Passengers seek better facilities from Modi Government's maiden railway budget

Railway passengers are expecting improved facilities, cleanliness and more trains from the maiden Railway Budget of the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government.

The Railway Budget for 2014-15 will be presented by Railway Minister Sadanand Gowda on Tuesday morning. Final touches are reportedly being given to it today before it is placed for review by the Union Cabinet.

In Kerala, daily commuters said they expected the government to charge normal fares and to provide enhanced facilities.

"Majority of Keralites here are normal people, and we hope that the BJP can give us normal train ticket rates. Secondly, we are expecting new services from the BJP," said Syed Mohammad, a passenger.

Ramachandran, another passenger, said he wanted more coaches on key routes to avoid rush.

"I expect more trains to come to Kerala and also enhanced facilities. I expect more compartments in trains to avoid rush," he said.

In Odisha, commuters complained about poor facilities and delayed train timings. They hoped the upcoming railway budget would solve these issues.

"We see ourselves as a developing nation, but the facilities are very poor. It is very important that it should be taken care of and the timings of the train should also be improved because passengers keep waiting and the train never arrives on scheduled time," said Ramanatha, a passenger.

In Punjab, people said they wanted Modi to fulfill his promise of good days coming back.

"As Modi has promised that good days will come. So, we are waiting to see what all he will offer in the coming budget. I think coaches should be increased and the fares should be nominal," said an Amritsar-based passenger Jasbeer.

Last month, the government hiked rail passenger fare and freight fares by 14.2 percent and 6.5 percent respectively.