly ruling out privatisation of railways, Railway Minister Laloo Prasad today (May 14, 2005) lashed out at the previous NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government accusing it of having "neglected" the vast rail network and operations.

The NDA Government had initiated steps towards privatising railways, but the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) would not allow its privatisation at any cost, Prasad told reporters after laying the foundation stone of Chhindwara-Nagpur broad gauge line.

Due to "wrong policies" of the NDA Government, the Railways is in a miserable condition and the country lagged in rail operations, he said and claimed "Infact the 'Jai Shriram' slogan has ruined the country."

Affirming the Centre's determination to make Indian railways "number one" rail network in the world, Prasad said talks have been held with German leaders in this regard.

Goods and passengers' trains run on the same tracks, but now parallel lines would be laid between Delhi and Howrah as also Delhi and Mumbai exclusively for goods trains, he said adding, funds would be received for this from Germany on very low interest rate.

On Government formation in Bihar and Union Minister Ramvilas Paswan's demand for having a Muslim Chief Minister in that State, Prasad claimed that Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) MLAs have deserted Paswan, depriving him the key to form the Government.

Asked about ticket checking by a railway official recently in Rajdhani Express at Allahabad that received the ire of some UP MPs, Prasad said the matter is being probed and action would be taken against those found guilty.