Rlys’ brochure lists what Lalu has done for Bihar

Titled “Bhartiya Rail: Ek Jaaduyi Kayakalp (Indian Railways: A Magical Turnaround)”, the brochure details the major works undertaken by Indian Railways in the state of Bihar in the last four years. What makes the document unique is the fact it is the first time the ministry has come out with a list of its achievements for a particular state.

The brochure, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, is a “confidential” document made available exclusively to RJD workers, MPs and MLAs so as to enable them to tell the masses “how much Laluji has done for the state”. Sources said that the ministry had printed around 6,000-7000 copies at a cost of around Rs 5-6 lakh.

With a picture of Lalu standing with students of Harvard and Wharton on its cover, the brochure also carries inside a picture of Lalu addressing management students at INSEAD in Singapore. Even as the first six chapters of the brochure talk about passenger amenities, concessions and reduction in fares, the remaining eight chapters detail all the major railway works undertaken in Bihar.

Even as there is a dedicated chapter on surveys being conducted for new lines in Bihar, another chapter lists out the 34 new lines currently being constructed. Another chapter deals exclusively with the gauge conversion projects and another lists the names of 62 railway stations in Bihar which are being developed as model stations. The last two chapters list out names of 52 trains started between...