Rail Budget futuristic, passenger-centric: PM Modi

Last Updated: Thursday, February 26, 2015, 17:30

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New Delhi: Hailing the Rail Budget as "futuristic" and "passenger-centric", Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursdaysaid it touches all aspects of development and lays out a clear roadmap to make the national transporter the key driver of the country's economic growth.

He said the budget is a watershed moment for the railways, marking a paradigm shift from mere announcement of number of trains to a comprehensive railway reform.

Modi highlighted that without raising the passenger fare, the government has earmarked Rs 8 lakh crore for development and modernisation of the railways.

"RailBudget2015 is a forward looking, futuristic & passenger-centric budget, combining a clear vision & a definite plan to achieve it," Modi tweeted.

"I am particularly delighted that for the 1st time there is a concrete vision for technology upgradation & modernisation of the Railways," he said in another tweet.

"Rail Budget lays out a clear roadmap to make the Railways the key driver of India's economic growth & playing a key role in India's progress," he said.

The Prime Minister said the budget stands out for its focus on the common man, putting speed, scale, service and safety, all on one track.

"All aspects of development have been covered," Modi said later in a televised reaction.

He said the budget provides for value and "respect" to common people's money as it will be utilised properly.
"The budget envisages increase in speed of trains, technology upgradation and new initiatives for overall development of the railways," the Prime Minister said.