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ShareMumbai: Rail budget of Mamata Banerjee (better known as Didi) emphasises on passenger amenities like better stations, on-board infotainment, important routes, etc. The city gives her a thumbs up...
'Yuva' train a good idea
This railway budget is not for any particular segment of people, it isfor everyone. This is for thefirst time, that the budget has taken in to consideration 80% of people living in villages. Now by paying only Rs 25/-per month they can commute without affecting their monthly budget.Fare hasn't been increased and many new trains are being introduced. The YUVA train for the youth is very encouraging for unemployed youth. Now they can find it easier to travel to different places for job interviews and exams.
--Dipak Chatterjee
Railway traffic will ease
The budget is aimed at keeping citizens happy; by not hiking the prices of travel fares and freight fares. In current scenario of recession people would gladly welcome no price hike. Starting of newer trains would ease the congestion on many sectors. Double decker air-conditioned coaches would help in accommodating extra number of people. It will also ease the rush of passengers for inter-city travel. A Rs 25 monthly pass is also a good idea but how is the government going to keep a track of people earning up to Rs1,500?
--Karthik Shah
All segments considered
Keeping the new facilities that will be provided in the future, I am very happy with the Railway budget, and will be happier to see promises implemented. It keeps in mind the various income groups, hence rolling out the 'Izzat Scheme' and special provisions are made for students and low income groups. 'Yuva' fully air-conditioned train for youth is an innovative idea. I cannot state much on the fare revision, as that is predominantly influenced by oil prices, and the changes there are inevitable.
--Heer Kothari
Mumbaikars form 50% of total train commuters in India, but there is not much for them to cheer about. Schemes like 'Izzat' monthly pass scheme for Rs 25 and 'Yuva' train for the youth are a good idea. The decision to increase the capacity of train and introduce air-conditioned double decker trains is welcome.
--SA Sunder. president, Citizen's Forum Maharashtra
We welcome Mamata Banerjee's initiative to invite branded players for bidding in railway contracts; professional service providers are the first step to ensuring quality and Indian brands are quite up to the challenge of serving our vast railway network. This is an international practice as well. So I am quite satisfied with the new budget.
--Dheeraj Gupta. Founder, Jumbo king
Better sanitary facilities on the trains and at railway stations are a must. Also, there is a need for more digital screens, better service screens showing trains in/out timing. The waiting room needs to be upgraded with amenities like internet, television and should be air-conditioned. Security needs to be in place, especially for women who travel alone. It should be ensured that people don't cross the tracks.
--Gaurav Gupta
My expectations are really low from the proposed plan to have railway stations to have world-class facilities. Keeping the current status of railway stations in mind, I want clean toilets, hygienic food, better sitting area and a decent waiting lounge. I'm not sure about what government means by 'world-class facilities' but I hope that they improve the present situation. Also, if we can have better security then that would be good.
--Nidhi Jain
There should be a suburban train every minute so there is no such thing as rush hour. And better toilet facilities with 24x7 cleaners. There should be lots of dustbins around the platform so the spitters can spit in them instead of spitting on the platform or the tracks. These, for me, make a world-class station. I hope this budget is implemented soon.
--Supriya Joshi
For India, a world-class station means adequate seating arrangements at stations, clean toilets, amiable staff, modern infrastructure and trains plying on time. Many have come and promised us a lot, but I hope something will be done this time. Our railways need urgent attention as they cater to a large section of people and are indeed in a pitiable condition.
--Gaurav Sachdeva
