Thaindian News

In spite of being one of the largest rail networks in the world, the Indian railways cannot boast of world class amenities. But that seems to be on verge of a change with the Railway Budget-2009 being presented today by Mamata Banerjee.

The Rail Ministry will develop the major stations through PPP or Public Private Partnership. It will also develop 50 important stations as world class stations. A new ‘Train Information System’ would also be introduced in Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai. 200 small and medium sized stations would get ATMs. 50 mobile rail ticket vans would be launched. Computerized tickets can now be purchased from over 5000 Post Offices across the country.Trains such as Rajdhani and Shatabdi would be getting entertainment options on them, while new book shops and PCOs would be added to the stations.

In context of security a comprehensive plan has been drawn for 140 stations, specially those along vulnerable routes. The railways would also provide doctors for long journeys as well as have ambulances at certain major stations. The minister also announced the launch of a new scheme called ‘Izzat’ for people with income less than Rs.1500 per month.

Minimum Tatkal fees have been reduced to Rs.100 from Rs.150 while Tatkal period has been reduced to 2 days from 5 days. Intercity commuters would soon get air conditioned Double Decker coaches. To add to the cheer passenger fare and freight rates have been kept unchanged.