NEW DELHI, Feb 26: Hailing the Rail Budget as “futuristic” and “passenger-centric”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said it touches all aspects of development and lays out a clear roadmap to make the national transporter the key driver of the country’s economic growth.
He said the budget is a watershed moment for the railways, marking a paradigm shift from mere announcement of number of trains to a comprehensive railway reform.
Modi highlighted that without raising the passenger fare, the government has earmarked Rs 8 lakh crore for development and modernisation of the railways.
“RailBudget2015 is a forward looking, futuristic & passenger-centric budget, combining a clear vision & a definite plan to achieve it,” Modi tweeted.
“I am particularly delighted that for the 1st time there is a concrete vision for technology upgradation & modernisation of the Railways,” he said in another tweet.
“Rail Budget lays out a clear roadmap to make the Railways the key driver of India’s economic growth & playing a key role in India’s progress,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the budget stands out for its focus on the common man, putting speed, scale, service and safety, all on one track.
“All aspects of development have been covered,” Modi said later in a televised reaction.
He said the budget provides for value and “respect” to common people’s money as it will be utilised properly.
“The budget envisages increase in speed of trains, technology upgradation and new initiatives for overall development of the railways,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi referred to the provisions like security of women
and good food and said thrust has been laid on providing an environment of comfort and all kinds of facilities.
“For the first time, the Railway Minister has earmarked Rs 8 lakh crore without raising the passenger fare,” the Prime Minister said, adding the exercise is unparalleled in the annals of Indian Railways.
He said the Railway Minister has not stopped at just setting up a helpline and giving passenger amenities but has also focussed on how to create world-class railway stations with 20-storey building with all amneties.
Modi also talked about the yearning among the youth for employment in the railways and said the process for it lacks transparency.
The budget is an important step towards putting in place a corruption-free system, he added. (PTI)
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