Railway Budget 2014-15 was consciously moved away from Populism: Railway Minister

Railway Budget 2014-15 was consciously moved away from Populism: Railway Minister

New Delhi: The Railway Minister Mr D V Sadananda Gowda today asserted that the railway budget 2014-15 has consciously moved away from populism and concentrated on consolidation.

The emphasis is on timely completion of existing projects and improvement of safety security and passenger facilities, Mr Gowda told the Lok Sabha, winding up a three-day discussion on the first rail budget of the Narendra Modi government.

“Unless we move ahead we will be left far behind,” Mr Gowda declared. He categorically denied that there was discrimination against any state in the proposals. Interests of every state are being taken care of, he said, and gave relevant data to support his contention.

He said West Bengal stood first in the matter of allocation with more than Rs 3800 crore. UP, Maharashtra and Bihar came second, third and fourth, he said. However, the overall focus is on one India and pan India, Mr Gowda said, amid thumping of desks.

He said all the constructive suggestions of members have been accepted and action will be taken on them in future. He reminded the members that he will come back to the House within seven months to present the government’s next budget. Mr Gowda regretted that no single suggestion came from the Opposition on how to generate resources to fund projects. Only six paisa out of one rupee of railway revenue is available for all development work, he said. He also denied there is politicisation of development projects. Development and politics do not go together, he added.

Mr Gowda said the fare hike was a dire need as it had not been raised for the past 10 years. Fuel and other operational costs have gone up tremendously, he reminded the members. Still the fare of the sleeper class is not even one third of bus fare, he argued.

The Railway Minister said funds for ambitious projects like Bullet Trains will be generated through bilateral mechanism and FDI. The House adopted the railway budget by passing the relevant appropriation Bill and supplementary demands by voice vote.

In the resumed discussion many more members took part and demanded new projects and greater allocation for their respective states.

Source: RailNews