There is no shortage of money for the Railways: Piyush Goyal

There's no limitation of funds for safety works in railways and we'll spend as much as required, railway minister Piyush Goyal has said.

"Indian Railways absolutely has no shortage of funds. Unlimited budgets are available for safety related items" the minister said.

The minister's remarks come at a time when the railway has been facing embarrassment over the recent spate of train derailments and the subsequent Elphinstone foot overbridge stampede that claimed 20 lives in Mumbai.

Speaking about AC travel in suburban areas, Goyal said the railways has introduced 1 or 2 AC rakes in Mumbai, which will be increased in number gradually.

The minister in a recent meeting with general managers of all 17 rail zones had instructed field units to spend money on safety works without waiting for clearances. The general managers have been empowered to sanction works wherever the need is.