New Delhi

President Pranab Mukherjee today highlighted the improved sanitation standards at rail premises and the Railways’ first bullet train project in his address to Parliament.

Describing the tie-up with Japan on bullet train project as a “landmark”, the President said “Agreement with government of Japan will make the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail corridor a reality.”

Japan is extending soft loan and technology help to execute the first high speed train on Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.

President said the government’s cleanliness mission extended to the Railways and it strived to phase out open discharge of sewage from trains and do away with manual scavenging.

“My government has initiated several ambitious measures for improving sanitation standards at railway stations and trains. ‘Samman’ guides us in our endeavour to phase out the open discharge of sewage from trains and combat manual scavenging. All new coaches are now being fitted with bio-toilets.” Mukherjee said.

Referring to capacity expansion, he said “Focus has also been on doubling, gauge conversion and capacity enhancement works in Railways. Commissioning of Broad Gauge and electrification have been at all-time record levels. The highest ever increase in railway capital expenditure was achieved in 2015.”

He also highlighted the awarding of contract for two major rail projects in Bihar. “My government also awarded two mega projects for setting up diesel and electric locomotive factories at Marhaura and Madhepura, respectively.”

Madhepura and Marhora projects aim to attract FDI in railways.

PTI