Along with the general budget, the rail budget too assumes significance, given that “it is being looked upon for its potential to rejig the investment cycle as well as bring transformative change to transportation in India. We expect improvement in railway finances to reflect in its operating ratio as well as provide push to the many game changing initiatives introduced by it” says broking firm Motilal Oswal. So will that happen? What does Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu have up his sleeves? February 25th will tell..
In the meanwhile the things that may figure in the Railway budget include; Up-gradation of station complexes for comprehensive government services, skill development, Further improvements in passenger amenities, Progress and expansion of DFC, the Rollout and expansion of high speed networks, Building of 200-kmph train coaches indigenously, Connecting J&K, North East and hilly regions on a priority basis, Implementation of new design coaches and vaccum toilets and progress towards elimination of all level crossings. Fare changes are unlikely is the view prevailing.