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The Narendra Modi-led BJP government’s first full year Rail Budget is likely to focus less on populist measures and more on attracting investment, modernisation of trains as well as transparency in railway systems. Here’s what we will be looking for: Splurge on rail infra likely thanks to cheaper oil According to a Reuters report, India’s decrepit state-run train services stand to receive at least a 25 percent boost in investment to over $9 billion, funded solely by falling fuel costs. According to officials, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has factored in savings from cheaper diesel totalling between Rs 12000-15000 crore ($1.9 billion-$2.4 billion) in the 2015/16 fiscal year, starting on 1 April. The fall in diesel prices and a pick-up in freight earnings has given the Modi government a golden chance to raise investments. [caption id=“attachment_2122713” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Prabhu will be presenting his first Rail Budget today. PTI image[/caption] No reduction of fares, focus likely to be on FDI and joint ventures Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha had earlier ruled out a reduction in fares in the context of lowering of diesel rates but Prabhu is expected to make a tight rope walk as he tries to bridge the huge gap in finances. This means that Prabhu will rely on higher support from the Union Budget as well as joint ventures with private sector players to put the railways back on track. Sources told CNN IBN that the government is keen on Public Private Partnerships to raise money. NGOs and corporate sectors can advertise on the coaches of railways to generate more revenue. Prior to the 2013 rail budget, fares had not been increased for a decade but even then former railways minister Dinesh Trivedi was forced to roll back the across-the-board hike in second and sleeper class categories. However, in the first Rail Budget presented by the Modi government last year, fares were increased by 14.2 percent and freight by 6.5 percent. “Prabhu is likely to unravel his grand plans of how to decrease the cross-subsidy for passenger service from freight earnings which is touching Rs 24,000 crore and the steps to increase goods transportation share in the national transporter with or without hiking fares,” Financial Express reported today. Cess for cleanliness a possibility, fares for Tatkal maybe hiked And while a fare hike is unlikely across the board since passenger growth has been negative in the last year, a cess for cleanliness cannot be ruled out. According to a report in Economic Times, minor adjustments in fares of tatkals and premium special trains that run on dynamic pricing cannot be ruled out. New trains unlikely Given the funds constraints, Prabhu is likely to go slow in announcing new trains and projects in the budget and funds allocation will be made only for those projects including new lines which are strategically crucial, doubling and route electrification which are nearing completion. It has been a popular practice of the Railways to announce launching of about 150 to 180 new trains in its budget every year. About 160 trains were announced last year. But Prabhu may just take a different approach by not announcing too many new trains in his maiden budget speech and instead do it gradually over the course of the year. As the railway minister has stressed on improvement in passenger amenities before increasing fares, there will be a series of measures including utilisation of CSR funds to improve amenities at rail premises. Cleanliness of stations and bio-toilets a priority Prabhu might also focus on aspects related to passenger satisfaction which include cleanliness, catering, linen, ease of access to booking information and tickets. 59,000 coaches are likely to be converted into vacuum toilets, a technology that’s available in air planes. In line with the ‘Swachh Bharat’ campaign, Rail Budget is likely to give special attention on cleanliness exercise and a slew of measures like provision for dustbins in all coaches besides proposal to cover 100 more trains under ‘On Board Housekeeping Services’ Bullet trains and AC rakes Keeping with the NDA government’s bullet train promise, Prabhu could announce the way forward for the ambitious high-speed train project between Mumbai-Ahmedabad and survey programmes for the proposed diamond quadrilateral route. The budget could also announce the much-awaited plan to procure 20 train sets for operating on the Rajdhani and Shatabdi routes to reduce travel time.The budget is likely announce plans for manufacturing coaches to run at a 200 km per hour speed at its Chennai facility in keeping with the Modi government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Introduction of AC rakes in the inter-city services to make the journey more comfortable will also be proposed in the Rail Budget 2015-16. Customer satisfaction will be a focus area of this year’s Rail Budget as a series of steps including air-conditioning of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains for inter-city services and noise reduction in diesel locomotive cabs are likely to be proposed, the sources said. Make In India for Railways too Manufacturing of many locomotive components like crank shafts, alternators and forged wheels will also be proposed to be undertaken indigenously instead of importing these parts from outside as part of ‘Make in India’ campaign. Since many premium trains with higher fares have been introduced to boost revenue collection, the railways will undertake an exercise