Railway Budget 2014: 72 new trains on card, no change in fares, focus on NE

 Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge today presented the Interim Railway Budget 2014 and has proposed introduction of 72 new trains. However, there has been no change in passenger fares.
 Reaching out to the Northeast Indian region, Kharge has announced that Itanagar, capital of Arunanchal Pradesh will soon be on rail map in this financial year as Harmuti-Naharlagun line is expected to be commissioned shortly.  
 He has also said that the Railways is now on course to convert the strategically important 510 km long Rangiya – Murkongselek metre gauge line into broad gauge within this financial year.  
 The Minister has also proposed passenger rail services to Katra for the pilgrims going to Vaishno Devi.
 The Budget presented today envisages investment of Rs. 64,305 crore as against revised estimates for 2013-14 of Rs. 59,359 crore.
 Investment in Railways is being stepped up by partnership with the private sector, the Minister said. “PPP projects related to rolling stock manufacturing units, modernisation of railway stations, multi-functional complexes, logistics parks, private freight terminal, freight train operations, liberalised wagon investment schemes and Dedicated Freight Corridors are in the pipeline. Apart from attracting private investments from domestic investors in rail sector, a proposal is under consideration of the government to enable Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to foster creation of world class rail infrastructure,” he added.

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