PM Narendra Modi hails Rail Budget 2016, says it will play key role in India's rejuvenation

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday heaped praise on Railway Budget 2016-17 and congratulated Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

Stating that budget lays emphasis on investment and information technology, the PM said it will play a key role in the country's rejuvenation.

The Budget shows the government`s commitment to welfare of poorer sections of society, added Modi.

The Prime Minister said this year`s Rail Budget builds on the budget presented by Prabhu last year. 

He said that the Budget caters to all sections of society. "It stands out because it is infrastructure-led and employment generating budget," added the PM. 

"In the last year we have seen a lot of success and this budget is an effort to further improve on this," the Prime Minister said. 

"Along with IT, investment has been given importance," he added. 

The Railway Budget for 2016-17 today spared passengers and goods movement from any increase in tariffs while it announced introduction of three new superfast trains and creation of dedicated north-south, east-west and east coast freight corridors by 2019.

The PM noted the introduction of superfast 'Antyodya' express service for improving quality of travel for unreserved passenger and two to four 'Deen Dayalu' unreserved coaches for the poor. It reflects the "government`s commitment to the welfare of the poor". 

Prabhu, presenting the budget in the Lok Sabha, proposed to introduce the Antyodaya Express, a long-distance, fully unreserved, superfast train service, for the common man to be operated on dense routes.

He also said that two to four Deen Dayalu coaches will be added to some long-distance trains for unreserved travel to enhance the carrying capacity. 

(With Agency inputs)