Mixed reaction to rail budget in North Maharashtra

The rail budget, presented in Parliament yesterday, has evoked mixed reaction in North Maharashtra.

NGOs and industry bodies expressed disappointment that no new new trains have been announced for Nashik, an important city in the region.

Reacting to the budget proposals, presented by railway minister Mamata Banerjee, Digvijay Kapadia, president of Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and Industries, today said the budget is satisfactory on security aspect and focus on labour class, but most of the new trains announced are for West Bengal.

Demand for trains like Nashik-Pune and Nashik-Surat have not been met, Kapadia said.

Surendra Burud, president of Nashik Zilla Pravashi Sanghatana, expressed satisfaction over starting of some new trains which would pass through the city. He also welcomed the decision to lay down rail line between Nashik and Pune.

Bipin Gandhi, president of Rail Parishad, said the railway minister has disappointed North Maharashtra.

Abhay Kulkarni, former president of Nashik Industries and Manufacturers' Association (NIMA), welcomed the decision to maintain status quo on fares.

Kailas Kamod, president of OBS Economic Development Corporation, Banerjee has taken care of all sections of the society. Some new trains will benefit Nashikites.