HYDERABAD: The Assembly adopted a resolution unanimously on Tuesday expressing displeasure at the State being denied its due share in the Railway budget for the 2007-08 fiscal but, at the same time, congratulated the Centre for making it pro-poor and passenger-friendly.

The resolution, proposed by Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhar Reddy, said: "The Assembly congratulates the Union Government for proposing a pro-poor and passenger-friendly railway budget. However, it expresses serious concern that the Andhra Pradesh has not been given its due share."

The Chief Minister said Rs. 127-crore allocation for Andhra Pradesh (against Rs. 94 crore last year) was meagre. It was regrettable that the Manoharabad-Kothapalli line was allotted mere Rs. 1 lakh. The long-awaited railway coach factory at Kazipet and the concrete sleeper unit at Bitragunta found no mention.

CPI (M) floor leader Nomula Narsimhaiah, Ch. Venkata Reddy (CPI) and K. Ramulu (Janata) suggested that Dr. Reddy lead an all-party delegation to New Delhi to highlight the injustice done to the State and get the allocations re-examined, but the latter did not respond.

Mum on MMTS

TDP deputy floor leader T. Devender Goud said the Assembly should strongly protest against the Railway Minister for not mentioning the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) in Hyderabad. Of the 32 new trains announced, Secunderabad-Yeshwanthpur Garib Rath Express was the only consolation, he said, adding the 300 acres land of the Azamjahi Mills at Kazipet could be used for setting up the coach factory.

BJP member G. Kishan Reddy charged Congress MPs and the Union Ministers from the State with failing to ensure a decent package to the State. Though Mr. Kishan Reddy, Mr. Devender Goud and TRS floor leader G. Vijayarama Rao suggested deletion of the word `congratulate' from the resolution, it did not find favour with the Treasury Benches.

Legislature Affairs Minister K. Rosaiah said the resolution was properly drafted as it sought to congratulate the Centre for making the railway budget pro-poor and not for denying the State its due share. J. Ranga Reddy (CPI-M), J. Venkat Rao (Cong) and others expressed concern over the neglect of railway lines in their respective constituencies.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail