With an eye on Tripura polls next year, Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi is likely to make a special mention of the need for improving connectivity in North-East.
Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi's announcement is part of the promise made in last year's Railway Budget presented by his party boss Mamata Banerjee.
As many as 79 foundations have been laid by Eastern Railways alone at a cost of over Rs 5 crore but the projects were yet to be implemented, the CPI-M contended.
There should have been a general euphoria in West Bengal, and especially Kolkata, on Friday, when Mamata Banerjee presented the railway budget.
Railways are unlikely to carry out any major changes in passenger fares in the Rail Budget for the eighth year in succession, even as more than 100 new trains could be announced, including a dozen non-stop Durontos.
The department has not had the benefit of a leader with a vision to address the basic issues - passenger safety, amenities and infrastructure development.
While Lok Sabha passed the supplementary demands of Rs 1,024.61 crore for railways, Rajya Sabha passed the Supplementary Demands (General) for Rs 45,000 crore.
If the current revenue figures are any indication, Railways could just about miss their target for the present fiscal ahead of the coming Rail Budget.
Cash-strapped Railways is optimistic about achieving its earnings target in view of appreciable freight loadings in fertiliser, foodgrains and parcels besides increased earnings from advertising.
Railway Board sources said general managers of 16 zones will meet on Friday to chalk out the blueprint for the Budget. The conference got delayed due to Gujjar agitation.
In a first-of-its-kind project, the Railways will soon set up their own industrial park to manufacture various components for rail operation.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday urged Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for a speedy completion of railway projects in Bihar





