Through this Budget, I am committed to initiatives that will bring satisfaction to the travelling public, says Mamata Banerjee, Union Railways Minister.
Stocks on the right track:
- BEML: The coach manufacturer will gain because the railways has farmed out orders to meet the growing demand of wagons and EMU coaches.
- TITAGARH WAGONS: As part of the move under its public-private partnership initiative, the Railway Board is shortly expected to invite fresh tenders for supplying 21 rakes, wherein the Titagarh Wagons is expected to gain.
- STONE INDIA: The company engaged in manufacturing equipment like alternators, air brakes and brake regulators for railways will get business from replacement of old wagons.
- KALINDEE RAIL NIRMAN: The huge investment earmarked by the railways for the freight corridor project will benefit this company.
- TEXMACO: The company got the largest rolling stock orders from the Indian Railways in 2008-9.
Performance (in figures)
Besides economic viability, the minister wants the railways to look at ‘social viability’ too:
- Rs 88,419 cr is the estimated amount of Gross Traffic Receipts.
- Rs 79,862 cr is the revenue from rail traffic.
- Rs 17,400 cr is cash surplus generated before dividend.
- Rs 4,717 cr is the dividend liability paid to the government.
- Rs 12,681 cr is the total investible surplus generated.
- Rs 36,336 cr is the annual plan expenditure.
Passenger benefits:
- TATKAL TICKETS to be cheaper and will be a percent of the fare, subject to a minimum of Rs 100, down from Rs 150. The scheme will be reduced from the current five days to two.
- SMS UPDATES will be made available to passengers to check train and reservation status.
- E-TICKET cancellation system to be simplified.
- STUDENTS to get 60% concession on tickets.
- INFOTAINMENT services to be provided on major long-distance trains.
- ATMS on 200 mid- and small-sized stations.
- RESERVED TICKETS to be sold at 5,000 post offices across the country.
- AUTOMATIC VENDING MACHINES to be installed at 200 large and small stations.
- SUPERFAST PARCEL EXPRESS TRAINS to be started on a pilot basis on Delhi-Chennai and Delhi -Mumbai routes.
- DOCTORS on longdistance trains may soon be a possibility.
