Union minister Piyush Goyal holds meeting to discuss railway projects

Gopal Shetty, MP from North Mumbai, said, “We discussed the need to increase safety for women commuters and to provide sanitary napkins at all railway stations.”

A meeting was held by railway minister Piyush Goyal on Friday at Sahyadri Guest House, Malabar Hill, to discuss ongoing railway projects. Various MPs, MLAs, and senior officials from the railway board, Central Railway, Western Railway and Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) attended the meeting. Issues such as land acquisitions for projects, stepping up women safety on trains, and improving infrastructure and amenities were discussed.

A meeting was held by railway minister Piyush Goyal on Friday at Sahyadri Guest House, Malabar Hill, to discuss ongoing railway projects. (PTI Photo)

Shrikant Shinde, MP from Kalyan, said, “The land acquisition issue for the fifth and sixth line between Thane and Diva railway stations was discussed. The project should be completed by mid-2019.”

Gopal Shetty, MP from North Mumbai, said, “We discussed the need to increase safety for women commuters and to provide sanitary napkins at all railway stations. Every MP and MLA stated the problems of their constituency which were addressed by the minister.”

However, some MP and MLAs were reportedly miffed as there was chaos and mismanagement during the meeting. “We thought it would be a round-table conference where issues will be discussed and solutions will be sought. However, it was complete chaos. When the minister called in, everybody rushed and there was a queue. People submitted their letters and their demands and left from the venue,”said Shinde.

Goyal, addressing the media, said, “Discussions on the local and outstation trains were taken up. All issues that were raised will be solved by the railway officials.” Last week, a meeting was also conducted to discuss projects from Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP) 3 and 3A, Goyal said.