Describing as unprecedented the provision of ₹1.31 lakh crore for Railways’ capital expenditure, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday said the Budget was growth-oriented.
A new era had begun by not only adhering to fiscal prudence but also bringing social equity at the same time, Mr. Prabhu said after the Budget presentation by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
“The growth will happen because of huge investments that is happening. For example in railways, the provision of ₹1.31 lakh crore for capital expenditure is unprecedented in railway history.”
The capital expenditure was pegged at ₹1.21 lakh crore last year.
He said the infrastructure investment would spur growth, while the social sector spending would bring equity for a new society and a new economy in the country.
‘Bold step’
Praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “bold step”, he said the Budget has the “imprint” of Prime Minister’s ideas.
With railways plagued by repeated derailments, the government has proposed setting up of a special safety fund of ₹1 lakh crore that will cover upgrade of tracks and signalling besides elimination of unmanned level crossings. The Railway Budget also provides for commissioning of new railway lines of 3,500 km against 2,800 km in 2016-17.
Emphasising on safety, the Budget proposed elimination of all unmanned level crossings on the broad gauge network by 2020.
Disabled-friendly coaches
Addressing concerns of the differently-abled persons, Mr. Jaitley announced that 500 stations would be made disabled friendly.
The Budget also promised to equip all coaches with bio toilets and announced ‘Clean my coach’ App for passengers. — PTI
