Opp stays away, RS returns Railway Appropriation Bill

Declaring that the zonal manager will be held accountable for accidents, Laloo said the number of railway accidents have gone down in 2004-05.

The Minister also flaunted the increased freight traffic of 602 million tonnes this year, which was up by 8 per cent. He apprised the House of his plan to prepare a blueprint for building a ‘‘dedicated freight corridor’’ along the Golden Quadrilateral.

There were a few lighter moments when RSP’s Manoj Bhattacharya objected to Laloo reading out from a printed statement. Pat came Laloo’s reply, ‘‘How can I commit myself to suggestions without looking at them carefully. I will make promises and the House will bring a privilege (motion) against me. Come to my chamber, I’ll solve your problem!’’