As it’s the Modi government 2.0’s first, budget people have pinned high hopes on the Union Budget. Many experts have suggested that Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman must focus spending on infrastructure. While roads plays an important role, the Railways connect the entire country in one network, moving billions of people — with options that are faster, and sometimes cheaper than road travel; and also more attractive than air travel in many ways except the time.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the full-year budget for the year ending March 2020 on July 5. It will be the first budget of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government in its second term. The interim budget for the year 2019-20 was presented by then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on February 1.
Here are few expectations from Railway Budget 2019-20:
No fare hike: One of the big expectations from this year in Railway Budget 2019 is that no fare hike on Indian Railways’ ticket pricing.
Trains: With the Railway Ministry introducing the country’s first semi-high speed, engine-less self-propelled train, equipped with world-class passenger amenities, more such trains are being expected.
Focus on Safety: Recently, the Railway Ministry completed the task to eliminate all the unmanned level crossings across the railway network. This has been a major step to enhance the safety of passengers. Also, many other steps including safety drives, installation of CCTVs, and maintenance of track have been carried out. This time too, such initiatives are being expected for better safety.
Railways & Coal sector: A Care Ratings report mentions of a special package for the coal sector for the development of railway infrastructure around coal-mines for speedy-evacuation and transportation.
Technology upgrade: According to Care Ratings, expect a technology upgrade scheme especially for the freight division of Indian railways. The Government could make an initial allocation for initiation and subsequent implementation of the scheme. “Make In India” incentives for the railways sector might be announced.
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