By 1 2 1 News Reporter
Chandigarh 09th July:- Welcoming the maiden rail budget of the new government Ajay S Shriram, President CII said that the Rail Budget has presented a broad vision on what needs to be done in this critical sector in order to upgrade infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. CII welcomes the ambition to be the largest freight carrier in the world, as presented in the Railway Budget. The Minister has been realistic and candid in acknowledging the problems faced in implementation of projects and improving revenue realization.
Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII stated that the Railway Budget has attempted to deftly strike a fine balance between commercial and welfare objectives to present a credible budget while eschewing populism. A pragmatic budget, the thrust on increased passenger amenities, cleanliness and efficient station management, greater safely measures and seeking the involvement of corporates to take this forward shows that the budget is anchored in reality. The accent on resource mobilization through the public private partnership (PPP) and FDI and through surplus generated through PSUs is indeed commendable. Similarly, the restructuring of rail board is a bold initiative which would help improve efficiency in the system and pave the way for flexible decision-making and restructuring of railways on commercial lines, stated CII.
It is heartening to note the stress on timely implementation of projects and reducing the time and cost overruns due to tardy project management. In this context, the setting up of the Project Formation & Monitoring Group at the level of Railway Board to help overcome delays in project execution is welcome. Similarly, to expedite the projects at the ground level, the constitution of Project Monitoring & Coordination Group consisting of officials of State Government, Railways and professionals is timely. The proposal of close monitoring of the execution of Dedicated Freight Corridors is also noteworthy.
Zubin Irani, Chairman, CII NR stated that the proposal of close monitoring of the execution of Dedicated Freight Corridors is a welcome initiative. CII believes that timely implementation of the DFCs are critical for landlocked Northern States. Plans to set up a Diamond Quadrilateral Network of high speed rail connecting major metros and growth centers of the country is another positive. This will further enhance connectivity of the Northern Region with the rest of country.
Pikender Pal Singh, Regional Director, CII Northern Region stated that in the Railway Budget, there are specific projects and trains for the benefit of Northern Region. highlighting few of them, Mr Singh briefed about the tie up between Government of India and Government of Jammu & Kashmir for bridging Udhampur-Banihal portion by bus so that passengers can reach Srinagar with one single ticket from origin to destination. Now, Railways will focus on the completion of missing link of Banihal to Katra. He also welcomed the proposal to examine train connectivity to Char-Dham, Kedarnath, Badrinath. Special packaged trains on identified pilgrim circuits like Devi Circuit, Jyotirling Circuit, Muslim/Sufi Circuit, Sikh Circuit, etc. are also being planned to promote rail tourism in the northern region. These initiatives will give much needed fillip to the tousrim sector of the Northern Region.
Darpan Kapoor, Chairman, CII Chandigarh Council hailed the Railway minister for proposing to increase the speed of trains to 160-200 kmph in areas including Delhi –Chandigarh, Delhi-Agra, and Delhi-Kanpur. Introduction of the new premium train Mumbai Central – New Delhi Premium AC Express is a major move as it connects the national capital with the financial hub of the country. This will cater to an overall industrial development and growth in the northern region which has till now been adversely impacted by its landlocked nature.
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