While there is no increase in passenger fares and freight rates, the railway minister has announced 73 new trains. Mumbai would also get its first AC local train in July 2014
Railway minister Mallikarjun Kharge, presenting the interim budget for the railways on Wednesday refrained from hiking passenger fares and freight rates. He also announced 73 new trains, extension of three trains and increase in frequency of three trains in his pre-election budget.
Talking about safety measures, the minister said the railways are planning to introduce indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) across its network after successfully completing field trials. A number of measures for safety and security of passengers like portable fire-extinguishers in coaches and induction based cooking in pantry car have been proposed in the Budget.
"A comprehensive fire and smoke detection system is on trial on two rakes of Rajdhani Express trains. This will be extended to all major passenger trains. Provision of portable fire extinguishers in AC coaches, Guard-cum-luggage break vans, pantry cars and locomotives. Introduction of electrical induction based cooking appliances in replacement of LPG in pantries is being taken up," the minister said.
Highlighting the passenger friendly initiatives of Indian Railways, Kharge said the success of e-booking of tickets has surpassed all expectations, and now train movements can also be tracked online to find the exact location and running.
Besides, 51 Jan-Ahaar outlets for sale of Janta Meals have been set up; 48 passenger escalators have been commissioned at railway stations and 61 more are being installed and air-conditioned EMU services will commence in Mumbai area by July 2014.
The minister said Itanagar, capital of Arunanchal Pradesh will soon be on rail map in this financial year, as Harmuti-Naharlagun line is expected to be commissioned shortly. The state of Meghalaya is also all set to come on the Railway map in this financial year, as Dudhnoi – Mehendipathar line is getting completed by March 2014, he added.
The Budget presented today envisages investment of Rs64,305 crore as against revised estimates for 2013-14 of Rs59,359 crore. Anticipating a healthier growth of economy, the freight traffic target is proposed at 1,101 million tonnes, an increment of 49.7 million tonnes over the current years’ revised target of about 1,052 million tonnes. The gross traffic receipts have been projected at Rs1.61 lakh crore. Working expenses have been proposed at Rs1.11 lakh crore, which is Rs13,589 crore higher than the revised estimates for the current year.
Here are the highlights of this year's interim rail budget:
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