The intention and thrust of the 2011 Railway Budget towards meeting the twin objectives of economic and financial growth and social inclusion and development goals, has won appreciation of the chambers of commerce and industry.
The Bengal Chamber of Commerce lauded the Union Railway Minister for the wide and inclusive sweep of her vision 2020 making special reference of the social inclusion initiatives, like induction of 16,000 ex-servicemen and the building of 10,000 dwellings for the underprivileged.
The measures announced to integrate the North-East has also found favour with the chambers with the Indian Chamber saying that the plan to set up a new diesel locomotive centre in Manipur will help in integrating the North Eastern State with the railway network. This aspect was commended by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce too with the chamber saying the thrust on increasing connectivity in the North East and other areas is almost a unique initiative.
RPG Group Vice-Chairman Sanjiv Goenka said that particularly commendable aspects of the budget were its aspect on safety, modernisation, capacity expansion, construction of new lines and low-interest fund raising.
Two aspects, however, struck a discordant note. The previous year's track record of target achievement bothered the Bengal Chamber which hoped that there would be focus on implementation in order to achieve the stated goals, “given in view last year's track record of target achievement.”
The Bharat Chamber of Commerce wondered how the issue of passenger amenities would be addressed considering the fact that fare and freight rates have not been altered despite all round increase in the cost of operation.
