To this end, she said a panel would go into what were regarded as economically unviable projects with a “social viability” approach. The Railways must give up what she called an old mindset to view everything from the economic perspective and said the Railways must set an example of “inclusive growth”. However, she did not entirely overlook the revenue angle when she talked of leasing out more land for commercial purposes.

True to her advance indications, almost the entire speech of Ms. Mamata Banerjee was passenger-centric, reeling off proposal after proposal for the improvement of rail travel for the millions the system carries every day in myriad ways. She announced new trains to connect different parts of the country as well as AC non-stop trains point to point, linking major cities.

Her plans include introduction of high-capacity double-decker coaches, modernisation of stations and upgrading amenities besides ensuring 'janata' food, drinking water and cleanliness on trains and at stations. Railways would develop multi-functional complexes with shopping malls, food stalls, medicine and variety stores in different parts of the country. Infotainment services would be provided in major long-distance trains.

Ms. Mamata Banerjee listed her priorities as catering, punctuality, food, drinking water and cleanliness along with an integrated security scheme for safety of travel. There would be more women commandos to take care of women passengers. Among the new facilities would be for passengers to buy tickets at 5,000 post offices. Improved safety signalling system would be in place to avoid accidents, she said.

The Railway Minister did not embark on a detailed review of the state of railway finances but said the interim budget targets were “unrealistic” as economic slowdown has hit railway freight earnings. She, therefore, would not propose any hike in freight structure in this budget. Ms. Mamata Banerjee favoured the development of 50 world class stations and indicated that in such modernisation plans, there would be public-private partnership.

Ms Banerjee held out some sops for the 1.5 million employees by way of “incentives” and also said railway recruitment policy would be reviewed. There would be more representation for minorities. Her proposals included a review of cost sharing between the Centre and the States for railway projects. Overall, in her efforts to present a people-friendly budget, this budget under-played the role of freight which contributes more than 70 per cent of railway revenues and help to cross-subsidise losses on “social account”.

It is understandable as she herself said she had only 15 days to work on the budget and she had a single objective - to make travel cleaner, cheaper and safer. She announced a Rs.25 ticket for those with incomes below Rs.1000, with the unorganised workers in view for short distances. This is a major measure not only in terms of imparting dignity to the poor people, especially servants, vendors, vegetable sellers who come to town from villages for their livelihood, but also in terms of earning additional revenues.

Ms Banerjee has laid stress on extensive modernisation of the facilities in the railway network without straining the resources much. The basic objective has been to make rail travel enjoyable.

The 2009-10 railway budget really reflects the spirit of aam aadmi approach of the second UPA Government, and it proves that modernisation and concern for the underprivileged can go hand in hand. (IPA Service)