Railway budget will be pro-people: Mamata
The Railway budget of the new government, scheduled to be presented on July 3, may stress on the improvement of passenger amenities, including the quality of food served in trains and at stations.
The budget may not see major changes in passenger fares or freight rates but it may contain good news for the poor as special fares may be announced for the below-poverty-line families. Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is back in rail bhavan — headquarters of the ministry — for a second time, may also declare an insurance scheme for the rail passengers.
The budget may see seasonal passes for vendors at Rs 20.
Mamata on Wednesday said the railway budget would be people’s budget.
“It will be a pro-people and a simple budget,” she said. The minister said the expectation was high from the budget.
Like all the railway budgets, the July 3 presentation may see announcement of new trains and new lines. There may be further rationalisation of freight charges. More trains like the popular Garib Raths launched during the Lalu Prasad’s tenure are expected to be announced.
Mamata may give added stress to security overhaul at stations. The introduction of integrated security system at major stations to strengthen security, access control, baggage screening, CCTV installation and bomb detection and disposal system may be announced.
The minister may give stress on freight as the railway ministry is learnt to have revised the freight loading target for the financial year from 910 million tonne to 880 mt.
The “Tatkal” (instant ticket) scheme and the tour packages of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation may get a relook as the minister is likely to abolish the waiting list scheme for Tatkal tickets. Also to go is the unimaginative middle side berth introduced last year.
