Railway Budget 2014 – a better and futuristic one – my thoughts!

It was nice listening to Shri. Sadananda Gowda, Union Minister for Railways, Government of India as he presented his Railway budget for 2014-15. It is great to see that due importance has given to Passenger amenities, safety and cleanliness. Some of the points I liked from this budget are:

  • Increasing qualities of passenger amenities including cleanliness of bed rolls
  • Introducing bullet trains, high speed trains (specially between Mysore-Bangalore-Chennai, Vijayawada-New Delhi etc.,
  • Next generation of e-ticketing including provision to purchase unreserved and platform tickets
  • Appointment of 17000 RPF personnel plus 4000 women RPF personnel
  • All ladies coaches will be escorted by women RPF
  • Upgrading of several railway stations to meet global standards
  • Introducing work stations and wi-fi internet on selected trains
  • Experimenting RO water in trains and at the railway stations
  • Battery operated carts at the railway stations to assist people with disabilities and senior citizens
  • Introducing several new trains including premium, express, passenger etc.,
  • Increasing staff welfare fund
  • Making railways a paperless office in five years

What I would have liked if included are:

  • Installing first-aid kits with a few common medicines on every coach
  • Provide online ticket booking facility with concession for people with disabilities
  • Making their IT infrastructure accessible

Of course every budget would have room for improvement, but I feel if excited well the plans by Shri. Gowda are a good start.

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