Sonia Gandhi inaugurates Rail Coach Factory project

RAEBARELI (UP): In an apparent attack on the BSP, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said when the Rail Coach factory project was inaugrated, rumours were spread by some persons against it but defying them the project has seen light of the day in such a short time.

The foundation stone for the RCF project was laid in January 2009 just before Lok Sabha polls and the then BSP government in Uttar Pradesh had termed it as a "political gimmick" on the eve of election to gain political mileage.

"I here want to mention those who spread rumours against the project...But it has been completed in such a short time", Sonia Gandhi said in Lalganj. The land for the project was initially denied to Railways, which had blamed BSP government for delaying the start of project.

Before flagging off 20 coaches produced in the factory which would be used in Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, Sonia inspected them and said she was feeling elated while flagging off the coaches from here.

"Railways on which 1.5 crore passengers travel every day is crucial for the economy of the country. It is the biggest employer in which over 15 lakh employees work", she said in the presence of Railway Minister Pawan Bansal.

"I have seen how people in far away places in Jammu and Kashmir were enthused when the service started there", Sonia added trying to highlight its importance.