New Delhi, July 03: In a thanks-giving budget, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today proposed no increase in passenger fares or freight tariff while announcing a slew of measures including launch of 12 non-stop point-to-point long-distance trains and air-conditioned double-decker coaches for inter-city travel.
Presenting the Budget for 2009-10 in the Lok Sabha, the first after UPA’s return to power, she also announced concessions for unorganised sector by proposing monthly season ticket of Rs 25 for people with monthly income of up to Rs 1,500 for travel up to 100 kms.
Her proposals included introduction of 57 new train services, extension of 27 new trains and increase in frequency of 13 trains and making ‘Tatkal’ scheme more user-friendly by reducing the advance booking period from five days to two days and minimum charge from Rs 150 to Rs 100.
–PTI