No new trains or increase in fares announced in Railway Budget 2015-16

No new trains were announced this year by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in the budget for fiscal 2015-16. There was no increase in railway passenger fares either.

Prabhu said his ministry would launch a mission for water conservation and would work to weed out corruption.

"We have launched a mission for water conservation, expansion of water harvesting systems will continue. Corruption at all levels is affecting the common man, we are working on a solution to address this menace. We will fulfil the Prime Minister's vision for the Railways, 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat'," said Prabhu.

"We will monetize our assets rather than sell them. Encroachment on Railway land is a serious issue, digitized mapping of land has also been initiated to counter this," he added.

The Railways will also launch a coastal connectivity programme this year, setting aside Rs. 2000 crores for the programme.

"We have set up an environment directive in Railway Board. We have launched a mission for water conservation, expansion of water harvesting systems will continue," added Prabhu.

This is the NDA Government's first full-fledged railway budget since assuming power last year.