Trade bodies and the ruling coalition in Jharkhand hailed the Railway Budget 2015-16 calling it full of new ideas and practical thoughts, while the Opposition dubbed it as a failure of the Government to get necessary resources for the railways. The budget though was largely accepted by a cross section of people in the State.
The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI) praised the budget stating that the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has focussed more on development of infrastructure rather than launching new trains.
The trade body also hailed the decision to name the trains and stations on firms so that railway gets more revenue. It has also called the initiative of using bio-toilets highly appreciable.
FJCCI president Ratan Modi said that that new promises have been given by the Railway Minister forgetting the old ones. Modi said that the MPS of Jharkhand still have an opportunity to get the State new trains.
Jharkhand Passenger Association president RK Sarawgi, Secretary Prem Kataruka and other members also welcomed the budget and said that the State of Jharkhand, which is devoid of basic infrastructure, needed this kind of budget. The association stressed on the need of completion of pending rail projects and launch on new trains when the Government considers it appropriate.
Reacting on the budget State BJP president Ravindra Rai said that this was an attempt to take the Indian Railways in a new direction with new ideas.
“For the first time ever since independence, a Government has taken good initiatives on improvement in fundamental structure ignoring populist measures. This is a new chapter in the history of railways. The step to announce new trains later as per need shows the responsiveness and wisdom of the Government at the Centre,” he said.
Former CM and senior BJP leader Arjun Munda also expressed happiness on the budget and said that the Railway Minister has given top priority to the infrastructure development, which was the need of the hour. Munda said just the announcement of new trains to lure the masses was imprudent. It was also important to see how they are running on tracks.
The Opposition parties, meanwhile came out against the budget calling it without proper vision and aimless. The Congress called it a failure of the Government to not to be able to acquire necessary investment for the railways because of which no new trains could be started and no facilities could be increased for passengers.
JPCC president Sukhdeo Bhagat said that 359 rail projects were pending in the country but the Rail Budget was silent on the issue.
“The Rail Minister has not said anything about how will they bring 2,000 passenger coaches before introducing the bullet trains. Despite allowing 100 per cent FDI in rail infrastructure no investments are coming and the ministry was not able to do anything about this. Therefore, it is a huge failure on the part of Government to increase investment and necessary facilities for the common man,” Bhagat said.
The JMM also called the Rail Budget directionless and aimless. An official press communiqué issued by the JMM stated that the Government could not do anything new even this year in the Rail Budget. The Centre wants to exploit those States that give more revenue to the Railways, it added.
The JMM also flayed the Government for accepting private parties as sponsors calling it an act of entrusting the railways to private players. It said that despite decrease in crude oil prices, no cut by the Government in the railway fair was unfortunate.