Claiming that projects worth Rs 27,000 crore have been sanctioned for Uttar Pradesh, the highest for the state so far, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha Sunday said in two years since NDA came to power at Centre, Railways has allocated four times more funds to the state than was granted to it by the previous UPA-II government in five years.

“This year rail projects worth Rs 27,000 have been sanctioned for UP. NDA government has allocated Rs 4,516 crore and Rs 4,923 crore for rail projects in state in last two financial years, respectively while the amount sanctioned during UPA rule was about Rs 1000 crore every year,” Sinha, also the Ghazipur MP, said.

Addressing reporters at BJP state headquarters, Sinha said the biggest challenge before Railways is of underinvestment. He said the government is trying to find more ways to provide funds for better services.

The minister said 492 rail sections have been operating beyond their capacity, with a section equipped for 100 trains running 150 to 160 trains. Sinha said Allahabad-Mughalsarai section which is one of the most crowded route, has been sanctioned a third track to reduce congestion.

He said 57 rail over-bridges and 125 rail under-bridges have been sanctioned for UP and the government is doubling several rail lines. Sinha said Gomti Nagar station in Lucknow will be developed as one of the best in the country.

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