Mandar Hill (Banka), Dec. 22: Union minister of state for railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury today urged Bihar to follow states like Jharkhand and contribute funds to his ministry for the installation of various facilities.

“Jharkhand’s investment in the railways for various facilities is the highest among 10 states. Bihar should take a lesson from its neighbouring state,” he said while replying to a query on the fate of various pending projects in the state.

The minister reached Mandar Hill railway station, around 274km southeast of Patna via Bhagalpur on a special train to inaugurate the Mandar Hill-Hansdiha new broad gauge line. After flagging off Bhagalpur-Manhar Hill-Hansdiha passenger train, he said: “People across the country want various facilities for their respected areas. The railways would need around Rs 4.5 lakh core immediately to fulfil their dream. But it is an impossible task at present.”

Chowdhury added: “The railway ministry has been with regional parties for quite some time. The Congress has taken it back after a long time. We are trying our best to make it a profitable organisation and ensure quality services for the passengers.”

On the proposed railway division in Bhagalpur, the minister said: “Nobody would stop formation of the division office in Bhagalpur because it is our commitment towards the residents. But there are certain things that cause delay.”