Railway Ministry has decided to set up 400 model stations across the country under the Public Private Partnership mode. Giving this information in Kolkata last night, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said that the Joint Venture Company will be set up between the Central and State Governments for implementation of the project. He said that 17 State Governments have already agreed to float the company. He said that the model stations will be set up on fifty-fifty cost sharing basis.<br/><br/>Mr Prabhu had a meeting with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the State Secretariat in Kolkata to review the pending rail projects in the State. The Railway Minister assured Miss Banerjee timely completion of the ongoing projects and more railway connectivity with the Ports and tourist spots in West Bengal. <br/><br/>He said that the first phase of East-West Metro rail connecting Salt Lake and Howrah will be operational from June 2018. <br/><br/>He said that cost escalated for this project of 735 crore rupees will be borne by the Railways and the work will resume next month. Later, Miss Banerjee said that the Railways has agreed to carry out rail projects by giving proper compensation and rehabilitation package to the affected persons.