Today’s Railway Budget presented by the Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu reflects the determination of railways to take care of its passengers. First time passengers concern is given importance in a railway budget. This budjet seems to be practical than populist. Unlike other Railway Ministers, Shri Suresh Prabhu has not attempted to milk the department for electoral benefit. He has tried his best to ensure that Ache Din is coming in Railways also. Hope the railway minister will take earnest effort to ensure the implementation of the budget proposals. The highlight of his Budget speech is as below.
Indian Railways will monetize its assets rather than sell them
Process & procedures simplified to prevent delays; Internal Audit will be conducted of Railway systems
Indian Railways will decentralise, deregulate and delegate to make freight business simpler
400 Railway Stations will have Internet WiFi facility
Book rail tickets 4 months ( 120 days) in advance against current 60 days
67 percent more funds allotted for passenger amenities
120 crore provided for installation of new lifts and escalators
Modern trains called “Train sets”, which will save 20% journey time within next 2 years
24 to 26 coaches will be introduced in certain identified trains, more general class coaches and existing ladders to be replaced
Modern facilities for disabled citizens, senior citizens, patients through IRCTC
Surveillance cameras on select mainline and ladies compartments
SMS alert on mobile, customer portal promoting digital India campaign
Unreserved ticket purchase made simpler through smart phones & debit cards
All india 24 X 7 helpline number 138 from 1/3/15 ; Toll free No.182 – for security complaints
Railways has Collaborated with NIFT and NID for better bed rolls, inner coach designs
New Bio-toilets will replace the existing ones, nearly 18000 of them in this year.
No increment in Passenger Fares
Important to harness the talent of rail employees through training and development
Increase track capacity by 14% to 138,000 km
By Premji
