(Image source from: Highlights of Rail Budget 2014})
Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda presented the first railway budget of NDA government before parliament. He announced a slew of reform measures to bring Indian Railways at par with the developed world. With a view to counter the raised rail fare, Gowda's budget included passenger-friendly measures along with a proposal for Bullet trains to be introduced in India.
We bring the highlights of the railway budget 2014, affecting the common man:
1. Narendra Modi government proposed 58 new trains for the country. The railway minister announced the high-speed bullet trains to be introduced in the country, starting off with the Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector.
2. Mr Gowda announced a 40 per cent hike in the budget for cleanliness in railway coaches and platforms. Stations will be provided with CCTVs to monitor cleanliness. Introducion of third party inspections was announced. Cleaning at 50 major stations will be outsourced.
3. Passengers can order food by SMS and phone. The budget also proposed introduction of food courts at major stations.
4. The rail budget promised better food for passengers during train journeys. Proposal to introduce cooked, ready-to-eat meals of reputed brands to be served on trains was made. Vendors serving poor quality food will be penalised.
5. Women's safety will be given top priority during their train journey. Around 4,000 women RPF constables will be posted on ladies coach. Women travelling alone can be assured of safety by travelling in ladies coach that would be escorted by women constables.
6. The existing system of reservation will be revamped. Railway ticket-booking can be done through mobile phones and post offices as well.
7. E-ticketing capacity will be enhanced to 7,200 tickets per minute. At present e-ticketing allows 2,000 tickets per minute. The enhanced capacity will allow 120,000 users to simultaneously book railway tickets online.
8. Wi-Fi and workstation facilities will be provided on select trains catering to the concept of "Office-on-Wheels".
9. The country's top 10 stations will be revamped to give an airport-like look and feel.
10. Passengers will be sent an SMS wake-up call.
(AW: Pratima Tigga)
