Besides executives from auto majors like Hyundai, Maruti, Mahindra, G S Mekon, AGM of Tata Motors, was also present at the function but did not speak to reporters. Cars of various companies will be parked in the auto hub and later transported to different parts of the country by the railways.

“We deliver on our promise. In this auto hub, there are parking facilities for 5,000 cars. This will be increased to 60,000. Nine such auto hubs will be set up in various parts of the country, including in Bangalore, Nasik, Ernakulam, New Jalpaiguri,” Banerjee said during the inauguration function at Shalimar railway station.

“I am requesting private parties to come forward and work with us on the public-private-partnership model. We have set up a special cell for that. One can come and place one’s proposals there. We also regularly publish advertisements in the newspapers,” she added.

The railway minister also sought to shed her anti-industry image, announcing a string of projects to be set up by the railways in private partnership.

“We are looking for land to set up ancilliary units here. At Dankuni, we will set up a rail industry. At Sankrail, where we have enough land, we will set up an EMU coach factory. Another coach factory will be inaugurated at Kanchrapara on March 21. We will set up a broadband equipment factory in Cooch Behar and an air-conditioned container industry in Budge Budge,” Banerjee added.

Reiterating her stand on Singur, the minister said, “If the state government gives us the land (600 acres), we will set up a coach factory there.”

The railway minister also flagged off two new rains — Howrah-Gandhidham Garwa Express and Kolkata-Amritsar Punjab Express.

“Indian Railways is on fourth position now globally. We will take it to number 1. In my last budget, I had promised 120 new trains, of which 117 will be flagged off by March 31. I have fulfilled my promise 100 per cent,” said Banerjee.

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