Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: Reuters) 
Special 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: Reuters) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Rail Budget for FY16 as a "watershed" moment for Indian Railways and called it "forward looking, futuristic and passenger-centric budget".
"Rail budget 2015 is a forward looking, futuristic and passenger centric budget, combining a clear vision and a definite plan to achieve it," Modi said in a tweet after Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu presented his maiden budget on Thursday.
"Rail budget 2015 is a watershed moment for Railways, marking a paradigm shift from discussing coaches and trains to comprehensive railway reform," he added.
The Rail Budget promises nine more high-speed trains, faster speed of existing trains, Wi-Fi in 400 stations, user-friendly ladders to mount upper berths, easier norms for unreserved tickets, 17,000 bio-toilets in trains, better connectivity in north-east, and cameras for safety of women travellers.
Modi appreciated that the Rail Budget focused on the needs of common man, as Prabhu also kept passenger fares unchanged.
FULL COVERAGE: Union Budget 2015
"I am particularly delighted that for the first time there is a concrete vision for technology upgradation and modernisation of the railways," he said. "It (rail budget) stands out for its focus on the common man, putting speed, scale, service and safety, all on one track," Modi said.
The prime minister also said that the rail budget lays out a clear roadmap to make the railways the key driver of India's economic growth and playing a key role in India's progress.
Copyright©2025 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today
