NEW DELHI: Amid loud, non-stop protests by the Opposition and the Left, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on Friday presented in Parliament the 2006-07 Railway Budget that left both passenger fares and freight rates untouched.

Also, AC I and AC II fares were reduced by 18 and 10 per cent. In freight services, a reduction up to 30 per cent has been provided. The common man has been promised four air-conditioned trains at discounted fares.

In his third consecutive budget under the United Progressive Alliance Government, Mr. Prasad announced introduction of a "dynamic pricing policy" and upgrading of 200 mail and express trains to superfast services — a move that could push up fares.

The carrying capacity of 190 mail and express trains will be enhanced by adding a total of 500 coaches.

Under the new policy, rates for the non-peak season, non-premium service and empty flow direction for both passengers and freight will be less than the existing rates. The rates for peak season and premium services "could be higher than normal."

Mr. Prasad announced 55 new trains, extension of 37 services, increase in the frequency of a dozen trains and rerouting of two services. The new trains include four fully air-conditioned `Garib Rath'— initially on a pilot basis — with fares 25 per cent lower than the present AC-III tier fares. Some of the trains started as "holiday specials" during the peak season have been converted into regular services.

The renewal period for monthly season tickets has been increased from three to 10 days. Superfast charges have been reduced to one-fourth of the existing level. On the freight front, the business community could avail itself of a 30 per cent reduction in charges during the non-peak season and 20 per cent in the peak season subject to certain conditions.

Freight rates of diesel and petrol have been reduced by eight per cent. Several other initiatives, including Loyalty Discount and Mini Rake schemes, have also been announced.

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