The Railway Budget 2015 presented by Suresh Prabhu has reference to only one new railway line - a third line between Kazipet and Vijayawada. On Thursday, Mr. Prabhu did not make any specific announcement of new trains or increasing frequency of trains, but only proposed a third railway line on the Kazipet-Vijayawada section.
The distance between these two major railway hubs is 219 km. Over 50 express and superfast weekly and daily trains connect these two stations which is the arterial line connecting North with South. Several Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Pondicherry-bound trains pass through Kazipet/Warangal enroute Vijayawada.
However, there was a lot of expectation among the travelling public and public representatives on surveys, new lines, new trains and better amenities at the stations.
They were banking on a slew of announcements made by him about improving passenger facilities at the stations and also purchase of general travelling tickets to be made available in five minutes. The decision to revert back to 120 days advance reservation is seen as a welcome sign for organised travellers.
The announcement providing lower and middle berths for senior citizens, women and differently-abled persons is welcome as is the availability of foldable ladders for the upper berths.
The South Central Railway General Manager is expected to announce more details at his customary press conference later in the evening.
