Prabhu presents Rail Budget for 2016-17 today

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is all set to present his second Rail Budget for 2016-17 in Parliament on Thursday.

People's expectations are high about the announcement of new trains and improvement in passenger amenities, railway finances have come under tremendous strain as passenger fares was not hiked in the last budget and the minister faces a dilemma whether to raise fares and freight rates.

The railways have earned over Rs.136,079 crore as against the target of Rs. 141,416 crore during April-January, a decline of 3.77 percent.

Talking to reporters after giving finishing touches to the budget on Wednesday, Prabhu said the Rail Budget will cater to the needs of all satisfactorily as a lot of effort has gone into its preparation.

"It has been prepared in the interest of the nation and the railways taking into considerations the ground reality consideration before finalising it," he added.

The Indian Railways has started a new micro-site (http://www.railbudget2016.indianrailways.gov.in) for latest updates and live budget watch.