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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