Investment will be raised in all areas of railways except operations: Sadananda Gowda

Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda on Tuesday said that the operational portion would remain with the ministry only after doubts were raised on how he would attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the state-owned network.

In his maiden rail budget, Gowda said his ministry would seek cabinet approval for allowing FDI in railways, but passenger services would be excluded. However, he did not give details on how he will attract investors.

Addressing a press conference, Gowda said investment will be attracted in other services only.

"Operational portion will be with the ministry of railways and other things will go ahead," he said.

Meanwhile, Gowda said importance to cleanliness, safety and security was given in the budget.

"The cleanliness, safety, amenities, security, these are the four five major areas where we have much importance, especially in the budget also. For cleanliness 40 per cent hike in allotment is made this time, especially passenger amenities 25 per cent more and 12 per cent more for safety and we have given much importance on the focus of resource mobilisation," he added.

Earlier today, Sadananda Gowda presented the Railway Budget for fiscal year 2014-15 in the Lok Sabha.