People want more trains, greater connectivity: Former railway minister Pawan Bansal

As Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will present Narendra Modi government's first full-fledged Rail Budget in Parliament on Thursday, his predecessor and Congress leader Pawan Bansal said that people have large expectations from this budget.

New Delhi: As Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will present Narendra Modi government's first full-fledged Rail Budget in Parliament on Thursday, his predecessor and Congress leader Pawan Bansal said that people have large expectations from this budget.

While talking to ANI, Bansal said that people want more trains and greater connectivity.

“Railways is backbone of India's development. People have large expectations from the budget. They want more trains and greater connectivity,” Bansal was quoted as saying.

He further added, “Bullet train is an iconic project and it is not something which is absolutely important, as cost will be too high. We can first emphasize on running semi high speed trains. Emphasize should be laid on signaling, so existing lines can be used for running more trains. There is a need of dedicated freight corridors.”  

While speaking to media, Prabhu said best efforts are being made to fulfil people's aspiration in the NDA government's first full-fledged Rail Budget.

"We have tried our best to fulfil people's aspirations and expectation (in the budget) despite the fact that railways is passing through hard times," Prabhu was quoted as saying by PTI while giving finishing touch to the Rail Budget.

Prabhu had maintained earlier that before increasing the fares, there should be improvement in passenger amenities.

(With Agency inputs)

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