Railway Minister focuses on PPP model, modernization in Budget

While the Lok Sabha was adjourned after budget speech of Sadananda Gowda amid din by disgruntled MPs of Opposition from various regions, 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.

While the total expenditure for the financial yeare 2015 has been pegged at Rs 1.49 lakh crore, the receipts are expected to be Rs 1.64 crore.

He proposed a hike in outlay to Rs.47,650 crore while the revenue from fares is going to be around Rs 44,600 crore.

After the Budget, Narendra Modi said the country will have to be taken forward by railway and that was the aim of this budget. He urged all to think as a whole and not in parts and said it focussed on transparency.

The Rail Minister said Rs 5 lakh crore required every year for the next ten years for ongoing projects. He also earmarked Rs 5116 crore  for projects in the Northeast.

Rs 100 crore has been allocated for the High- Speed Rail Network.

The railway minister said no unmanned level crossings will remain while he wanted the Indian Railway to be the largest freight carrier of the world.

Gowda announced 5 new Jansadharan trains, 5 premium trains, 6 AC trains, 27 express trains and eight passenger trains.

He announced 18 new line surveys, 10 surveys for doubling 3rd and 4th lines besides gauge conversion.

Following are the highlights of the announcements:

Diamond quadrilateral network of high speed rail to be introduced as a dream of Narendra Modi

Indian Railway on way to start bullet train beginning with Mumbai Ahmedabad section

Automatic ticket vending machines on anvil

E-ticketing system to be introduced.

Tourist trains for all religious tourism circuits.

Security helpline of railway will be augmented.

4000 women RPF constables for security of women.

Strong action against vendors if food not of quality or hygienic.

Increase of budget allocation for cleanliness by 40 percent and the job will be outsourced.

Catering quality and hygiene to be addressed, pre-cooked food of branded companies to be introduced.

Battery operated cars for physically challenged and old to reach platforms.

Fare revision will get Indian Railways an additional revenue of Rs 8000 crores.

For every rupee earned Railway spends 94 paisa.

Railway carries only 31 percent of freight.

High speed trains also need PPP route.

Future projects should be on PPP mode.

Seeking approval of cabinet for FDI in Railway expect railway operations.

PSU investment in railway infrastructure needed.

Unrealistic to only raise fare and need alternative resources.

Tariff policy so far lacks rationalization.

Review of stoppages of express trains since too many stoppages slow down their speed.

Surplus decreasing owing to non revision of fares: Rail Minister

We have to maintain 1.16 lakh km track length: Rail Minister

We carry 23 million passengers a day but a large number of people never set a foot on train: Gowda

I am overwhelmed with enormity of expectations: Railway Minister in budget speech