Tuesday, July 11 2006 21:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Railway Minister Lalu Prasad expressed shock at the serial blasts in Mumbai trains and stations that killed over a hundred people and praised the spirit of helpfulness and resilience shown by its citizens in this tragedy.

"He (the minister) has directed his officials to give relief and medical care top priority and as a precaution ordered that all trains on the Western Railway route be temporarily suspended," a railway ministry official said.

Lalu Prasad, who returned only Monday from a fortnight's tour of Europe where he studied safety and security in trains, praised the spirit of helpfulness and resilience shown by the people in Mumbai.

"In this hour of challenge, all the countrymen are with Mumbaikars and we will rally to their help and ensure all relief to the injured and families of those who have been killed."

Prasad was going to Mumbai later in the night with Home Minister Shivraj Patil.