As per latest reports, the Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal has just started the presentation of the Rail Budget 2013-14 in Parliament.
Further, Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal is the first Congress minister in 17 years to present the Rail Budget.
Cash-strapped Railways had effected an across the board 21 percent passenger fare hike in January this year, aiming to mop up an additional revenue of Rs 6,600 crore.
Here are the Highlights of the Rail Budget 2013-14:
Pawan Kumar Bansal begins presenting
Bansal thanks PM and Sonia
Bansal pays homage to Rajiv Gandhi
Indian Railways is a vital organisation playing a role in the country
Railways creating opportunities
Overwhelmed by demands for new projects, new trains
Demands reflect aspirations of the country
First Budget by a Congress leader in 17 years
4 months since taking over Ministry
Development of India linked to that of Railways
Need for Railways to be financially sustainable
Faced with steep escalation of input costs
Major segments of biz to be based on sound economic principles
Steep increase in input costs was adjusted by increase in freight rates
Safety, user amenities suffered due to lack of funds
Losses on passenger services increased from Rs 4955 cr in 2001 to Rs 22500 cr in 2011-12 and it is expected to be Rs 24600 cr in 2012-13.
Met targets in new lines and electrification in 11th plan
Failed to meet target on doubling lined
Need to expand at much faster pace
Railways Rs 5.19 lak cr
Gross Budgetary support at Rs 1.94 lakh cr
Revenue from internal source at Rs 1.05 lakh cr
Many projects that will help to desaturate railways are not being done in a time-bound manner
Pained by Allahabad railway station tragedy
Railways passengers deserve safe and comfortable travel
There has been an significant reduction in incidence of rail accidents
Number of consequential rail accident per 100 rail kilometres has gone from 0.41 in 2003 to .3 in 2011-12
40% accident and 60% causalities are at level crossings
Rs 5000 cr required from central rail funds
Many projects that will help to desaturate railways are not being done in a time-bound manner
Pained by Allahabad railway station tragedy
Railways passengers deserve safe and comfortable travel
There has been an significant reduction in incidence of rail accidents
Number of consequential rail accident per 100 rail kilometres has gone from 0.41 in 2003 to .3 in 2011-12
40% accident and 60% causalities are at level crossings
Rs 5000 cr required from central rail funds
Estimated losses at Rs 25000 cr
Regret Kumbh tragedy at Allahabad
Significant reduction of train accident
Strive towards zero accident target
SAFETY Measures
TCAS to be put into rigorous trails
Upgradtion of track structure using 60 kg rails in 260 long rails
Several projects are not getting enough funding: Bansal
Fast accident relief trains
induction of more LHB coaches
Source: Zeebiz Bureau
