Railway Budget 2012-13 – Highlights

Railway Budget 2012-13 was presented by Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi today. Below are the highlights of the same from the perspective of common man.

Tariff Proposals:

• Passenger fares increased by 2 paise per km for suburban and ordinary second class; 3 paise per km for mail/express second class; 5 paise per km for sleeper class; 10 paise per km for AC Chair Car, AC 3 tier and First Class; 15 paise per km for AC 2 tier and 30 paise per km for AC I. The fare was increased after a gap of 8 Years. This increase would be in the range of 5% – 15%. 
• Fares to be rounded off to the next nearest five rupees. Very sensible move!
• Minimum fare and platform tickets to cost Rs. 5.
• Setting up of Railway Tariff Regulatory Authority to be considered
• Fuel Adjustment Component (FAC) in fares contemplated. If this happens increase in petrol/ diesel prices would push up the the rail fares!

Suburban Services:

These suburban service are lifelines in metros and railways desperately needs to pay attention to the same. The below announcement is just a drop in ocean for ever increasing population in metros.

• 75 additional services to run in Mumbai suburban.
• 18 additional services to be run in Chennai area.
• 44 new suburban services to be introduced in Kolkata area.
• 50 new services to be introduced in Kolkata Metro in 2012-13.

Passenger/Rail Users’ Amenities:

• Installation of 321 escalators at important stations of which 50 will be commissioned in 2012-13.
• 2500 coaches to be equipped with bio toilets. Desperately needed 🙂
• SMS on passenger mobile phone in case of e-ticket to be accepted as proof of valid reservation. This is already implemented and a good initiative.
• Introduction of regional cuisine at affordable rates; launching of Book-a-meal scheme to provide multiple choices of meals through SMS or email.
• Setting up of AC Executive lounges at important stations. I experience this once in Chennai, it was good!
• Expansion of housekeeping schemes for trains. Please ASAP!
• Introduction of Rail Bandhu on-board magazines on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and Duronto trains.
• Introduction of coin/currency operated ticket vending machines.
• Introduction of Alternate Train Accommodation System to accommodate wait listed passengers on alternate trains.
• Introduction of model rake with world class interiors. Let’s see when we get to see this!
• Sale of PRS tickets through 151 post offices.
• Introduction of satellite based real time train information system (SIMRAN) to provide train running information to passengers through SMS, internet, etc. Much needed!
• On board passenger displays indicating next halt station and expected arrival time to be introduced.
• Specially designed coaches for differentlly-abled persons to be provided in each Mail/Express trains.
• Engaging reputed professional agencies for pantry cars and base kitchens.
• Specialized House-keeping body to be set up for cleanliness of stations and the trains.
• Dedicated Railway Design Centre to be set up in the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.

Concessions:

• Value of concession granted to travelers is more than Rs.800 crore per year.
• 50% concession in fare in AC-2, AC-3, Chair Car & Sleeper classes to patients suffering from ‘Aplastic Anaemia’ and ‘Sickle Cell Anaemia’.
• Extending the facility of travel by Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains to Arjuna Awardees.
• Travel distance under ‘Izzat Scheme’ to increase from 100 kms to 150 kms

Security:

We really need enhanced security for passenger and their luggage at railway stations and trains itself.

• Installation of Integrated Security System at all 202 identified stations to be completed in 2012-13.
• Escorting of trains by RPF/GRP extended to 3500 trains.
• Integration of RPF helpline with the All India Passenger Helpline.

Training and Recruitment:

With approximately 1.36 million permanent employees, Indian Railways is the world’s second largest employer.

• Over 80,000 persons recruited in 2011-12;
• Over one lakh persons to be recruited in 2012-13 – backlog of SC/ST/OBC and other categories to be wiped off.

I was looking at the news and it seems this Rail Budget of 2012-13 would cost Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi his job! What politics!