Sadananda Gowda presents Railway Budget 2014

Railway Minister D.V Sadananda Gowda today thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving him the opportunity to present the NDA Government's first Railway Budget, while stating that the medicine may act bitter in the beginning, but will be like nectar in the end.

Gowda said, "I am grateful to honourable PM Narendra Modiji for having given me this opportunity, entrusting me with this responsibility. Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. It gives me immense pleasure to present my first Railway Budget. Flooded with suggestion for new trains, new railway lines. We now target to become the largest freight carrier in the world."

"Indian Railways carry only 31% 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," said the Railway Minister.

Outlining the challenges faced by the Railways, Gowda said, "There had been focus on sanctioning projects rather than completing them. There are 4 projects that are over 30 years old but have still not been completed. Managing the Railways takes most of our resources. We spend 94% of our earnings, are left with just 6 percent.