Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said that the increase in railway freight charges would affect trade and business. Chairman of the Chamber Mathew Kuruvithadam said in a statement here that since fuel prices are down there was no need to increase the freight charges. Kerala will be the most affected among the States, the statement added.
The Chamber Chairman welcomed the emphasis on cleanliness and efforts outlined in the railway budget to improve the facilities. Kerala, which depends on tourism industry, will be much helped by these efforts, the press release said.
The Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) welcomed the railway budget. It hailed the focus on cleanliness, safety, and modernisation of infrastructure, but expressed concern over the move to hike freight charges from April 1. The Chamber also expressed disappointment over the lack of mention about projects such as the Kanjikode Coach Factory and Cherthala Wagon factory which were announced in the earlier budgets. Its president Rajkumar Gupta said that funds for doubling the track from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari, coastal railway route and allotment of Rs. 514 crore for Palakad Railway Coach factory are promising.
