The budget may push forward the Modi government's reforms agenda and tough measures to bring the transporter's finances back on track, but it may not see an across-the-board hike in fares. However, there could be some minor tinkering in the fare structure.
Prabhu's budget is expected to be pragmatic with a sense of purpose as he is likely to take forward the theme of shunning populism and regionalism in his first rail budget. He is likely to go slow in announcing new trains and projects.
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The focus would be on completing the ongoing projects by apportioning adequate funds for them and facilitate their early completion. There are around 300 pending projects that require an investment of Rs 1.7 lakh crore.
Considered as reformer, Prabhu, who is not expecting much support from the main budget, is likely to unveil his roadmap for raising resources for rail projects that will involve pooling in funds from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, state governments by setting up SPVs and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of the private sector.
The minister may outline his plan such as loan from public sector financial institutions with long-term funds, joint ventures with the private players and soft financing from other countries like Japan and China to generate funds for the cash-strapped transporter.
The technocrat-turned politician is likely to encourage greater role of states in choosing and funding rail projects.
The progress made on PM Modi's ambitious plan of Diamond Quadrilateral connecting major metros and growth centres by high speed trains is likely to be spelt out in the budget.
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The budget may propose indigenously build coaches or train sets to run at a 200-km per hour speed in keeping with the Modi government's 'Make in India' initiative.
North-East is likely to be another key focus area as the budget may announce introduction of DEMU services to improve connectivity in the region.
Cleanliness, hygiene and quality food are going to be other focus areas. Some green initiatives like water conservation are also expected to be announced.
The measures to improve cleanliness may include coverage of more train under 'On Board Housekeeping Services', installation of bio-toilets in trains and stations, provision for dustbins in all type of coaches as most non-AC coaches are at present not provided with this facility and improving passenger facilities at stations by involving NGOs and private players.
The minister is also expected to address concerns regarding safety of women passengers. Installation of CCTV cameras in coaches in all express and mail trains, recruitment of more women constables in Railway Protection Force (RPF) and launch of a mobile app, designed especially for women commuters, may find mention in the budget.
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