New Delhi: Railways will sign MoU with state governments to ensure their participation in its efforts to provide better passenger amenities and upgrade infrastructure.
"Talks are in progress with various state governments seeking their participation in railway projects. Participatory model with state governments is being finalised by the Railway Ministry," Northern Railway General Manager A K Puthia said here on Saturday.
The cash-strapped railways is encouraging states' involvement in laying new tracks and improving passenger amenities at stations.
Puthia has already visited several states and Union Territories to discuss the issue with them.
Northern Railway covers many states including Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh.
"I have already met Chief Secretaries of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand over the issue. I will be meeting the Chief Secretaries of Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh soon," he said.
Asked about the response, Puthia said, "It is positive and states have shown interest in rail projects."
Railways has been celebrating Passenger and Customer Facilitation Fortnight since May 26, seeking suggestions from passengers for improving facilities at rail premises.
