New Delhi, Feb 26 (IANS) Introduction of faster trains, free wi-fi, cameras for women safety and no hike in passenger fares above all has left commuters delighted, a majority of whom gave a thumbs up to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu's maiden rail budget presented Thursday.
Passengers at many of the railway stations in the national capital felt that the budget was "satisfactory" and while the older generation was pleased with no hike in fares and greater emphasis on security, free wi-fi, more charging points inside trains and bio-degradable toilets left the younger ones impressed.
"I would say the budget is satisfactory and have met my expectations. The main highlight is that the fares have not been raised," 52-year-old Raman Anand, who often travels to Lucknow and Agra for business, told IANS at the New Delhi Railway Station.
The minister in his maiden budget for Indian Railways announced passenger train speeds to be increased by 50 percent on nine key routes, user-friendly ladders to mount upper berths, wi-fi in 400 stations, more money for escalators, 17,000 bio-toilets in trains, better connectivity in north-east and cameras for safety of women travellers among other highlights.
Steps taken for women security like installation of closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs), a toll-free helpline and a mobile application to redress complaints were praised by all especially women.
Anjum, a 56-year-old homemaker travelling to Mysuru felt installation of cameras in women coaches and toll free helpline for security related complaints will act as a deterrent.
"These steps will instill fear in the minds of those who indulge in such acts because they know that they are being watched. Maybe, things will improve now," the hopeful mother of two told IANS outside Nizamuddin station in south Delhi.
Youngsters applauded the minister's decision to install more charging points, free wi-fi and bio-degradable toilets.
"These are positive steps taken towards modernising railways which is a must. If these are implemented successfully, train travel will surely become an effective alternate to travelling by air," said 23-year-old Gurjot Jolly at the New Delhi Railway Station.
However, there were some who were skeptical about the implementation of the projects as well as the fact that no new trains were introduced.
"Mainland India needs to connect with its villages and far-flung regions which remain undeveloped due to lack of connectivity. The minister has failed to address this issue," opined Charan Das, a resident of Patna visiting relatives in Delhi, told IANS.
Rajni Singh, 34, was apprehensive about the timely and effective execution of the proposed projects.
"I doubt if all the promises will be kept," said the central government employee from Uttar Pradesh visiting the national capital for a friend's wedding.
Muslim girls can marry in 15 years: Hijab, after triple talaq, why there is a ruckus on the age of marriage?
The date of debate has been approved in the country\'s highest court against another rule of \'Muslim Personal Law\'. This time the issue is the age of marriage for Muslim girls.
Trump may break 124-year-old tradition, fears media- President will not congratulate Biden
The picture of the results after the presidential election in America is almost clear. President Donald Trump is losing. Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden's victory seems certain. For more than a
Janmashtami 2024: Sri Vrindavan Dham, the ocean of Krishna devotion, travel to the land of devotion.
On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, the devotion in every particle of Shri Vrindavan Dham is at its peak. Although the festival of Janmashtami is celebrated all over the country as well as abroad, when it
Opposition to sending Justice Verma to Allahabad High Court, Bar Association will go on indefinite strike from today
Justice Yashwant Verma of Delhi High Court, who is facing investigation after unaccounted cash was found in his government residence, has been sent to his original court Allahabad High Court along
Yudh Abhyas 2022: Indo-US military exercise near Barahoti, why is this area special?
These days a joint military exercise is going on between India and America in Auli, Uttarakhand. This exercise is taking place near the disputed Barahoti area of LAC. The Barahoti area of
Preparation for an economic attack on Russia: Biden said in NATO summit - take Russia out of G20; It would cut him off from the world's biggest economy
US President Joe Biden addressed the NATO summit in the Belgian capital Brussels on Thursday. Biden said Russia should be pulled out of the G20 group of industrialized and developing countries in
Jio's network down: Problems in Jio's network from 9.30 am, call-internet users upset; no comment from company
Reliance Jio network is down. There are problems regarding the network since around 9 am on Wednesday, which have not been corrected yet. Due to this thousands of Jio customers are getting upset.
Guru Randhawa will donate 11 million rupees from his music video; celebrities come forward to help Rajpal Yadav
Actor Rajpal Yadav is currently spending his life in Delhi's Tihar Jail. A 2012 film became a thorn in Rajpal's life, leaving him helpless and destitute.
"Deepika marked presence at JNU only a film related publicity stunt": statement marked by the film maker Anurag Kashyap
Actor Deepika Padukone's visit to the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi just to show her support for students who were mainly targeted in a mob attack has came up with a a powerful message
Murtaza's codeword decoded, intentions exposed: Jihadi used to talk to gurus in Arabic, Bakhshish means terrorist funding and Khatmal means police
The religious book found from Murtaza, accused of attacking the PAC jawans deployed in the security of Gorakhnath temple, also contains the codewords of his jihadi designs. He used to talk to his
