Rail Budget 2009-10

Unveiling a mix of populist measures, including cheap tickets for the poor and no hike in ticket prices and freight charges, the rail budget clearly reflects the government’s focus on ‘inclusive growth’.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the launch of 12 non-stop point-to-point long-distance trains and air-conditioned double-decker coaches for inter-city travel.

Her proposals included introduction of 57 new train services, extension of 27 new trains and hike in frequency of 13 trains and making 'Tatkal' scheme more user-friendly by reducing the advance booking period from five days to two days and minimum charge from Rs 150 to Rs 100.

In the news

India Inc cheers Rail Budget
Ashutosh Sinha
Mamata Banerjee's grand expansion and modernisation plans could turn out to be a big bonanza for India Inc. From upgrading the stations to expanding rail network to running the 57 new trains, all are opportunities that the industry has been waiting for.

Mamata's call for aam aadmi
Mamata Banerjee's gravy train has started rolling and in a please all budget, there are quite a lot of ‘aam aadmi’ schemes and a clear focus on West Bengal.While this may keep many of her voters happy, railways finances may come under severe stress.

Where is the rail-road battle headed?
Oineetom Ojah
It has been a long drawn tussle between the railways and the road sector over freight rates and movement of goods. So, where is the battle headed to now with new faces heading both the ministries?

No change in rail fares, freight rates
There has been no change in passenger fares or freight rates in the rail budget. Presenting her third Rail Budget, Mamata Banerjee said that there is a need to have social view on rail projects.

Better representation for minorities in railway jobs
Minorities, women and economically backward class can now look forward to "better representation" in railway jobs with Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announcing to develop a new scheme for them.

BJP slams rail budget; Cong says it is pro people
BJP on Friday slammed the railway budget saying that it had been prepared in haste and failed to provide the needed impetus even as Congress described it as pro people and a reflection of the policies of the UPA government.

Mamata launches Rs 25 monthly season ticket in ‘Izzat’ scheme
A new scheme – ‘Izzat' – was unveiled on Friday by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for the workers in the unorganised sector who can now travel upto 100 kms with a monthly season ticket of Rs 25.

Industry players on Railway Budget
Many rail infrastructure players gave a positive reaction to the Rail Budget presented today. Arvind Gemini, Director, Kalindee Rail Nirman Engineers, said the proposal for doubling 12 lines and 1300 km of gauge conversion would boost orders for the company.

Low-cost 'Yuva Trains' for major cities
With youth being the flavour of the season, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today introduced low-cost, air-conditioned 'Yuva Trains' dedicated to the generation next.

Rail budget will make train journey enjoyable: PM
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday hailed Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for doing a "competent job" at a short notice, saying the Railway Budget will make train travel an "enjoyable experience".

Stocks that would benefit from Rail Budget
Presenting her third Rail Budget, Mamata Banerjee said that there is a need to have social view on rail projects. Here are few sectors that would benefit from the announcements made in the Rail Budget.

Rail Budget poll

Q.Should fares be hiked a little to improve passenger amenities?

		Yes, but the hike should only be a little
		No, steps should be taken to generate more revenues from other sources
		Not sure that the amenities would be improved even after a fare hike

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Highlights

	Passenger rates and freight rates remain unchanged
	To introduce no stop train services between select cities
	'Izzat' Scheme : Fare of Rs 25 for travel up to 100 km for poor
	'Izzat' Scheme for those earning upto Rs 1500/month
	To set up panel on financing of unviable rail projects
	To develop 50 world class stations via PPP
	Priority is to focus on passenger safety, security
	Economic viability of projects is not the key concern
	To set up multi-functional complexes at 50 stations
	Automatic train information systems in major cities
	Infotainment services on long distance trains
	To set up 1000 MW power plant in alliance with NTPC
	To set up new coach unit with 500 coaches/yr via PPP mode
	Railways loaded 833 mt cargo in FY'09
	To use railway land bank for industrial purpose

	To put railway land bank to productive use
	Railways will set up cold storages cargoes
	To encourage private operation of freight terminals
	Govt has approved extension of eastern corridor up to Dankuni
	To acquire 18,000 wagons in FY'10 vs 11000 wagons in FY'09
	To form expert committee for optic fibre cable network
	To encourage cold storage facilities for farmers
	To start premium service for container movement
	Indian railways to take over wagon units of 2 state cos
	To form expert committee for optic fibre cable network
	Indian railways to take over burn standard, braithwaite
	Railway recruitment policy to be reviewed
	To open nursing schools, hospitals on rail land via PPP
	Integrated security scheme for 140 vulnerable railway stations
	Can buy computerised tickets from 5000 post offices

	Delhi Mumbai freight corridor to be executed through public private partnership
	Railways to set up cold storages for cargo
	Freight traffic target at 882 mt for FY'10
	50% concession for accredited journalists, spouse
	New point to point train services to be announced
	Yuva trains at Rs 299 for distance up to rs 1500 km