BANIHAL, June 26: Assuring people of the State all out support in their progress and development, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said centre provided liberal funds for infrastructure development in the State.
Addressing public meeting after Banihal-Qazigund was inaugurated this afternoon, she assured the people of the State all out support in their progress and development.
She said UPA during its two tenures has liberally funded the development needs of the State particularly in infrastructure development.
Construction of Mughal Road and tunnels on Srinagar-Leh highway are some of the big projects undertaken during this period.
Complimenting Indian Railways, its workers and engineers for the engineering marvel, Mrs Gandhi said today’s inauguration would herald a new beginning for the State in both economic and social spheres of life besides creating ample job opportunities.
She further said that the tourism sector which forms the life line of the State would also get a boost as more and more people from other parts of the country would visit this place.
Mrs Gandhi maintained that the State has witnessed a sea change on the developmental front through various schemes introduced by the Centre as well as the State Government during the last four years.
She hoped that this momentum would be carried forward and the womenfolk of the State would be further empowered and youth provided adequate job opportunities with the introduction of schemes like Himayat and Umeed.
‘The panchayat elections have depicted public faith in the democratic means and set up and we hope that the elections to the Urban Local bodies would be held soon which would further strengthen democracy in the state’, she said adding that these institutions will be empowered adequately as it has been with the Panchayats.
Earlier, in his address, Minister for Railways, Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge dwelt in detail about the history of Railways in India since April 16, 1853.
He said currently 19000 trains run on 64000 kilometers daily all across the country ferrying about 2.30 crore passengers.
He said Railway operates not on profit considerations but as a social responsibility towards the citizens of the country.
The Union Minister said that with the start of Qazigund-Baramulla rail link in 2009, the State has witnessed a turn-around with more economic activity and social connectivity.
He hoped the State would benefit further with its extension to Banihal.
Governor, N N Vohra, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Ghulam Nabi Azad were present on the occasion. (AGENCIES)
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