Rail Budget to be presented in Lok Sabha today

New Delhi, Feb 25 (ANI): The Rail Budget for the year 2011-12 will be presented in the Lok Sabha today.

This will be the third rail budget in a row to be presented by Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee.

Without revealing any budget details, Banerjee said, "It will be people-friendly, passenger-friendly and country- friendly budget."

The budget could also find mention of mega base kitchens in the metros preparing 50,000 to one lakh meals per day for train passengers.

The budget could also announce launching off a new SMS-based service to lodge complaints against rail service by passengers.

In order to provide clean linens to passengers, Railways are likely to announce setting up of mechanised laundry service at zonal levels.

The Rail Budget is likely to announce introduction of about 100 new trains including a dozen super fast Durontos.

The Budget comes at a time when the Railways are facing financial crunch with its operating ratio inching close to 100 level mark.

In order to promote cultural activities, Railways are also planning to construct auditorium in Kharagpur, Jalpaiguri and Jabalpur.

Catering to the student community, Banerjee could also announce running of student special trains keeping in mind the travel requirement during examinations and trains with only bookings under Tatkal scheme. (ANI)