Rail Ministry, which had been a highly politicized department of the Central Government for past couple of decades, presented its budget today. It was bound to be a complex situation for the Rail Minister Pawan Bansal not only because this particular department had always been with collaborative parties and condition of Indian Railways is very poor, but also because this budget will also bear an impact on the upcoming 2014 general elections.

As expected, Bansal tried to find a way somewhere between populist and profit making commercial budget (achieving none though). With populist measures, like no fare hike for the commuters and by announcing new 67 express and 27 passenger trains, he tried to draw less flak from the public, yet he definitely raised some reservation charges and fright charges to improve the terrible balance sheet.

Disappointment for Mewar

Mewar did not get what it expected. The biggest disappointment was no mention of already approved project, Udaipur-Ahmadabad broad gauge conversion. The project has been stalled for past many years because of low funds.

Extension of Trains for Udaipur

Though, some good news is there for the Udaipurites; two already running trains Chittorgarh-Ratlam (19327/19328) and Ajmer-New Jalpaiguri (19601/19602) have been extended to Udaipur. Train to New Jalpaiguri will particularly help the commuters to travel to West Bengal, Bihar and other eastern states and will add one more option to trains commuting to Delhi.

Appreciable Announcements

Rail Minister also made some appreciable announcements, such as internet booking window will remain open for 23 hours (from 00.30 hrs to 23.30 hrs), SMS alerts for the passengers, e-ticket booking from mobile phones, lift facility for elder citizens at 400 stations, 1.25 lakh new job openings, setting up a new system to check the quality of food, and free Wi-Fi in some trains.

Political Parties’ Reaction

Just after the declaration of the Rail Budget today, reactions from various political parties started to come up.

On one hand, National Secretary of BJP and Rajsamand MLA Kiran Maheshwari declared that this budget will deteriorate the goal and already poor condition of Indian Railway, while on the other hand, President of Congress Media Center, Pankaj Kumar Sharma has welcomed the budget stating that the state has got 14 new trains and number of cycles of 12 trains has been increased.

Supporting her statement, Maheshwari said that the budget neglected investment in new lines, electrification and extension of broad-gauge network. “With this speed and investments, we will not be able to achieve our targets of 2020 in the next 50 years”, she added.

She alleged regional bias and particularly emphasized that Mewar region is absolutely neglected in this budget. Udaipur had been expecting broad gauge till Ahmadabad which requires Rs. 1215 crore, but an allotment of meager Rs. 30 crore for this project is unwelcoming.

While, Congress’ Pankaj Sharma welcomed Mavli – Badi Sadri broad gauge and the setting up of Electrical Multiple EMU Coach Factory in Bhilwara. He said that it will lead to the development of the area.