Crowd-pleaser: Bullet train at Republic Day
Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu flashed a victory sign when the tableau was rolled out
New Delhi: A replica of "Bullet train" mounted on the Railway tableau drew applause from the crowd as the national transporter showcased the ambitious high-speed train project on Rajpath on Monday.
Railways presented a special tableau with the theme "Indian Railways - on fast track to the future" at the Republic Day parade. Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flashed a victory sign when the tableau depicting the design of the proposed high-speed train rolled out.
Railways have undertaken feasibility study for running a high-speed train, known as Bullet train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The Rs. 63,000 crore project is proposed to be executed in PPP model with technology and funds from private participation.
The theme also showcased the Railway's progress in bringing about transformative changes in the sector through high-speed trains, station infrastructure and passenger terminals and women empowerment.
Women are now being selected for jobs in railways for which only men were considered earlier. Women are increasingly being employed as train drivers, station masters, technical fitters, guards and in the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
RPF contingent comprising smart young men dressed in traditional angola shirts and khaki trousers with colourful striped headgears with embroidered badges, and armed with INSAS also participated in the parade.
RPF contingent marched on the Rajpath to the tune of "Bharat ke jawan". The force is responsible for safeguarding Railway property and ensuring safety and security of passengers, a release said.