Andhra CM welcomes Railway budget

Hyerabad, Feb 26 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today welcomed the Railway Budget proposals to complete some of the ongoing projects in the state, which will go a long way in improving transport facilities.

Reacting to the budget, Dr Reddy said in a statement here that ''It is better than last year's Budget in terms of funds allocated to our State''.

Complimenting Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for announcing free season tickets for girl students up to graduation, he said it would definitely have a positive impact on women's education all over the country.

Going into the details of allocations for the State, the Chief Minister said funds have been allocated this year, particularly for Nandyal- Yerraguntla, Jaggaiahpet-Vishnupuram, conversion of Dharmavaram - Pakala sections, remodelling Secunderabad station to world class standards and introduction of three new express trains to the state.

He said the railways has been doing well with Rs 25,000 crore profit earnings, recording 76 per cent operating ratio and increase of freight by 11 per cent and passenger earnings by 14 per cent.

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