Lalu Prasad (centre) in Daltonganj on Sunday. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, Dec. 21: It was a train of goodies from railway minister Lalu Prasad for the people of Daltonganj in particular and passengers in general.

In his signature style, Lalu announced subsidised travel in air-conditioned (AC) sleeper coaches for the underprivileged. “You will be entitled to travel in AC coaches up to a distance of 1000km for only Rs 500 as fare,” the minister said. However, Lalu clarified that the cheaper fare would not include bedding and pillows, usually given to AC coach passengers. Lalu was here to inaugurate a reservation counter and a railway overbridge at Daltonganj.

The bouquet of promises also included free travel anywhere in the country for girl students (up to graduation level) and boys (up to Class XII), besides a double line between Howrah and Ludhiana to ensure quick movement of goods.

For the people of Daltonganj, he announced an agriculture extension centre that would help farmers market their products. Farmers will be provided with quality seeds and agricultural tools. “Their entire produce will be purchased by the Indian Railways, which will take necessary steps to market them across the country,” he said.