Mixed reaction from industry

"The annual plan outlay at Rs 57,630 crore presents an opportunity for businesses to work closely with the railways. We believe that public-private partnership (PPP) is the most effective way forward," said Confederation of Indian Industry Director-General Chandrajit Banerjee.

“It is heartening to see that 85 PPP proposals have been received and the government is setting up single-window system to take these forward," said the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Steel Authority of India Chairman SC Verma also welcomed the development plans and Joint venture and PPP model. However, President, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India Dilop Modi said the budget has few encouraging things for the business sector laying its focus largely on the public and employee welfare.

Rajeev Jyoti, Chairman, CII Railways Equipment Division noted that the railways, particularly from the political side, has been playing it safe.

Mahesh Y Reddy, Director-General, Infrastructure and Logistics Federation of India, has reservations on the decision not to raise passenger fares.