Commonwealth Games: Railways to be lead partner, special train to mark event

Railways will run a special exhibition train across the country to mark the Commonwealth Games to be held here apart from being the lead partner of the mega sporting event.

"Indian railways will be the lead partner of the Commonwealth Games being hosted by India this year. To mark this event and also to spread the message, railways proposes to start a Commonwealth Exhibition train," railway minister Mamata Banerjee said presenting the rail budget.

The Commonwealth Games will be held in the capital from October 3 to 14.

She also said five sports academies would be set up across the country to strengthen the infrastructure. The proposed locations are Delhi, Secunderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

To promote hockey, Bannerjee said it is also proposed to provide astro-turfs.

The railways will also provide increased employment opportunities for sports persons.