Rail Budget growth-oriented: Chamber

Kochi, Feb 26 (UNI) Hailing the Railway Budget 2007-08 as a growth oriented one, the Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry today praised the budget for giving emphasis on infrastructure development.

Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad gave due importance to growth and development of the infrastructure, Chamber President Jose Dominic said in a statement here.

The President said the budget holded much for Kerala, as the state would have 'garib rath' twice a week between Thriruvananthapuram and Mumbai.

The decision to convert the Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore train into daily service and the move to extend the Kottayam-Thiruvanathapuram train to Nagercoil would be a boon to the passengers, the statement added.

The Chamber also welcomed the decision to establish a coach factory in Alappuzha and the proposed doubling of the Thriruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari and Thrissur-Guruvayoor rail lines.

He said the 17 per cent and 14 per cent increase in freight and passenger revenue respectively, was a big achievement and augurs well for the future.

The Chamber also welcomed the introduction of 32 new trains.

The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the reduction in passenger fare and the decision to start a wagon unit in Kerala.

In a statement, Chamber President E S Jose said the proposals for doubling and electrification of railway lines would help to ease the railway journey.

Meanwhile, the Chamber was critical of not granting a separate railway zone for the state.

He said eventhough no new trains were granted for the state, the decision to increase the frequency of Thiruvananthapuram-Lokmanya Express and the Bangalore-Kochuveli Express was a relief for the passengers.

UNI