for upgrading of coach interiors including redesigning user-friendly toilets.National Institute of Design (NID) is likely to be roped in for redesigning the interiors of coaches. Making Railways disabled-friendly Prabhu, in his bid to make the railways disabled-friendly, is likely to make a proposal to provide for Braille signs in all new coaches to facilitate vision-impaired passengers. IT and Wifi The budget is expected to propose extensive use of IT systems in everything from the management of rolling stock to the development of Apps for passengers and provision for WiFi on rail premises. Green initiatives Use of solar energy in a big way, launching of waste-to-energy project and proliferation of CNG in train operations are some of the green initiatives likely to be announced in the Rail Budget this time. Besides an elaborate exercise of water conservation including setting up of water recycling plants will also be announced by Prabhu in his budget address on 26 February. Security To ensure safety and security, a proposal to install CCTVs in coaches and on stations is likely to be presented. Branding of trains There might also be a proposal to brand some of the trains in a move to generate additional funds. As per the proposal, these trains will carry advertisements of some popular brands and may even be named on them such as the Coca Cola Express or Haldiram Express. The Rail Budget is also likely to have proposal for more unreserved trains with general second class coaches such as the ‘Jan Sadharan Express’ on popular routes to facilitate travel for the common man. Besides some popular destinations will be connected with new service as tourist trains. Trains for Bihar, a political move considering the upcoming Assembly elections, and the northeast are also likely to be announced. Attempts are being made to maintain a regional balance while announcing new trains for states including Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bengal and Gujarat.
Rail Budget 2015 Live: Prabhu late for Talkathon, aam janta getting impatient
We track the latest developments as Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu presents his first Railway Budget.
 "Rail Budget 2015 Live: Prabhu late for Talkathon, aam janta getting impatient")
Ever wondered how the Railway Budget was separated from the Union budget?
Did you know this fact about the Railway Budget? #Railway Budget 2015 #PrabhuKiRail pic.twitter.com/8QX6LSrW7X
— HISTORY TV18 (@HISTORYTV18) February 26, 2015
While Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has arguably received praise from almost all quarters, you can be assured that at 9 pm tonight, the Arnab Express will demand answers from Prabhu… answers that the nation wants to know.
Arnab express #RailBudget2015#CelebTrains#PrabhuKiRail pic.twitter.com/tvF7RnF9z7
— CMAGSDang (@dangGS3010) February 26, 2015
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is late by 30 minutes for the Talkathon which was scheduled at 5:15 pm this evening and the aam janata is defintely getting impatient.
What the PM thought about Rail Budget 2015
#RailBudget2015 stands out for its focus on the common man, putting speed, scale, service & safety, all on one track.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2015
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
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2015
I am particularly delighted that for the 1st time there is a concrete vision for technology upgradation & modernisation of the Railways.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2015
#RailBudget2015 is a watershed moment for Railways,marking a paradigm shift from discussing coaches & trains to comprehensive railway reform
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2015
#RailBudget2015 is a forward looking, futuristic & passenger centric budget, combining a clear vision & a definite plan to achieve it.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 26, 2015
Didn’t want to announce new trains in railway budget, says Prabhu post-Budget
I didn’t announce new trains in budget since that can be done at any time, Prabhu said in a post-budget interview on DD News.
“The railway budget should be a policy statement and should serve as a guide,” he said.
Mayawati says lovely budget but what about last year’s promises?
The BSP chief is the first to oppose the Railway Budget saying that the government hasn’t fulfilled 50 percent of the promises made in the last rail budget.
She also accused the railways of attempting to privatise the railways by roping in private players for various projects.
Yoga centre for rail employees. Ha ha ha #RailBudget2015
— sindhu bhattacharya (@sinjain) February 26, 2015
Will turn the railways around, promises Prabhu
Prabhu quotes no poet but chooses Swami Vivekananda instead and said that he would definitely turn the railways around.
And with that he’s done. No numbers or new trains announced in Parliament, they’re all in annexures. Perhaps one of the most concise and tech-heavy speeches so far.
The opposition, not surprisingly, isn’t very happy and is raising a bit of a ruckus.
Plan to train autorickshaw, taxi drivers as tourist guides
The railways will work on training autorickshaw and taxi drivers as tourist guides since they are the first point of contact for most passengers, Prabhu said
He also said the railways would also allow travel agencies can soon rent entire coaches to tourist destinations
Yoga for Railway Police, focus to be on solar power, says Prabhu
Yoga training for RPF and soft skill training for railway employees is on the cards, Prabhu said.
