MORE AMENITIES FOR PASSENGERS WITHOUT FARE HIKE
S. Sethuraman
-
2010-02-24 11:55
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee presenting her second budget for railways for 2010-11 shifted her focus from outright populism to a new thrust for private sector participation in the expansion of vast rail network and its modernisation, in realising Vision 2020 of 'uniting India through rail'. Predictably she did not revise fares or freight, no matter the need to generate more internal resources for future development. She, however, reduced reservation charges for passengers to Rs.10 for sleeper class and from Rs.40 to Rs.20 for AC classes. She also announced a concession of Rs.100 per wagon for foodgrains and kerosene.