Rail Budget 2016: PM Modi lauds Suresh Prabhu's 'development oriented budget'

New Delhi, Feb 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday lauded Rail Minister Suresh Prabhu's second Rail Budget for the financial year 2016-17 calling it a passenger-centric rail budget without any fare hike.

Union Minister Suresh Prabhu introduced this year's rail budget with as increased outlay of about Rs. 1.21 lakh crore.

Expressing his happiness over rail budget PM Modi said, "Our efforts to comprehensively transform railways will gain even more momentum with this development oriented rail budget.

"The boost to investment outlay shows our Government's long term vision for the Railways and the Nation. It caters to all sections of society. It stands out because it is an infrastructure-led and employment generating budget," PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi further added that this year's rail budget showcases a vision to reorganise, restructure and rejuvenate Indian Railways with new processes, structures, norms and sources of revenue.

Talking about the unreserved superfast trains PM termed this shows his government's committment to serving the poor section.

"Launch of unreserved, superfast trains, Antyodaya Express & Deen Dayalu coaches illustrate our unwavering commitment to serving the poor," he tweeted.

PM also lauded the rail minister's announcement for increasing rail connectivity in the north eastern states.

PM tweeted, "Announcement to strengthen rail connectivity in Manipur & Mizoram is gladdening. Cnnectivity in Northeast is one of our core priorities."

"Rail Budget 2016's Vision 2020 will make the Indian Railways free from capacity constraints with higher train speed, punctuality and safety," he further tweeted.

Meanwhile, opposition gave a thumbs down to Suresh Prabhu's second budget.

Reacting over today's Rail Budget, former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav said Modi government has brought the railway off the track.

OneIndia News