Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070461340300.htm

New Delhi

Enthusiastic response to Railway budget from Delhiites

Staff Reporter

Sigh of relief at being spared an increase in passenger fares

NEW DELHI: The Railway Budget presented by Union Railway Minister Mamata Bannerjee on Friday evoked an enthusiastic response from Delhiites with the majority heaving a huge sigh of relief at being spared an increase in passenger fares and freight tariffs in these recession-hit times.

The amendments in the tatkal service also elicited a positive reaction from several passengers.

Greater Noida resident Avinesh Bajaj said: “With the number of advance booking days for the tatkal quota being reduced from five to two, the tatkal service would now actually be tatkal (fast). The reduction of tatkal charges from Rs.150 to 100 is also a welcome step.”

“Under the earlier system, the tatkal service had just become a money-making racket for the Railways as a sizeable number of seats were set aside for it leaving passengers hassled as they failed to get tickets even after standing in the queue for a long time,” he added.

The proposal to introduce air-conditioned double-decker coaches on inter-city routes and issue monthly passes of Rs.25 for unorganised sector employees also won nods of approval from various quarters.

IT professional Priyam Chauhan said: “The double-decker chair-car coaches is a very intelligent idea as it would double the carrying capacity of passengers and make for more comfortable travel as well as ensure better availability of tickets for short and medium distance travellers. The move to issue monthly passes for people falling in lower income segment is also worth appreciation as it would benefit hawkers and daily train commuters to a large extent.”

“Moreover the idea to develop select stations on public-private partnership basis is also a step in the right direction. People should not be too apprehensive of private investment as any investment would contribute to better rail infrastructure and ultimately benefit passengers and promote rail travel,” she added.

However, some passengers also expressed concerns about Ms. Bannerjee’s budget package.

Banker Sorabh Vohra said: “Mamta Bannerjee has tried to present a budget by the people, of the people and for the people to go in sync with her image, but we have to see whether it really works. The main concern that remains largely unaddressed is water supply and cleaning of toilets in the general compartments. Something should be done to improve it as it affects lakhs of people.”