He also promised that the ministry had for the first time created a body to reduce energy consumption and the preservation of the environment.
The Railways would also bid competitively for power and it would save them over Rs 3000 crore, Prabhu said.
Solar power will also play a crucial role and the minister said that they would use every possible opportunity to harvest as much of it as possible
Will raise low cost funds for long-term infrastructure funds, says Prabhu
The Railway Minister said that “business as usual” was not viable.
Prabhu said that he planned to raise funds through markets and equity schemes with state governments.
He proposed a financing cell in the Indian Railways and said they planned to raise low cost funds from insurance and pension funds.
“This may include setting up of an infrastructure fund,” he said, adding that various steps could be taken to raise long-term funds for infrastructure development for the railways.
Did someone just say "better design" in parliament?
— Sidin (@sidin) February 26, 2015
New plan for improving Mumbai’s railways
The Railway Minister promised a new IT system and a mobile app. He promised to revamp the Public-Private Partnership cell in the railways to make it more result oriented.
He also said that the third phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project would be undertaken which seeks to improve rail transport in the metropolis.
Prabhu announces steps to make Indian Railways safer, gives Make in India a push
After a promise to give a push for the Make in India initiative, Prabhu promised a slew of measures to tackle the issue of railway safety.
The Railway Minister promised to reduce the number of unmanned railway crossings and said it was working on a range of projects to prevent accidents on them.
In the next financial year, 970 of road over bridges will be built over unmanned railway crossings, said Prabhu.
Faster trips between metros, promises Prabhu
The Railway Minister announced a slew of measures to develop freight corridors and facilities to move freight faster.
Prabhu promised to increase the speed along particular railway corridors so that travel between urban centres was raised significantly. So a journey from Delhi to Mumbai or Delhi to Kolkata would be speeded up.
Will double, triple tracks to raise capacity, says Prabhu
The Railway Minister said that the ministry planned to double and triple railway tracks over 7000 km
He said the ministry intended to spend 1686 cr over the next year for the project and said this distance was 84% higher than last year.
Now easier for private companies to invest in redevelopment of stations
The Railway Minister said they would change the manner in which private companies would be able to invest in the redevelopment of stations to encourage them to do so.
He said the companies would be able to invest in a completely transparent process.
Prabhu also promised to develop satellite train stations as an alternative to congested rail terminals in major cities.
Now book tickets 120 days in advance
Prabhu said that passengers will be allowed to book their tickets 120 days in advance instead of the present 60 day limit.
He also appealed to private bodies to invest in passenger amenities.
Railway Minister says he is hoping that MPs will donate from their funds for passenger amenities but there were quite a few shouts of protest over that.
Prabhu, however, pointed out that two MPs had already contributed
AC train on Mumbai railways soon, easier to get lower berths for senior citizens
The Railway Minister promised a airconditioned train on Mumbai’s suburban railways soon.
Prabhu promised that the quota of lower berths for senior citizens and pregnant women would be increased. He said TTs would be instructed to help such passengers as well in securing lower berths
A train similar to bulllet trains will also be run on a pilot basis.
SMS alerts for passengers, more mobile phone charging points
The minister said they were starting a SMS alert service for passengers about arrival and departure times of services.
He said the number of mobile phone charging points would be increased in general coaches as well. MPs cheered.
“As a part of Digital India initiative, WiFi will be made available at Category B stations as well,” he said.
Better food, cheaper water for railway passengers soon, promises Prabhu
The Railway Minister said they would draw from the unused Nirbhaya fund for ensuring the safety of women on trains.
Prabhu said that they would also introduce services to make buying unreserved tickets easier on long distance trains as well as suburban railways like in Mumbai as well. Debit card machines could also be brought into ticket counters to make cashless transactions a reality soon.
Better food facilities and water dispensers will be brought in at stations, Prabhu said.
No hike in railway fares!
The Railway Minister has said they won’t be raising passenger fares this year.
He also promised to make railways cleaner and said that the Swacch Bharat Initiative would be implemented in the railways as well. Professional groups will be brought in and railway staff will be trained in best practices, he said. But he had an appeal for passengers.
“Railways is your travelling home, please keep it clean,” Prabhu appealed to passengers.
There will also be a helpline with number 138 that will be made operational shortly so that passengers can register any complaints during the journey.
Will reach out to private companies for funds but won’t privatise railways, says Prabhu
“Railways has to be self sustainable,” Prabhu said, adding that the railways needed to improve operating efficiency, control costs and increase revenue.
