New Delhi, Feb 24: Passengers were spared a fare hike, freight rates were cut for grain and kerosene, and 54 new trains proposed in India's $17 billion railway budget for 2010-11 that also pushes for private capital to expand the world's second largest rail network under a single management.
 "In the present economic situation, when the country is about to return to a high growth path, I do not wish to impose any burden on citizens," Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee told the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, Wednesday.
 "Therefore, I do not propose any increase in passenger fares of any class or category of trains. Similarly, I do not intend to increase freight tariff," she said in her marathon 110-minute speech, amid numerous interruptions that often made her flare up. 
 Banerjee also announced the upgrade of 94 stations, launch of double-decker trains, 522 hospitals and diagnostic centres, target of 1,000 km new lines, 10 auto ancillary hubs, high-speed passenger corridors, six drinking water plants and housing for all railway staff in 10 years.
 Her proposals involve a total expense of Rs.87,100 crore (Rs.871 billion or $17.42 billion) with gross earnings of Rs.88,281 crore (Rs.882.82 billion or $17.74 billion). This comes after a net profit of Rs.1,328 crore for this fiscal.

HIGHLIGHTS
* No increase in passenger fares
* Rs.100 reduction in freight per wagon for fertilisers and kerosene
* Free travel for cancer patients in 3rd AC classes 
* Karmabhoomi trains to be introduced for migrant labour
* New Janmabhoomi train between Ahmedabad and Udhampur
* Kashmir rail link to be extended to Sopur in the north of the valley 
* Net profit of Rs.1,328 crore in 2009-10
* 10 automobile ancillary hubs to be created
* North-south, east-west dedicated freight corridors to be created
* Construction of high-speed passenger rail corridors envisaged
* More multi-functional hospitals to be set up
* Special facilities to be established for gangmen
* Insurance facilities for licensed porters as part of railway's corporate social responsibility
* Will involve unions in policy making
* Integral Coach Factory Chennai to be further modernised
* New wagon repair shop in Mumbai
* Within five years, all unmanned level crossings to be manned
* Construction of more underpasses, besides road overbridges
* Security of women passengers to be improved
* Ex-servicemen to be employed in Railway Protection Force
* Railways to be lead partner for Commonwealth Games
* Special drive to increase passenger amenities
* Upgradation of 94 stations
* Six new drinking water bottling plants in PPP mode 
* Modern toilets at railway stations

Lastupdate on : Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 IST