PM hails Mamata, says budget will make train journey enjoyable

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today hailed Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee for doing a "competent job" at a short notice, saying the Railway Budget will make train travel an "enjoyable experience".     

"She (Mamata) has prepared a budget which does not impose burden by way of increase in freight charges or passenger charges," Singh told reporters outside Parliament shortly after the Railway Budget 2009-10 was presented in Lok Sabha.     

"At the same time, she has, in keeping with our government's election promises, focussed her attention on passenger amenities like security and safety of rail travel, making it an enjoyable experience," he said.     

Singh said the Railway Minister has mentioned a large number of facilities by way of using innovative financial mechanisms like public-private partnership (PPP), "to improve railway production and to finance more investment".     

"I, therefore, compliment her for a competent job she has accomplished in shortest available time," he said.

Terming the Railway Budget as "good", Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said it had "some good ideas, innovations, for instance land banks and medical colleges."     

He appreciated Banerjee for addressing the "problem of track renewal and the overall financial health of the Railways."