PM Narendra Modi (ANI image) NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the development of Indian Railways has been a priority of the government to bring "qualitative change" in people's lives. "NDA government has accorded topmost priority to the railways and to make our rail network modern. We want our railways to bring a qualitative difference in the lives of citizens," PM Modi said at the 'bhoomi poojan' of Gandhinagar railway station complex. The Prime Minister criticized how the Railway ministry was used as a bargaining chip for striking political alliances. "Earlier, railways was a sought after portfolio. Alliance partners joined governments on getting this portfolio. Once these leaders got control of the railways, they were not interested in (development of) railways and I need not say what they were interested in," he said. PM Modi said that railways gives both 'Gati' (speed) and 'Pragati' (progress) to the nation and elaborated how the government was working to further facilitate this. "Budget allocation to the Railway ministry has doubled in the last 2 years, and the money is used to develop the rail network. Gauge conversion is happening faster, electrification of lines is taking place rapidly. Bio-toilets are also being developed," PM Modi said. He added that free Wi-Fi has been provided at railway stations In light of the recent spate of railway accidents , the Prime Minister assured that state of the art technology is being adopted to make railways safer, as "safety is of greatest concern". He also emphasised the need to expand the cargo carrying capacity of the Indian Railways. "In developed countries, 70 per cent goods transportation is carried out by railways. However in India, 15 to 20 per cent is through railways while the rest is by roads. Goods tend to get costlier when transported by roads. We are stressing on development of freight corridors," he said.
