Already facing the ire of the Opposition and general public at large for a massive passenger fare hike, on the eve of Rail Budget all eyes are on Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda who has promised 3S — Safety, Security and Speed — with better passenger amenities for rail users.
Railway sources said that Gowda’s maiden budget is likely to adopt a realistic approach in announcing new trains, lines and survey in view of the cash crunch of Rs 26,000 crore.
When asked during a preview Press meet whether the NDA’s maiden Rail Budget will be pro-people, Gowda said, “Which ever Government whether BJP, Congress or Communist, it has to be a pro-people Budget.”
With the growth in passenger earnings declining, Railways is likely to spell out its strategy to earn additional revenue to reach the target in the current fiscal. While several new projects are likely to be announced, older ones running for decades and no apparently unviable is to be scrapped.
Gowda is likely to announce pilot project for introduction of automatic closing of doors in Shatabdi coaches and EMU coaches in Mumbai suburban train as safety measures for passengers to prevent accidental fall from running train. There will be provision for a few new trains including premium and services connecting various pilgrim centres in the Rail Budget 2014-15.
Gowda is also likely to come out with details of future course of action plan for having a ‘Diamond Quadrilateral’ to run high speed trains. The Budget will also reflect the views of NDA Government on Rail Tariff Authority and High Speed Rail Authority.
Though involvement of private players in big ticket projects is becoming a necessity now, the State-run transporter has to come out with win-win formula for investors in a hassle-free environment.
Tapping on alternative energy like solar power and bio-diesel is likely to featured since Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants use of non-renewable energy in rail sector so that the dependence on fuel is less.
Managing passenger service through cross-subsidy from freight earnings, railways may spell out its policy on FDI to attract foreign capital and private investment in expansion of rail infrastructure including modernisation of station and high speed train.
Former Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge had set a revenue target of Rs 1.65 lakh crore in the interim budget which includes Rs 1.06 lakh crore from goods and Rs 45,255 crore from passenger and balance from coaching and other sources.
Railways, which have sought about Rs 40,000 crore as Gross Budgetary Support is likely to keep the annual plan at about Rs 64,000 crore. In its bid to increase carrying capacity of wagons, Gowda will propose development of higher capacity milk van for National Dairy Development Board, parcel van and light weight wagon for carrying salt.
The NDA Government is likely to encourage use of innovative measures to perk up revenue and for use of latest technology to prevent mishaps while proposing installation of track side equipment to find fault such as over heating bearings, wheels and brake system and other damaged parts of rolling stock.
Introduction of on-board integrated coach monitoring and communication system in trains to display GIS-based information on real-time to the passenger about the next upcoming station, arrival and departure timings, platform and coach position among others is also likely to find mention in budget on Tuesday.