Rail budget to focus on safety

Indications available in the railway ministry point to safety and modernization being the focus of rail budget 2012-13 that is to be presented on Wednesday. Another key area is likely to be larger participation of private sector.

According to officials, the budget will be guided by the recommendations of two high level committees, one headed by Anil Kakodkar and another by Sam Pitroda.

Both committees have suggested ambitious plans for safety upgradation and the modernization, as well as revenue models to execute the plans.

The Pitroda committee’s recommendation for introducing latest Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on trains may get priority. This includes Real Time Information Systems (RTIS) to provide real time information at stations and on running trains, radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking system for wagons, coaches and locomotives and Internet access at ‘A1’ class & ‘A’ class stations.

Likewise, the Kakodkar committee’s suggestions to implement Advance Signalling System for 19,000 route kilometres on trunk routes and elimination of all level crossings (manned and unmanned) in a phased manner within five years may also be included in the budget.

 The revenue models suggested by experts emphasize augmenting of resources through private investments. The Pitroda  group has suggested public private partnership (PPP) in various areas such as stations and terminals.