PM dedicates loco factory to nation
said the Centre would wholeheartedly support the state in its effort to fight corruption and promote the clean India campaign.
He also appreciated Bihar’s effort to construct 8.5 lakh toilets within one week and lauded the leadership of the chief minister and his deputy Sushil Kumar Modi in the state. Modi expressed optimism that Bihar would be able to catch up with the national average on sanitation even as it was lagging behind at present.
Earlier, Modi began his speech in Bhojpuri and spoke about the historical importance of Champaran, where Mahatma Gandhi initiated his satyagraha movement for India’s independence on this day in 1917. Stressing on respect for all, irrespective of caste and religion, Bihar CM said the country would not progress amid tension and confrontation, but did not elaborate any further.
He said the state has launched a rigorous ODF campaign and would strive to achieve the target by October 2, 2019 — the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. But that may be a tall order. According to a UNICEF data of 2017-18, only 49.05% of total houses in rural Bihar have toilets. While only 48.72% of the total houses in Bihar (rural and urban) have toilets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday dedicated to the nation the Madhepura electric locomotive facility and flagged off the first engine manufactured there through a remote device from Motihari.
A joint venture (JV) between French multinational company Alstom and Indian Railways, the electric locomotive facility marks a transformational change for rail freight movement in India as well as the region of Madhepura.
Alstom has a 76% stake in the JV and Indian Railways has 24% stake. The electric locomotive, ‘WAG12’ double section locomotive, is capable of hauling 6,000 tonnes, at a maximum speed of 120 kmph. The locomotive has 12,000 horsepower — allowing faster and safer movement of heavier freight trains across the country.
The locomotive factory spread over 250 acres at Madhepura, has been set up at an estimated cost of over ₹20,000 crore and it would generate six lakh mandays of work for locals and roll out 800 electric locos in the next 11 years.
In a press release on Tuesday, Alain Spohr, managing director, Alstom, India and South Asia, said, “It is a matter of great pride and privilege for Alstom to have Prime Minister of India flagging off our first complete electric locomotive and dedicating the Madhepura facility to the nation. There can be no stronger endorsement of our efforts towards ‘Make in India’ and skill development initiatives in the country. Alstom is proud to partner with the Indian Railways on this transformation journey towards a sustainable future in mobility in the country.”
He added, “This facility will also pave the way for the industrial development in Bihar and will act as a gateway of opportunities for the region.”
MOTIHARI(BIHAR):