Rail Budget 2015: No New Trains Announced By Suresh Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in his first Rail Budget announced a record investment plan of over Rs 1 lakh crore in 2015-16 while sparing the passengers of a fare hike. The chartered accountant-turned politician also proposed a number of steps to increase passenger amenities. (Read the full speech). Highlights of Mr Prabhu's Speech. No increase in passenger fares No new trains announced Tickets can be booked 120 days in advance instead of 60 days to tackle tout menace Outlay for passenger amenities increased by 67% Plan expenditure to go up to a record Rs 1 lakh crore in 2015-16 from an estimated Rs 61,500 crore in 2014-15. Central government outlay likely at 41 per cent (Rs.45,100 crore) in 2015-16 We will introduce train sets saving 20% of journey time, similar to bullet trains in design, and that can run on existing tracks The speed passenger trains across nine corridors will be increased to 160-200 km from 110 km SMS alert to be introduced for train timings To introduce air-conditioned coaches for suburban trains Wi-Fi to be available at 400 railway stations To revamp station redevelopment policy completely To have bidding system for redevelopment of stations To develop 10 satellite railway stations this year 800 km of gauge conversion will be commissioned E-catering introduced in 108 trains, can order on IRCTC website To expand water vending machines on more stations On-board entertainment facility could be extended on Shatabdi trains Mobile charging stations will be introduced general class coaches More general class coaches will be added to select trains for benefit of the common man Railways plans to spend over Rs 8 lakh crore over five years Pension funds, multi-lateral banks have evinced interest in Railways Proposed the best operating ratio in nine years, of 88.5 per cent for 2015-16 Railways to go through transformation in five years; to increase track capacity by 10 per cent to 1.38 lakh kilometres Feasibility report of high speed train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad expected by mid-2015 Wagon-making scheme to be reviewed to make it easier for private investment To improve cleanliness & design of bed linen All India 24x7 grievances helpline 138 to start soon 7,000 more toilets to be replaced by Bio-Toilets, New toilets at 650 stations, more vacuum toilets Passenger travelling unreserved can procure a ticket within 5 minutes Mobile application to address complaints of people is also being developed Introduction of integrated ticketing will be done Hand-held devices for ticket checkers for moving towards paperless ticketing Centrally managed railway display network in over 2000 stations in next 2 years Railways will play a big role in socio-economic development of the country Railways carry a big burden of expectations Investments in railways will have multiplier effect Railways facilities have not improved significantly over last few years The cycle of under-investment should end Railways has to regain in share in freight traffic Railways aims to deliver a sustainable improvement in customer experience and make rail a safer means of travel Objective is to make Railways self-sustainable Rail-cum-road ticket to be extended to many stations We are committed to provide rail connectivity to North Eastern states Transport Logistic Corporation of India to be set up to aid expanding freight handling capacity and provide end-to-end logistic solutions PPP model will help to augment resources and generate more employment 6608 kms of track to be electrified Projects worth Rs 96,182 crore to expand capacity of 9,420 km rail lines CCTVs to be introduced in select trains and suburban trains for women safety Train Protection Warning System, Train Collision Avoidance System Projects for rail connectivity to many ports and mines To monetize assets rather than sell them To set up full-fledged Railway University in FY16 Rs.2000 crore for Coastal Connectivity Program; Rs.2500 crore through BOT/Annuity route Drawing up comprehensive policy to tap latent advertising potential Online application for all recruitment process To impart soft skills to our staff we intend to impart regular training 917 safety work projects to eliminate over 3,000 unmanned crossings in all states PPP cell to be revamped to make it result oriented Railways can't function as business as usual mode To set up infra fund, JV with IRFC for long-term funding

Rail Budget 2015: No New Trains Announced By Suresh Prabhu

NDTV Profit

NDTV Profit

Follow Us

DISCOVER US FASTER

DOWNLOAD THE APP