The Railway Minister said that he had tabled a white paper on the railways and the budget would present a five-year plan to develop the service.
States will allowed to create special purpose vehicles in order to fund railway projects, Prabhu said. He promised more partnerships with private partners in projects but was quick to put in a caveat.
“Rail will continue to be a precious national asset and will continue to be owned by the people of India,” he said.
He said the Railways wouldn’t lean too heavily on the Ministry of Finance and would instead try raise funds through pension funds and other financial organisations.
The Railway Minsiter said that they were keen on changing processes as well and said they would aim for a decade-best operating ratio of 88.59 against the targeted operating ratio of 91.8.
Want to make Railways safer, cleaner, more efficient over next five years, says Prabhu
The Railway Minister pointed out the constraints that the railways was operating under severe constraints and he hoped to increase capacity on the existing network. He said that he hoped to increase capacity on existing tracks, improve speed and operate goods trains on schedule.
“Need to restore Indian Railways as the backbone of India’s transport network,” Prabhu said.
The Railway Minister said he had visited most states and interacted with all possible stake holders to assess what the service needed.
“We have prepared a forward looking agenda,” Prabhu said.
He said that the railways was launching initiatives to make railway travel safer, cleaner and more efficient.
Railway facilities haven’t improved over last few decades, says Prabhu
Suresh Prabhu begins his speech by thanking the PM for infusing India with a renewed sense of pride and giving him the opportunity of serving people.
After praising the railways and its importance in India, Prabhu also spoke of how the railways had influenced even Mahatma Gandhi.
“Unfortunately railway facilities haven’t improved over the last few decades,” he said.
Due to poor financing for the railways had suffered and it needed to be changed in order to improve it and the economy, he said.
There are some problems Railway Budget 2015 can’t solve
Any new coaches for Arsenal in the railway budget?
— Sidin (@sidin) February 26, 2015
Sonia Gandhi also demands apology from Naidu
Congress president Sonia Gandhi has also demanded that Parliamentary Affairs Minister apologise for his statement, which was reportedly against Rahul Gandhi and his introspection.
“The minister should express regret,” she was quoted as saying in an NDTV report.
And the Railway Minister’s now in Parliament
Delhi : Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu at Parliament, will present Rail Budget 2015-16 shortly pic.twitter.com/BMQFiJWUVt
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2015
Suresh Prabhu leaves Rail Bhavan for Parliament with Rail Budget
Delhi : Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu leaves for Parliament pic.twitter.com/FFwTkLvhJW
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2015
Won’t back down, will disrupt Lok Sabha, says Congress
PL Punia,Congress: Parl Affairs Min Venkaiah Naidu must apologize,if he adopts such an attitude,won't let LS function pic.twitter.com/1moNN587tm
— ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2015
Naidu says he’s sorry for any statement deemed disrespectful, Congress still not happy
Naidu said he had a problem. “I always state facts,” he said.
“I respect everyone in Parliament and mean no disrespect to them with any statement,” Naidu said.
The minister said that he was sorry if he had hurt anyone’s sentiments with his statements yesterday. The Congress though didn’t seem satisfied with the explanation and it isn’t clear if it’s enough to ensure the Rail Budget will be presented smoothly.
Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge said that it was Naidu’s responsibility to evolve a consensus and work with other parties.
“He should express his regret,” Kharge said, adding that if he didn’t do so it would only allow such incidents in the future as well.
The Congress then began shouting slogans against the government, which only riled up Naidu further and he stood up to say he hadn’t said anything wrong.
It resulted in the Lok Sabha being adjourned till 11:30.
Opposition to disrupt Rail Budget demanding Naidu’s apology?
Suresh Prabhu may face some diruption before he presents his rail budget today.
Times Now reports that opposition parties met this morning and decided to disrupt proceedings demanding an apology from Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkiah Naidu.
Naidu had reportedly used some words during a debate yesterday which opposition parties like the Congress has chosen to take offence to. All the parties are coming together for the protest and it remains to be seen whether Naidu will apologise in any way.
What does Suresh Prabhu hope will trend on Twitter after he’s done with his first Rail Budget?
Well, it turns out he doesn’t care.
“I go back to Parliament. The job continues. I hope the journey becomes better,” the Railway Minister said with a smile.
The Railway Minister said that his first budget would focus on making things better for the common man, particularly the services like cleanliness and other aspects.
Prabhu also said that his budget would focus on Jammu and Kashmir and the North East states since it was important to develop rail facilities there.
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