Naidu joined by via video call.

 

The railway minister emphasised on “cooperative federalism” highlighting the relationship between central government and the state government of Bengal.

 

In this context, he said: “India cannot develop without the development of Bengal. Kolkata will be the first commercial capital in India. The railway ministry and Bengal Government are working together for the development.”

 

Prabhu also urged the private partners from across the state of Bengal to take up the cause of developmental work.

 

He held the lack of investment responsible for the huge backlogs created in the railway department and said that proper methods have to be found out to cope up with it.

 

“We have to ensure a better experience for travelers in all areas, including food, cleanliness, buying tickets or interiors of coaches,” he added.

 

The summit was also attended by Rohit K Singh, Joint Secretary, Union Minister for road, transport and highways.

 

Rohit K Singh clarified that many issues with the state government regarding NH34 were resolved and he expects “progress in the work soon.”

 

He spoke about the target set by the concerned ministry and they would focus on the construction of 10,000 km or roads in FY2016-2017, out of which 2,664 km has been completed despite the delay in work during the monsoon season.

 

“Our strategy is to build roads and have seamless movement throughout the country,” the Joint Secretary added.

 

Singh also spoke about the 'asset recycling model' where 75 roads would be funded by private investors for maintenance under TOT (Toll Operating Transfer) model.

 

Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman and MD, Feedback Infra Pvt Ltd regretted the delay in implementation of the Kelkar committee report by the central government that was submitted in November 2015 which includes the PPP (Public Private Partnership) model.

 

Chatterjee urged the government to the involve private sector as “currently there is no one from private sector to consult in Kelkar committee about PPP model," he said.

 

(Reporting by Souvik Ghosh)