India’s Minister of Railways Sadanand Gowda unveiled the maiden rail budget of the Narendra Modi government on the July 8, 2014. Here are some highlights:
- Target to become the largest freight carrier in the world
- Focus on project completion rather than project announcements
- Future projects to be financed through PPP
- Work on high speed network will be started
- Railways to become more passenger friendly
- Foot over bridge, escalators and toilets to be built on all stations
- Ready-to-eat meals to be introduced in phased manners
- CCTVs to monitor cleanliness of stations
- RO drinking water facilities to be installed at stations,
- Online booking of railway waiting rooms
- The recent fare and tariff hike to generate additional revenue of about Rs 8000 crore:
- 17,000 RPF constables to provide safety to passengers
- 4,000 women constables to be recruited to ensure safety of women
- Special trains for pilgrims circuits
- Special train to promote life and teachings of Swami Vivekananda
- Capacity for ticket bookings through e-booking to be enhanced
- E-ticketing to improve to 7200 tickets/minute; 1,20,000 user can log in simultaneously
- Passenger centric focus will be given for urban transport
- Mumbai to get more EMUs
- Around 58 trains announced
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