New Delhi, Mar 21: Railway Minister Nitish Kumar today ruled out any hike in rail fare and freight in the wake of Iraq war. "The government would absorb rise in petroleum prices especially high speed diesel largely consumed by the railways even if the war prolonged," he told reporters here after inaugurating an exhibition of railway paintings. Kumar said the country's industrial, economic and technological growth is reflected in the growth of railways since the time when the first train ran between Boribundar and Thane in Mumbai in 1853. Lauding the exhibits being displayed, he said they reflected the people's romance with railways, which symbolises the composite culture of the country. The fortnight-long exhibition has been organised by the South-Eastern Railway.
Bureau Report