Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Nov 16: Union railway minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu on Monday November 16 laid the foundation stone for Ramakrishna Hegde Institute for skill development at Indrali railway station near here.

Addressing the gathering, Prabhu said, "The construction of this Institute will be held in two phases at a total cost of Rs ten crore. The first phase will be completed in a year."

"I will work on the development of railway connectivity, doubling and electrification of railways across the nation. The railway connectivity will help in the growth of the nation. Rs 8.50 lac crore will be invested on railway developmental works during my tenure. Central government has borrowed Rs 1.50 lac crore from LIC at a low interest rate for the developmental works," he said. 

"Railway transportation will be electrified in ten years' time across the nation. The railway departments have already laid down measures to maintain cleanliness in rails, railway stations and provide good catering service," he added.

“New water vending machines will be started everywhere, along with facilities like online ticket booking, e-catering and so on. The department is expected to have better income from all these services," he said.

The installation of escalator work started in Udupi railway station two weeks ago. Prabhu stressed on providing good customer service and introduction of e-tender system to bring transparency in the revenue department. A National Tunnel Construction Technology Centre was also inaugurated at Madagaon recently, he said.

“The railway department is also planning to give more responsibilities to station masters and divisional officers. For these posts, the recruitment was held through online examination. If there is any discrepancy in the recruitment process, the officials concerned will be punished severely," he said.

The railway department will also facilitate the marketing of indigenous foods made by SHGs at the railway stations, he added.

Speaking about the Skill Development Institute, Suresh Prabhu said, “It will provide training to unemployed youths. There will be a hostel for 30 students and it will also have a good library."

MP Shobha Karandlaje said, “Konkan Railway is running at a loss of Rs 3.5 crore, and my aim is to make Konkan Railway free from debts. Doubling and electrification are a long-pending demand. Doubling work has already started."

“Inclusion of Mangaluru port to Konkan railway is another demand; but it was left out due to Southern railway lobby. Central government has listed out 1, 500 heritage skill jobs. The Institute will provide Rs 7,000– Rs 9,000 as stipend along with certificates. I urge all the youths to make use of this facility systematically," she added.

Sunitha Naik, president, taluk panchayat, P Yuvaraj, president, CMC Udupi, DC R Vishal and others were present on the occasion.

Chief engineer Banu Prakash welcomed the gathering, Sanjay Gupta proposed vote of thanks. Asha Shetty compered the programme.