As the incessant rain fury deluged financial capital Mumbai, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ordered clearing of submerged railway tracks, which are considered lifeline of the city.
Talking to the media, on the sidelines of a programme here on Saturday, the Minister said, “I have asked the authorities to speed up the work on short-term relief and immediately chalk out plan for long-term integrated transport system.”
Prabhu further stressed the need for de-congesting Mumbai and sought a permanent solution to waterlogging. “ The city is covered with 70 to 80 per cent slums, which is the major problem for drainage system. Meethi River has shrunk resulting in further mess,” he added.
He said said that he will soon meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray to chalk out a plan on how Mumbaikars can enjoy a hassle-free transport.
Prabhu was here to inaugurate the newly-constructed buildings at City Railway Station, KR Puram Railway Station, Guest House at Hubbali and dedicated a pedestrian crossing bridge at Koppal and Almatti Railway stations.
He assured to take up Sub-urban railway system to Bengaluru city to reduce the congestion which is choking the city. “I will discuss pros and cons of Sub-urban railway system with the officials and Karnataka Government.”