May 11, 2024 09:00 (IST)
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ICC calls Rail Budget focussed, BCC&I surprised at omission of WB from "New Railway" map
Kolkata, July 8 (IBNS): Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) on Tuesday said the Rail Budget, presented by Narendra Modi government will boost Indian economy through concerted focus on PPP, employment generation and use of modern technologies.
"ICC feels that the Railway Budget 2014-’15, presented by Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda today, has laid down concrete plans to boost revenues, harness alternative fuel sources, upgrade stations, restructure and modernize the cash-strapped public transporter, and thus will have a positive impact upon India’s GDP," an statement form ICC said.
The Chamber is of the opinion that the Budget will develop infrastructure by focusing on Freight Corridors, and will facilitate smoother flow of goods and services, and hence also enhance business and industrial prospects.
"Rail Minister‘s announcement of connectivity to ports through PPP, procurement of parcel vans and rakes by private parties for resource augmentation is expected to bring some significant transformation in the overall structural and operational surface of Indian Railways and The Hon’ble Railway Minister made an encouraging statement - 'afety, Cleanliness, Passenger Amenities and Capacity Augmentation-are the high priority areas for Indian Railways'," ICC said.
ICC feels that the change in course from a populist budget to an ambitious and focused budget will help in reviving the sector along with reducing the key challenges of one of the largest PSUs in India. However, with the massive expansion, consolidation and modernization plans on chart, resource mobilization may be a challenge.
The Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCC&I) also welcomed the first major policy initiative of the new government, namely, the Railway Budget 2014-15 as practical and forward looking with a clear focus on service improvement towards bringing back the confidence of the passengers and the industry.
"There is no new increase in freight and passenger rates. The move to increase the plan outlay, the highest ever, is a step in the right direction and would augur well for infrastructure development. Focus on carrying record freight during the current year and becoming the largest freight carrier in Asia is commendable," it said.
However the Chamber expressed surprised at the almost complete omission of West Bengal from the map of the “New Railway”.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, "Modernization and development come across as key focus areas in the new government’s first rail budget. In terms of services, the consumer stands to gain as the budget allocates resources to high-priority areas like women’s safety, cleanliness and capacity augmentation. There is a 40% increase in the allocation for cleanliness – an issue that both the railways and commuters have been troubled with."
"In keeping with the times, the budget has taken into account the growing number of online buyers. The e-ticketing mechanism is being strengthened to allow 120,000 simultaneous bookings. The government also plans to offer commuters wi-fi at select stations and on select trains," he said.
Promising course correction and pledging to move away from populism, Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday presented the Narendra Modi government's maiden Railway Budget focussing on a public-private partnership in infrastructure development, infusion of FDI, announcing introduction of a diamond quadrilateral of high speed trains, an inaugural bullet train service besides harping on e-ticketing augmentation, safety of passengers and cleanliness.
While the Lok Sabha was adjourned after budget speech of Sadananda Gowda amid din by disgruntled MPs of Opposition from largely TMC, Gowda promised on infrastructure and modernization besides taking forward wi-fi system.
"I have an open mind to correct," said Gowda, who emphasised on logistic parks and private freight terminals on PPP model.
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