M A I N   N E W S

Railway Budget to focus on modernisation, Pvt investment 
Girja Shankar Kaura
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 7
Looking to improve the health of the Indian Railways, Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda’s maiden budget on July 8 is likely to focus on shoring up revenue besides laying stress on passenger safety, modernisation and attracting private investment.

Gowda is also expected to adopt a realistic approach in announcing new trains and lines to help the Railways bridge the fiscal gap. With the difficult decision of rail fare hike already taken, the Narendra Modi-led government’s promise of having “railway stations like airports” is likely to be given a push.

The minister is also expected to spell out a strategy to earn additional revenue to reach the target in the current fiscal.

Former Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge had set a revenue target of Rs 1.65 lakh crore in the interim budget which includes Rs 1.06 lakh crore from goods and Rs 45,255 crore from passenger and the balance from coaching and other sources.

The Railways, which has sought Rs 40,000 crore gross budgetary support, is likely to keep the annual plan at around Rs 64,000 crore.

Officials said this year’s Railway Budget could be different and is expected to have Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mark on it.

Hinting at the possibility of private investment, the Prime Minister had recently said that private parties would be ready to invest in the rail sector such as development of railway stations. The Railways is also exploring options to utilise space above platforms for commercial purpose.

The Railways may spell out its policy on the foreign direct investment (FDI) to attract foreign capital for improving infrastructure. Several measures to improve rail safety are also likely to be announced.

As a safety measure, Gowda is likely to announce pilot project for introducing automatic doors in Shatabdi and EMU coaches in Mumbai suburban trains.

The budget may focus on providing better amenities to passengers, including improved catering service.

Gowda is likely to propose installation of equipment to check overheating bearings, wheels and brake system and other damaged parts of rolling stock.

Putting Rlys on track

* The Railways may spell out its policy on FDI to improve infrastructure

* May introduce new trains and lines to help bridge the fiscal gap

* Railway Minister may announce a pilot project for introducing automatic doors in Shatabdi and EMU coaches

* Harnessing alternative energy such as solar power and bio-diesel is likely to feature in the budget.