Citing the deal with state-owned Life Insurance Corp, Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu said plans were afoot to partner with other units to boost railway infrastructure.
The introduction of train sets similar to bullet trains will also reduce travel time leading to a smoother travel experience.
The massive jump in allocation for electrification has huge cost-saving implications as electric traction is 40 per cent cheaper than diesel traction.
Comprehensive trials of the proposed air-conditioned coaches for Mumbai's crowded suburban sections are underway since the past couple of years, and the announcement was welcomed by most commuters.
While it is welcome that no new trains were announced, it is disappointing, that a rather reckless approach has been taken on investments on the basis of borrowed funds.
In his Budget speech in Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said advance reservation period has been extended from 60 days at present to 120 days to check the rising menace of touts. Highlights of Railway Budget
There are many other spheres where Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu started with noble intentions, but restrained himself to make a lasting impression.
Stocks of companies like Texmaco Rail and Engineering, Container Corporation of India, Kalindee Rail Nirman (Engineers), Stone India and Cimmco ended the day's trade in the red.
Engineering exporters body EEPC India Chairman Anupam Shah said the Rail Budget would improve ease of doing business and improve connectivity of the manufacturing units with the ports and air connectivity.
The Railway minister said the government is working on a five-year plan to transform Railways and its focus is to make Railways financially independent. Railway Budget highlights
He said the ministry wants to make "Swachh Rail" the driving force behind the government's flagship "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" or Clean India campaign. Railway Budget highlights
At present, due to the over-utilised line capacity and backlog in track renewals, there are speed restrictions which lead to delay in running more number of trains. Highlights of Railway Budget
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said he would raise funds from multi-lateral lenders, infrastructure and pension funds, as well as "monetizing" railway assets. Highlights of Railway Budget
Presenting his maiden Railway Budget 2015-16 in Parliament, Prabhu also announced a dedicated toll-free number, 182, for receiving any security-related complaints.
Presenting the Budget in the Lok Sabha, he said the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi has been approached for designing bed linen.
"Depending on the response from our customers, the facility will be extended to cover more trains," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said in his Budget speech.
While presenting Rail Budget for FY16, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said fast tracking would be the highest priority of the government.
Besides, the other financial firm under Indian Railway Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) plans to raise Rs 379 crore through market borrowing.
"The government has raised the planned outlay for the next financial year that begins in April by 52 per cent to Rs 1.1 trillion", Suresh Prabhu said on Thursday.
The increased speed will involve upgradation of track, improve rolling stock to higher standards and adopting improved methods of track recording and maintenance.
The Rail Budget promises nine more high-speed trains, faster speed of existing trains, Wi-Fi in 400 stations and user-friendly ladders to mount upper berths.





