NDA government to announce its maiden Railway budget today; What can we expect?

, July 8: A pre-budget hike of 14.2% in the passenger fares has already created an uproar across the country. While some by the new government's idea of "acche deen aane waale hain", there are others who have turned sceptical about the same. Controlling commodity prices and increasing employment were the main bait points of the new government during their pre-election rallies.

But things are going the "wrong way", accuse the opposition. The government, however, argued that this was coming, given the fact that the newly appointed Centre has to mend the economy that was left running in losses by the previous government.

Nevertheless, the Union Ministry may still adopt a realistic approach in announcing new trains and packages, considering the cash crunch of Rs 26,000 cr that railways is undergoing. It is also likely to plan additional revenue to reach the target in the current fiscal.

Railway minister Sadananda Gowda may also scrap certain unnecessary projects and announce a few more on a priority basis.

The rail budget may also be fuel-friendly this time, especially when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has envisioned the sector using renewable sources of energy like solar and bio-diesel, instead of organic non-renewable fuel.

Safety measures and reducing accidents caused by human-error is one of the primary agendas this time, which is why the minister may also announce automatic closing of doors in Shatabdi coaches and EMU coaches in Mumbai suburban train to prevent accidental fall from running train. Some of the other important highlights are as follows:

1. Usage of 'Diamond Quadrilateral' to run high speed trains.

2. Highlights on NDA government's view of Rail Tariff Authority and High Speed Rail Authority.

3. Involvement of private players in big-ticket projects, apart from state-run transporters who would be required to formulate win-win formula for investors in a complaisant environment.

4. Introduction of private investment in rail sector, especially building of stations. "This would be a win-win situation project and we want to move ahead in this direction in the coming days," Modi had said.

5. High security systems including X-Ray and other hi-tech technology for the benefit of common man. This will oversee safety of passengers, punctuality of trains and many more.

Surely, it is tough time for the ministry where it has to address the basic requirements of the passengers, keeping in mind the debts that the ministry had incurred in the past.

OneIndia India