Petroleum minister welcomes Rail budget

New Delhi, Feb 27 (UNI) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora today praised the Rail Budget 2007-08, presented by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and described it as growth-oriented.

In a statement, Mr Deora praised Mr Prasad for bringing out a Budget, which on the one hand reduces fares and freight and on the other hand brings in enhanced profits.

He said, freight concessions particularly on petrol and diesel will bring much needed relief to the oil companies who have been saddled with huge under-recoveries as a result of sharp increase in global oil prices.

Mr Deora emphasised increasing railway-ticket booking points which also include petrol pumps, would not only provide more convenient and wide spread ticket booking facilities but would also help the retail outlets to add to the additional services available for their customers.

He described the Railway Budget as growth oriented and expressed confidence the new initiatives launched would go a long way in developing/expanding railway infrastructure in the country.

Passenger amenities are expected to further improve with various initiatives in the Budget.

He also hailed a number of proposals to ease and facilitate travelling by the Mumbai Suburban train services. The MUTP-Phase I at a cost of Rs 5000 crore aimed at mitigating pressure on Mumbai trains and capacity enhancement, are welcome initiatives.

UNI