Chennai (PTI): Various industry bodies and associations based in Tamil Nadu have hailed the Railway budget presented by Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.

M Balasubramanian, President, South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the budget was 'pragmatic and forward looking'. "The extension of rail network to the Ennore port is a step in the right direction, which will facilitate a choice in mode of transport to and from the port. Cargo freights has been untouched but at the same time the fare for the A/C and second sleeper has been reduced," he said in a statement. He said the 25 tonne axel load rates will benefit the industry and also improve the productivity and ease the freight rates. "The introduction of Strategic Business Unit in the Railway Board will give more professionalism and will set a benchmark," he said.

Ganesh Kumar Gupta, President, Federation of Import Export Organisations, complimented the Minister for investing Rs 75,000 crore in seven years for expansion and modernisation of freight routes as well as linking rail network to ports for augmenting supply chain.

Gupta demanded that private freight operators be allowed to transport all commodities instead of the few listed which was hampering the growth of private operators. The cut in freight rates on petrol, diesel and fly ash would be instrumental in curbing inflation, Gurmukh Kinger, President, Sindhi Chamber of Commerce said.

Rail Budget 2008-09