Press Statement : Shri Rajnath Singh on Rail Budget 2013-14

Statement by BJP President Shri Rajnath Singh
on Railway Budget 2013-14

The UPA Government's Rail Budget 2013-14 is nothing but eyewash as the passenger fares have already been hiked before going into the Budget Session.  Now the government has introduced dynamic fuel adjustment component on freight rates that will result into a five percent increase in rates. Any increase in freight rates is bound to push all round inflation in the country.

The Rail Budget also proposes increase in Tatkal reservation charges and Superfast charges which will be adjusted in passenger fares. The Railways suffer from the UPA's economic disorientation and financial mismanagement.

By making significant reduction in creating new rail track targets (proposes only 400 Kms for 2013-14) the UPA Government has shown its lack of vision to build rail infrastructure. With no positive outlook towards passenger safety and strengthening infrastructure the Railways is incurring huge losses.

Ministry of Railways has presented a deficit budget (loss of Rs 24, 600 in 2012-13) without showing any signs of improvement in infrastructure or passenger amenities. The common man is forced to pay for mounting losses in the Railways. The Rail Budget has definitely exposed the UPA Government's inability and lack of vision to revive the ailing Indian Railways.

(O.P.Kohli)
Headquarter Incharge