Railway Budget all about privatization and FDI: Manish Tewari and A R Chowdhury

Former Minister of State of Railways Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Congress Party leader Manish Tewari said the 2014-15 Railway Budget proposals presented today are all about the privatization of Railways.

Tewari told ANI, "The rail budget has been very high on rhetoric and absolutely low on delivery. It seems to be more of a statement for privatizing the railways than a budget. It is completely incomprehensible, as on one hand, they have announced 14 per cent hike in rail fares. And on another hand, all they have talked about is privatization and public-private partnership."

"In all it's a completely disappointing budget. It again underscores the fact that BJP government has been trying to mislead the people. By the time next Railway Budget is presented, even 5% of promises made will not be fulfilled," he added.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury told ANI, "The hype which was created before presentation of budget has been fizzled out. It is nothing but a budget of PPP, privatization and FDI. I am apprehending that Indian railway has been heading for privatization much for the discomfiture of the common people of our country."

Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda presented the Railway Budget for fiscal 2014-15 in the Lok Sabha today.

The Railway Minister said, "Indian Railways carry only 31 per cent of the total freight in the country. It is a challenge we have to face, says Rail Minister and we now target to become the largest freight carrier in the world.