Rail Budget 2014 signals Modi govt's aspirations for higher growth: Gowda

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda, who presented the maiden Railway Budget 2014 of the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, described it as a growth-oriented one.

While presenting the rail budget, the Railway Minister also announced a slew of measures for giving passenger friendly services.

Stating that Indian Railways is the engine of development and plays an important role in building a dynamic India, Gowda said that the Railway Budget 2014 signals the Narendra Modi government's aspiration for a higher growth.

“The Rail Budget will give impetus on security, catering and cleanliness,” Gowda said in his press conference shortly after presenting the Railway Budget in the morning.

Gowda announced that the railways will provide ready-to-eat meals to ensure the quality of food. The Railways will also outsource cleaning activities at 50 major stations, he said, adding that bio-toilets will also be increased on the trains.

“Salt wagons will also be introduced soon,” Gowda said.

Stating that the scope of online booking will also be extended, the Railway Minister said, “E-ticketing will be improved and there will be an increase in the speed of the trains.”

Semi-bullet trains have also been proposed in this Rail Budget.

The government has tried to address key issues and problems. which are faced by the passengers. Railways has always been on PM Modi's priority list, he added.

“The government has decided to have more private players, except in ops,” Gowda said.

In his speech, Gowda also stressed that “special focus will be given to financial management system.”

Promising to ensure better rail connectivity in the country, Gowda said, "The government needs Rs 9 lakh crore for funding Diamond Quadrilateral."