New Delhi: Amidst much speculation and expectations, Railways Minister Mamata Banerjee will present her third Railway Budget after a nine-year break on Friday. The Minister, it is believed, is preparing to present a people-friendly Budget.
Shifting from the claims of high surplus by her predecessor Lalu Prasad, Mamata has maintained from the day she assumed charge that her focus will be on improving passenger amenities and rationalisation of services such as Tatkal (instant ticketing) service.
And though she has refused to shed any light on the nature of the Budget, it is expected to be pro-people without any hike in fares, new trains, rehauling of the Tatkal scheme and speeding up of the freight-corridor project.
“I am not against the commercialisation of the Railways but it must be with a human face,” Banerjee was quoted by news agencies.
If the Budget is overly pro-people, it is going to be a tightrope walk for Mamata as she also has to maintain revenue growth amidst the burden of slowdown, declining freight earnings and the burden of the higher salary outgo following the Six Pay Commission recommendations.
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The buzz is that passenger amenities will figure high in the Budget platter with mention of affordable, economic food being available at key stations across the country.
Mamata is likely to favour more public-private partnerships to boost growth in Railway infrastructure. Pending projects will also receive special attention.
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Kolkata’s iconic Howrah station is likely to get a huge makeover. New Delhi and Patna stations, too, are on the initial list of 22 stations that will be overhauled according to international standards.
Simple pro-poor Railway Budget.
Around 25 new trains likely to be introduced nationwide.
There could also be a special package for those who fall under below poverty line.
Introducing budget hotels near stations will also be on the new Railway Minister’s agenda.
No hike expected in fares.
Special projects and new trains for West Bengal.
Public-private partnerships to boost growth in infrastructure.
Rehauling of the Tatkal scheme.
–Agencies