Passengers’ safety, security focused on for the first time: GCCI

Details: Published on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 14:57

Mr Manguirish Pai Raiker, president of Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the Union Railway Budget for 2013-14 presented by the railway Minister Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal in Parliament on Tuesday.

Railway is the main mode of long and short distance travel for millions of middle class and poor travellers in India. Unfortunately over the years there was neglect of these passengers’ safety and security and for the first time these issues have found centre stage and proactive measures have been taken to increase the safety and security of passengers. Elimination of over 10,000 level crossings, introduction of advance warning on automatic signalling systems, rigorous trials of indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System, stronger and longer rails, introduction of fast self propelled accident relief trains, fire and smoke detection systems and provision of fire extinguishers in coaches, additional companies of RPF with 105 vacancies reserved for women are some of the laudable initiatives taken by the Minister that will go a long way in improving safety and security of passengers, especially women which is the top priority of the Indian Railways.

We also welcome a lot of initiatives taken to improve the quality of service to the passengers and the introduction of additional IT services.

Since Railway fares were recently increased, we were not expecting any additional hike in passenger and goods freight fares this time. But the desire to implement the concept of “Fuel Adjustment Component” linked to fuel prices is an imaginative step.

Steps to undertake massive infrastructural improvement and capacity enhancements are also welcome and will provide a lot of employment opportunities.

Overall we find that the Rail budget presented on Tuesday is quite pragmatic. We hope that Budget provisions are implemented in the same spirit. [NT]