Railway budget leaves Tumakuru district's expectations unfulfilled

The railway budget announced by Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu for the year 2016-2017 has left many expectations held by the people of the district unfulfilled. The demand of a new Tiptur-Dudda line has also remained a distant dream.

The only consolation to the district is  that the suburban rail network to be introduced in Bengaluru will be extended to Tumakuru also.

I welcome the announcement of a suburban railway system in Bengaluru. We wish that the suburban network be extended to Tumakuru. It is better that they concentrate on projects already announced instead of making new announcements.

Ramakrishna Boodihal, lecturer

It is good that the quota for senior citizens and women has been raised to 50%. However, it is difficult for us to stand in queues to buy tickets. There should be a separate counter for senior citizens.

Choodamani, Resident, Tumakuru

There was a chance that train fares would be hiked in the budget. With the fares remaining unchanged, the poor and middle classes have been spared. It is sad that no new trains have been announced for the State.

N Mani, passenger