Substantial emphasis on IT in railway budget: Gowda

Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda Monday said his ministry has laid substantial emphasis on information technology (IT) in the budget, which will be presented to parliament on Tuesday.

"We have given substantial emphasis to (IT) in the budget. I have dedicated a one whole page to IT in the budget," Gowda told reporters after launching social media platform of the Indian Railways.

On the expectations regarding reforms to usher in growth and funds for the sector in the budget, the minister said: "I will start reading the budget at 12.00 p.m. and finish it by 1.30 p.m. after that you can asses it (budget), if it is growth oriented or not."

The minister was speaking after launching the social media pages of the Indian Railways on social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter.

"The highlights of the budget tomorrow will also be sent through these (social pages). Apart from the social pages, we also have a toll free number 139 for passenger queries," the minister said.

There is widespread expectation that the railway budget will bring in fiscal stability and fund inflows for modernisation, in line with the new government's proposal for infrastructure development.

There are also speculations of allowing foreign funds into the railways by opening the sector to attract investment.