core sector communique

Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce

  

 

          The Railway Budget is on expected lines. Fares and Freight Tariffs have not been raised and many new trains have been proposed, imparting a ‘human face’ to the budget, says Shri Sudesh Sonthalia, President of Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce.

          Further, he says that it is a remarkable Budget in the sense that despite an expected Operating Ratio of 91p.c., coupled with declining export Cargo and rising staff expenses, the Railway Minister has been bold enough to propose highest-ever Plan outlay of 57,630 crores, 1300 Km New Lines, two new Passenger Terminals, 18,000 Wagons Procurement and introduction of ‘ACD’ and ‘Fog Safe’ Devices which are all growth-and- welfare oriented measures.

          Shri Sonthalia has complimented the Railway Minister for introducing Kavi Guru Express Trains from Howrah on four routes to pay homage to the great Poet and Vivek Express, one out of four such trains, starting from Howrah to pay homage to Swami Vivekananda. He has also welcomed the introduction of new Duranta Trains and increasing the frequency of those running from Sealdah, Howrah and Shalimar.