Corporates hope Modi Govt.'s Railway Budget will usher in sea change in Indian railways for good

India's corporate honchos hope that the maiden Railway Budget of the Modi government will exercise tough measures to bring in a sea change in Indian railways by being more passenger friendly and giving thrust on improving the speed of Indian trains.

"The sustenance of economy depends on railway as well. The gap between demand and supply especially of railway has been widening over the years. There are some key issues. Over all travel of passengers needs to be enhanced. Service for passengers need to be improved. Its expected that government will make announcements that address these issues. The development has to be seen in progressive manner. We also need to know about infrastructure to enhance the speed," said Tilak Raj Seth, Executive Vice-President, Siemens.

Similarly Nalin Jain, President and CEO, South Asia GE transportation said, "The biggest political plan of Modi was to bring in the development. So people have expectations. The key is to make sure that the subsidy needs to be reduced which you give to passengers right now. Modi is taking some tough decisions in this regard I think. First focus should be on infrastructure.

Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda is presenting today where he has pitched for Foreign Direct Investment in Railways.