Keen to bring in fundamental changes in the manner in which Indian Railways operates, Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu may abandon the populist path in Rail Budget 2015.
Sources, Monday, said that that the NDA government’s second Railway Budget (2015-16) will stay away from populist announcements and focus on improving passenger amenities and railway safety.
And, Prabhu appears to mean business. Within two months of taking charge at the Rail Bhavan, he has already set up seven committees to work on critical areas like improving financial health of organisation, bringing transparency, revenue generation and re-structuring of the Indian Railways.
Funding the already announced major railway projects will be one of the key focus areas in the budget and the government is keen on improving and completing the existing projects rather than announcing new ones. However, shortage of funds remains a concern.
The Railway Ministry has also sought suggestions from the industry chambers FICCI, ASSOCHAM, CII and even the general public on the upcoming budget.
Recently, Suresh Prabhu had brought in a major policy decision by empowering the zonal railways and heads of production units to finalise tenders. The change in approach is expected to ensure faster decion making and may lead to faster implementation of projects.