More railway investments vital to spur India’s growth: Prabhu

Railways minister Suresh Prabhu today acknowledged that Indian Railways' finances are in poor shape, making a pitch for more investments in modernisation, safety and the security of passengers.

He underlined the obvious fact that the development of the railway network will help the country grow.

The minister was speaking in Ahmedabad, where he flagged off two new trains – the Ahmedabad-Chennai bi-weekly express and the Ahmedabad-Darbhanga Jansadharan express. He also launched a Wi-fi facility at the city railway station.

"It is a matter of pleasure that our economy is on the path of improvement and progress. With this, the responsibility of the Railways has also increased. We need to work at many levels," said Prabhu.

"We decided to connect with various states for this. Railways will fulfill the needs for Gujarat's development as well. I will discuss with the chief minister on how to work on larger scale for improvement," he said.

Prabhu later met chief minister Anandiben Patel.

The minister also claimed that Railways was a priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the sector can contribute to his mantra of Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas (participation of all for development of all).

"Development of Railways is on the priority list of our Prime Minister. If railways develop, economy will also be strengthened ... and GDP will rise by 2-3 per cent. Though our GDP is growing today, with much efficient railways system it will grow rapidly," he said.

The minister said further development in the sector will also create jobs.

Prabhu appealed to people to join Modi's flagship Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and said the mission is associated with country's identity.