Rail Budget lacks vision, anti-people: Opposition

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the ruling Congress party today hailed the Rail Budget, in which the North Western Railways got 12 new express trains, whereas the opposition BJP said it lacked "vision."
Poll-bound Rajasthan has got a special favour in the rail budget this year with announcements of setting up of a MEMU coach factory and bottling plant among others.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said the Rail Minister prepared the budget keeping the state's interest in view.
"The new rail budget will strengthen rail network in the country. Passengers will be benefited and developmental works in states would also go faster.

"The rail minister has focused on strengthening railways financially, bringing transparency in reservation system, computerisation and safety of female passengers," he said.
State Congress president Chandrabhan also said the budget was "balanced and growth oriented."

However, state BJP president Vasundhara Raje described the budget as "disappointing" and said the announcements related to Rajasthan in the previous rail budgets were still incomplete.
"This rail budget has no relaxations or vision," she said.
CPM state member Ravinder Shukla said the budget was anti-people. The union government had increased the rail fare prior to the budget and now they have increased freight charges resulting in price hike of all commodities.