AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Rail budget would enhance in rebuilding the nation. Congratulating Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu and the entire team behind the Rail Budget, Mr Modi said, along with IT, investment has been given importance. He said, last year’s Rail budget had seen a lot of success and this budget is an effort to further improve on it.
Prime Minister said this that it was futuristic budget. Starting of Antyodaya express and Deendayal Express reflects government’s commitment towards poors. He said railway Minister has taken significant steps towards more rail connectivity in North-eastern states.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said the budget is practical realistic and people friendly.
Opposition parties have termed the Rail Budget as disappointing. Congress leader and former Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge said the budget did not talk about the safety of passengers. He said the budget does not provide adequate facilities to the passengers.
When asked that the Railway Minister spared people from freight and fare hike, Mr Kharge said the government may have done this keeping in view the upcoming elections for several State Assemblies. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said that there was nothing new in the budget and it is not people friendly.
CPI leader D Raja said that there is nothing on expected lines in the budget and gives nothing in terms of passenger safety and civic amenities. TMC leader and former Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi also termed it as disappointing.
Mr Trivedi said there is no clarity about allocation of funds in different areas. He said, it did not state about the achievements in terms of set target of pervious year. RJD leader Jaiprakash Narayan Yadav echoed similar views. He alleged the budged has ignored States like Bihar.