NEW DELHI, July 6 - Rajen Gohain on Wednesday took charge as the Minister of State for Railways promising top priority for expediting the work on pending railway projects in the Northeast.
This is for the first time that a person from Assam has been appointed as a minister in the Railway Ministry. �I have grave responsibility towards the Northeast and Assam. I will give top priority to improve connectivity and take the Railways forward. My effort will be to complete the pending projects in the region,� he told newsmen soon after taking charge.
�I will take initiative to ensure better passenger services and improve the condition of the coaches of the Rajdhani Express trains meant for the Northeast. I will also compare the condition of the coaches plying in other parts of the country with those being used in the Northeast,� he said replying to questions.
While emphasising development of infrastructure and improving passenger amenities and services, Gohain said, �Railway is a big ministry and let me first learn something about the working of the ministry.�
The new minister said the Northeast needs special focus as far as expansion of the railway network is concerned. �I will take a separate briefing on development of railways in the region,� he added.
�I have taken charge today and yet to be fully briefed by officials. Once I talk to the officials, I will get a full picture and will be in a better position to say something,� he said.
Meanwhile, the Congress today criticised the Narendra Modi Government for offering only one ministerial berth to Assam. �Given the loud promises they made during the Assembly elections, it is most disappointing that only one ministerial berth was given. This is another case of discrimination towards Assam and the Northeast,� said Assam Pradesh Congress acting president Ripun Bora.
