Now AC trains for youth 'assets'

New Delhi, July 3 : Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee Thursday introduced dedicated air-conditioned trains at affordable tariff for the youth, terming them as an 'asset' for the country.

'I will run Yuva trains dedicated specifically for the young generation,' Banerjee said in her budget speech in parliament Friday. 'The young generation is our asset and we are proud of them.'

The service, which will also cater to low-income individuals, will cost Rs.299 for distances up to 1,500 km and Rs.399 for up to 2,500 km.

'The train will provide air-conditioned seated accommodation and will run from point-to-point for distances ranging from 1,000 km to 2,500 km,' she said. 'The new low-priced fast train service will be started to connect youth in rural hinterlands to major metros and cities.'

A pilot project will begin in three as a weekly service on the Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Kolkata routes.

'If successful, it will be implemented in other areas of the country,' Banerjee said.

--IANS