Rail Budget 2015: No fare hikes; Prabhu to focus on investment this time

New Delhi, Feb 26: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday said best efforts are being made to fulfil people's aspiration in the NDA government's first full-fledged Rail Budget.

Prabhu will present the Rail Budget 2015-16 in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

"We have tried our best to fulfil people's aspirations and expectation (in the budget) despite the fact that railways is passing through hard times," Prabhu said while giving finishing touch to the Rail Budget here.

There were demands for new trains, rail lines and projects from various section of the society including MPs and state governments.

He further said attempts are being made in the budget to meet the expectations of the people as much as possible.

Prabhu had maintained earlier that before increasing the fares, there should be improvement in passenger amenities.

Railway Minister has also met representatives of industry before finalisation of the budget.

He also sought media cooperation in reaching out to the people by disseminating right information about the budget.

Besides Prabhu, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha, Chairman Railway Board AK Mital and other senior railway officials were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, sources said, an across-the-board increase in railway fares is unlikely to be announced in the Railway Budget.

"An across-the-board hike is unlikely since passenger growth has been negative and even freight has not grown as per expectations," an official involved with the budget-making process has been quoted as saying in media reports. He further said some minor adjustments in fares of Tatkal and premium special trains that run on dynamic pricing could not be ruled out.

OneIndia News
(With agency inputs)