New Delhi : Keeping Karnataka assembly polls in mind, Finance Minister, Arun Jaitely, has made lucrative announcements for the state during his last budget speech in Parliament on Thursday.
“A sum of Rs 17000 crore has been allocated for expansion and enhancement of almost 160 km suburban metro network in Bengaluru”, Jaitely said while delivering his last budget speech for the fiscal year 2018 – 19. The Finance Minister has also announced similar perks for Mumbai, the financial capital of India and one of the safe zones for the BJP Government. “The Government has also planned to expand the rail networks and transport systems in Mumbai and suburban. With a cost of Rs 11000 crore, the government will add 90 km of tracks to Mumbal’s local train network in days to come”, the Finance Minister said.
Elaborating the union Government’s plan for Indian Railways ahead of the fiscal year 2018 -0 19, the Finance Minister stressed that the Government of India was committed to ensure safety, security and comfort to the passengers. Increasing safety in the rail networks would be the priority of the union government.
The main focus will be on safety and maintenance of railway tracks. Increasing use of technology and fog safety devices are among other major issues in which the government of India will focus this fiscal. “Elimination of 4,267 unmanned rail crossings at broad gauge network is among other major issues that are in the list of the union government ahead of the fiscal year 2018-19”, Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, said during his fifth and the last budget speech at Parliament on Thursday.
The centre has allocated a sum of Rs 146000 crore for the development in the Indian Railways. Apart from enhancing safety and security, the Finance Minister has also focused on modernization of Indian Railways. Capacity creation in trains, complete electrification of Railway networks, addition 1200 vegans and 5160 new coaches are among other main subjects to be focused upcoming finance year.
Besides about 3600 Kilometers track renewal has been proposed in the coming fiscal year and escalator will be constructed in 25000 footfalls. Technology will be used to ensure safety and get rid of incidents or disturbances caused by fog, the finance minister said in his announcements. Wi-fi will be installed in all major stations and trains. Model train will be launched by 2018 – 19.