Ministers asked to inaugurate projects as a formality: Suresh Prabhu

MUMBAI: Terming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government as the most transparent one, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today said agreements are made first and ministers as a formality are asked to inaugurate projects.

"There have been no decisions taken by ministers where there would be conflict of interest. Infact, agreements are signed between the parties first and we (ministers) are then requested to inaugurate projects as a formality. The Prime Minister has ensured that the government lives up to his 'mantra' of a transparent government," Prabhu said.

The union minister was addressing a gathering here during the signing of an MoU for the construction of a railway line between Chiplun (Konkan) and Karad (western Maharashtra).

The project encompasses a 103-km railway line at a cost of Rs 3195.60 crore.

Referring to the burden on Mumbai's transport system, Prabhu said the Centre and the Maharashtra government are working out a strategy to decrease the congestion.

"Railways, metro rails, elevated corridors will be used in a systematic way to reduce the burden on the existing transport system," he said.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, also present at the gathering, said the Railways under Prabhu's guidance is working out on a single ticketing system, where commuters would be able to use their smart-phones to book tickets for any mode of transport.

"We also plan to integrate private taxis into this system. This project, aimed to integrate Mumbai is at an advanced stage and will ensure a comfortable commuting experience to Mumbaikars," he said.