Mamata offers a slew of sops
The Railway Budget for 2011-2012 has offered a slew of concessions to a variety of people, ranging from media to physically handicapped, to senior citizens, to women and armed forces personnel and their parents.
Populist budget is on expected lines
It was a populist budget that was on expected lines. No hike in passenger fares and no increase in freight rates despite the poor financial condition of the Railways, thanks in particular to the burden of the Sixth Pay Commission. Passenger fares have not been increased now for the eighth year running.
56 new express trains announced
Railway minister Mamata Banerjee announced 56 new express trains in the Railway Budget 2011-12. Apart from these express trains, several other new trains, such as nine Duranto trains, two double-decker AC trains and three Shatabdi trains — were also announced .
Rail budget speech
Commuters watch the live telecast of railway minister Mamata Banerjee’s Rail budget speech on a screen in in Kolkata on Friday. Photo: PTI
Eyes fixed on poll, Mamata goes all out to woo Bengal
The Indian Railways may not be riding the gravy train given its own precarious financial position, but the people of West Bengal certainly were as Ms Mamata Banerjee presented her third and perhaps last Railway Budget in Parliament on Friday.
56 new expresses, 9 Durontos on anvil
Railway minister Mamata Banerjee announced 56 new express trains in Railway Budget 2011-12. Apart from these express trains several other new trains, like nine Duranto trains, two double-decker AC trains and three Shatabdi trains were also announced.
Poll stunt, jugglery of figures, says Opp.
Praising the Railway Budget on Friday as a “common man’s budget”, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the budget will help to “weaken the cost crucial element of inflationary expectations”. The main Opposition BJP, however, termed it as an “election manifesto” for West Bengal Assembly polls which has “ignored” the rest of the country. The party demanded a performance budget by the government on performance level of the earlier projects “promised” by the ministry.
Creative budget in development direction: Mamata
Branding this year’s Rail Budget as “election Budget” is in fact a validation of it being a good budget even by her political detractors. That’s what railway minister Mamata Banerjee feels.
Modernisation of rail on anvil, factories to be set up
Railway minister Mamata Banerjee would like to modernise the railways. She would also like to improve the availability of rolling stock. So on Friday, she announced that the railways would be setting up “rail-based industries” in the country.
2 extra trains for trouble-free states
In order to ensure the safety and security of trains and passengers, railway minister Mamata Banerjee, in her Budget, has offered two new trains and two new projects as a special package for states that ensure trouble-free train running for a whole year. An All-India security helpline has also been set up to facilitate passengers security and is all set to become operational this year.