RS members hail rail budget 2007-08

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) Several Rajya Sabha members today appreciated the railway budget for 2007-08, saying it was ''people-friendly'' and would result in the overall development of the country.

Participating in a general discussion on the railway budget, NCP leader Tariq Anwar said Indian Railways had shown a remarkable financial turnaround at a time when most public sector units were showing losses.

There is no proposed hike in fares, he said, rubbishing claims by the opposition that foundations for the turnaround were laid by the NDA government.

Mr Anwar, however, said trains plying in the northeastern states should be upgraded. Also, some pending proposals to connect West Bengal with Bihar should be expedited.

Congress leader Alka Balram said nearly 1.5 crore people travelled daily by trains. They would be able to generate a ticket through ATMs now. She also appreciated the efforts being made by the Indian Railways for e-ticketing.

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