Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Railway budget

The railway budget can be termed people-friendly as it satisfies all sections of society in terms of fares. Why announce 55 new trains when some of those promised last year are yet to see the light of day. Also, a step-motherly treatment towards the southern States is evident in the announcement of new trains.

G. Gulam Tariq,
Kurnool, A.P.

Fifty-five new trains? As it is, the tracks are over-crowded with trains, as a result of which they are not able to run on time. Food courts in stations and better coach interiors will be meaningful only if care is taken to keep the toilets clean.

N. Radha Krishnan,
Chennai

The Rail India cartoon (Feb. 25) says it all. The budget is an attempt to start a fare war with low-cost airlines. The proposal to install ATMs and cybercafes at major stations is in tune with modern lifestyle requirements and deserves praise.

A. Jainulabdeen,
Chennai

The dropping of upper class fares will hit low cost airlines in short sector routes. But the real competition for the Railways in this segment will be from the AC Volvo bus services, which are faster, economical, and as comfortable as an AC Chair Car. Low-cost airlines will continue to see increasing passenger traffic in mid- and long-distance travel. With time becoming a critical determinant, the first choice will be a two-hour air journey compared to an 18-hour rail journey despite a difference in the fares.

Wg. Cdr. Raju Srinivasan,
Coimbatore

While Railway Minister Lalu Prasad deserves to be congratulated on his decision to reduce first and second-class AC fares for attracting passengers from air to rail, there are other areas that need attention.

Most of the railway stations, even the big ones, are extremely ill maintained. Sleeper class passengers in long-distance trains are constantly badgered by beggars and unauthorised vendors during daytime.

Toilets on the trains are not cleaned and the stench emanating from them pervades the entire coach. The maintenance of the coaches is shoddy; windows do not close properly and the taps in the toilets are difficult to operate.

The top brass should not think of only AC class passengers as worthy of concern and consideration.

S. Gurumurthy,
Chennai

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