Hooda terms Rail Budget ''people-friendly''

Chandigarh, Feb 26 (UNI) Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today hailed as '' people-friendly'' the Railway Budget by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.

In a statement issued here, Mr Hooda appreciated the number of concessions given in the Budget, which included five per cent cut in freight on petrol, diesel and reduction in fares of AC and sleepers.

He said decisions like preference to minorities in recruitment board, introduction of free season tickets for female students upto graduation level, 50 per cent discount for senior women citizens and increased concessions for under-graduate students would immensely benefit the people.

Mr Hooda also welcomed the decision to start 53 new passenger trains and ten new Garib Raths.

He said the decision to man all unmanned crossings would prevent many accidents and save precious lives.

The introduction of metal detectors and CCTVs at all platforms would also help in ensuring security of life and property, he added.

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