Rail Budget presented by Ms Mamta Banerjee has invoked mixed reaction from all quarters. Amongst the bouquets the rail budget has also managed to collect lot of brickbats for neglecting key states for development of infrastructure and an overhaul of the present facilities. The status quo when it comes to fares has been maintained by Ms Banerjee as both the Rail freights and the passenger fares were left untouched as there was a realisation felt to first improve upon the services provided by the Railways. Following are some of the interesting comments received on the Rail Budget 2009-10 presented by Ms. Mamta Banerjee on 3rd July 2009.
"The Railway Budget 2009-10 is clearly a progressive and a forward looking budget," FICCI President Harsh Pati Singhania said.
"Growth of railway traffic faces a major constraint due to saturation of track capacity and much more needs to be done in terms of immediate measures for enhancing track capacity for carrying more freight,"
said PHDCCI President Satish Bagrodia
"This budget is unique in the way inclusivity and overall development has been the focus without losing focus on safety, technology adoption and commercialisation. . ."
said CII President Chandrajit Banerjee said in a statement
According to Mr. D.P. Agarwal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, Transport Corporation of India, The Railway Minister has evinced a forward-looking budget for the rail-freight sector. Mr. Agarwal went on to add, "As there is no change in the rail freight rates, there will not be any immediate or direct impact on the road freight sector. However, the end customer will benefit with better coordination between the Rail-Road freight sectors, with the timely and efficient execution of the initiatives announced. We strongly believe that Rail & Road collectively can enhance productivity and efficiency of the Indian Logistics Industry."
"I felt I was hearing a fairy tale when the Railway Budget was being presented,"
said BJP spokesperson Sushma Swaraj
The budget builds on the achievements of the UPA government in the last five years,
said Congress spokesman Manish Tewari
"South India, particularly Tamil Nadu, has not figured in her scheme of things at all,"
said AIADMK leader Jayalalitha
". . . super-fast parcel services will facilitate and expedite movement of goods,"
said FIEO President A Sakthivel
"Nothing has been done for Bihar, the state which I represent. It is a great injustice to the people of the state"
said BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain
"This budget is unique in the way inclusivity and overall development has been the focus without losing focus on safety, technology adoption and commercialisation. . ."
said CII President Chandrajit Banerjee said in a statement