RAILWAY BUDGET 2015-16
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The most-expected part about this year's Railway Budget - there is no increase in passenger rail fares. |
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Rs.8.5 lakh crore will be invested in Railways in next 5 years. |
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'Operation 5 minutes', where in passengers travelling unreserved can purchase a ticket in 5 minutes. |
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Bio toilets and airplane-type vacuum toilets in trains. |
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Surveillance cameras in select coaches and ladies compartments for women's safety without compromising on privacy. |
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Rail tickets can now be booked 120 days in advance. |
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Speed on nine railway corridors to go up to 200 km per hour. |
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Wi-Fi in more stations, mobile phone charging facilities in all train compartments. |
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Facility of online booking of wheelchair for senior citizens. |
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Satellite railway terminals in major cities. |
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Centrally managed Rail Display Network is expected to be introduced in over 2K stations over the next 2 years. |
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All India 24/7 helpline - 138 from March 2015; Toll free No.182 for security. |
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917 road under-bridges and over-bridges to be constructed to replace 3,438 railway crossings; at a cost of Rs. 6,581 crore. |
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Four Railway Research Centers to start in four universities. |
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Details about new trains and increased frequency will be announced later in this session of Parliament after review. |
INVESTMENT PLAN:
The Railway Budget envisages an investment of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore in next five years.
How is it going to be mobilized?
The Minister suggested that the money could be raised from multiple sources - from multilateral development banks to pension funds.
Action plan in the sphere fund rising:
Go in for partnership with key stakeholders - States, PSUs, partner with multilateral and bi-lateral organizations other governments to gain access to long-term financing. Also, get technology from overseas. The private sector could be roped in to improve last-mile connectivity, expand fleet of rolling stock and modernize station infrastructure.
THRUST:
The thrust will be on revamping management practices, systems, processes, and re-tooling of human resources.
PROPOSAL ON CAPACITY AUGMENTATION:
--- Source The Hindu