The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Railway budget

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Monday, Jul 06, 2009
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Railway budget

This refers to the editorial “Focus on passenger amenities” (July 4). Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has presented a pro-people, feel-good budget, proposing no increase in either freight tariff or passenger fares, despite a pre-budget shock administered by the government in the form of a hike in petrol and diesel prices. It is heartening to note that besides making advance booking people-friendly, Ms Banerjee has listed passenger amenities among her priority areas.

B.H. Shanmukhappa,

Davanagere

The Izzat scheme for the poor — under which a monthly ticket of Rs. 25 for travel up to 100 km will be issued — is welcome. The revision of the Tatkal scheme has made the budget more attractive. In sum, the railway budget is aimed at satisfying all the groups.

T. Kaarthikeyan,

Madurai

The Izzat scheme for unorganised workers, onboard doctors in long-distance trains and steps to enhance security for women are laudable. By and large, the budget is passenger-friendly, growth-oriented, and covers all sections of society.

C.A.C. Murugappan,

Kothamangalam

The Izzat scheme is undoubtedly a step forward in helping the aam aadmi. But it should be ensured that the benefit reaches the targeted group and is not misused. The introduction of non-stop ‘Duronto’ trains between major cities is an innovative idea.

S. Nallasivan,

Tirunelveli

The railway budget is indeed an aam aadmi budget, consistent with the UPA government’s commitment. By keeping the passenger fares unchanged, the government has helped ordinary Indians cope with inflation, which has led to the spiralling of prices of essential commodities. The introduction of ‘Duronto’ (non-stop) trains will do away with the problem of anti-social elements boarding the trains during the course of a journey.

Abraham Joseph,

New Delhi

Instead of adding to the existing trains and introducing non-stop trains, would it not be better to improve the track conditions on many routes and prevent the entry of unreserved passengers in reserved compartments? The promise to modernise railway stations is an empty one as we have seen it made year after year.

Mohan Nair,

Chennai

It has become a fashion for governments to describe their budgets as “pro-people.” The railway budget has been window-dressed. There is no clear direction on the completion of projects that are under way, being executed at snail’s pace. The need of the hour is to allot the requisite funds for the incomplete projects.

S.R. Krishnamurthy,

Thanjavur

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