Prabhu puts railways on the fast, prosperity track

Fares untouched as state polls loom; big push for freight

Breaking free from years of status quo, railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday piloted Rail Budget 2016-17 on the course of change with promises of a financial turnaround, raising the speed of trains, a qualitative improvement in passenger amenities and reforms in the Railway Board’s functioning.

Not falling to the lure of increasing passenger fares and freight rates in a year when four states are heading for Assembly elections, Mr Prabhu promised a massive expansion of the rail network.

Besides the National Rail Plan (2030) for an integrated multi-modal transport system in India, Mr Prabhu listed seven missions to win back freight share lost to the road sector, ensuring zero accidents, doubling the speed of goods trains and adding 25 kmph more to the speed of mail and express trains over the next five years.

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu has sought to enhance the amenities for passengers in a bid to change the perception about the national transporter. To cut the loss of time for passengers while queuing up at counters, he proposed tickets can be cancelled by calling enquiry number 139. He also proposed installing CCTV cameras at the ticket booking counters, that is being seen a step towards cutting down the menace of touts engaged in the bulk booking of Tatkal tickets in particular. Mr Prabhu also unveiled ‘Clean My Coach’ services via SMS by passengers to improve sanitation within trains. He also unveiled measures to bring two mobile apps on ticketing issues, and redressal of grievances, complaints, and for offering suggestions.

The Railways will soon unveil GPS-based digital displays inside coaches to give real-time information on coming halts. Mr Prabhu has also proposed unveiling smart coaches with automatic doors and entertainment screens for advertisements. The minister plans to invite FM radio stations to offer their services on select trains. He also said passengers will have the option to buy travel insurance for rail journeys. There will also be a facility to book retiring rooms on an hourly basis.

Mr Prabhu proposed “Janani Sewa” in which baby food, hot milk and hot water will be made available for small children.