Indian Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu announced the much awaited Railway 2015 budget at 12 noon on Thursday February 26. Chartered Accountant-turned Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu put forward Premier points like: Energy Conservation, Technology Absorption, Environmental Conservation, transparency and governance initiative, ERP based HRD n HRM, Regulation mechanism based on service provider, Skill Development, Kisan Yatra
Key Highlights of Rail Budget 2015
• All India 24-7 helpline number will become operational. Toll free number 182 created for security related complaints & 138 for customer complaints ( 24*7 helpline 138 will be effective from 01/03/2015)
• For safety of women, cameras will be provided in selected mainline coaches and ladies compartments.
• Speedier Railway- 9 hi-speed corridors, high speed trains, Make in India opportunities.
• Travel between Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata to be an overnight journey.
• Advance reservation period increased to 120 days.
• Private freight terminals reviewing of WLS, SFTO, PFT schemes under process; automatic freight rebate system launched and to be expanded.
• In 400 stations wi-fi facility will be provided.
• SMS alert services for passengers to inform them about arrival and departure of trains.
• Modern facilities for disabled citizens, senior citizens, patients through IRCTC.
• 17000 more toilets to be replaced by bio-toilets
• No increase in passenger fares & No new train announced in Rail Budget.
• Operation 5 minutes to ensure that a passenger travelling unreserved can purchase a ticket within 5 minutes.
• Rs 120 crore will be spent to install lifts and escalators at major stations.
• 67% more funds allotted for passenger amenities.
• To develop 10 satellite railway stations this year
• E-catering introduced in 108 trains, can order on IRCTC website
• Mobile charging stations will be introduced in general class coaches
• More general class coaches will be added to select trains for benefit of the common man
• 1000 MW solar plants to be set-up by developers on railway/Pvt. Land and on Rly Building at own cost
• Rs. 2,000 crore for Coastal Connectivity Program; Rs. 2,500 crore through BOT/annuity route. Announces 1000 MW solar plant; 100DEMUs to be converted to dual fuel
• Monetisation of assets rather than selling them
We will revamp existing PPP cell to make it more result oriented it Will help augmenting capital for railways and create more jobs in the economy. JV with major public sector companies for meeting requirements of new lines. Framework to facilitate private investment has been readied; MUTP-III, JV with states,PSUs.
Railways to engage private agencies in cleanliness drive. Waste-to-energy conversion plants to be set up.
Kisan Yatra — a special travel scheme for farmers
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