In his second budget post the merger of a 92-year-old tradition of separate Union and Rail Budget, the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley gave Railways its largest-ever capital expenditure of Rs 1.48 lakh crore.
Lines and locomotives expansion
Finance Minister kept forward his proposed target of target of doubling 18,000 km of lines and gauge conversion. This he believes will help eliminate capacity limitation. In his speech, Jaitley announced procuring of 12,000 wagons, 5,160 coaches, and 700 locomotives. He put light on the renewal target of 36,000 km track by 2019. 4,267 unmanned railway crossings on broad gauge routes will be eliminated by 2020, highlighted Jaitley.
Passenger-friendly amenities
On priority is the manufacturing of world-class train sets, dedicated freight corridors, and electrification. It will not only help provide better facilities but also boost revenue. At stations having a footfall of 25,000 or more escalators will be provided. Along with it Wi-Fi and CCTVs will be gradually provided in all trains. Railways have also designated 600 stations for modernization. Ministry of Railways has already begun working on it with the work already halfway at Habibganj station in Bhopal.
Special focus is on a suburban rail network in Mumbai and Bangalore. Jaitley has made a sound effort in setting a roadmap for the Indian Railways. This year the focus is on the modernization of signaling, use of fog safety devices, better passenger amenities, and safety.
Left to see now is the effectiveness of these otherwise great points and the feasibility it invites.