Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday presented the Budget 2019 in the parliament. Along with many sectors like health, infrastructure, economy and education, Goyal highlighted the achievements of Modi government in the railways sector and upcoming measures to improve railways. Here are the top announcements for the railways sector made during the budgetary speech of Goyal.
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1.58 lakh crore was allocated for Railways in the budget, which is the highest-ever amount to be given the national transporter till now. Last year, then finance minister Arun Jaitley had allocated an amount of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for the Railways in his budget.
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All unmanned level crossings on the broad gauge network have been completely eliminated.
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Vande Bharat Express, previously known as ‘Train 18’ is an indigenously developed semi-high speed train which will give world class experience to Indian passengers. It will provide speed, service and safety to citizens and will give a boost to MakeInIndia.
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Funds of Rs 7,255 crore have been allocated for construction of new lines.
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Funds of Rs 2,200 crore have been allocated for gauge conversion.
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Rs 700 crore have been allocated for doubling of railway tracks.
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Rs 6,114.82 crore allocated for rolling stock. The term rolling stock in rail transport refers to any vehicle that moves on rail tracks. It includes coaches, wagons and train sets.
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Rs 1,750 crore have been allocated for signalling and telecom in Indian railways.
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Goyal also announced that the operating ratio for the current fiscal has improved to 96.2 per cent, and in the next financial year the aim will be to lower it to 95 per cent.
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Developing passenger amenities has been allocated a sum of Rs 3,422 crores which is an additional outlay of around Rs 1,000 crore for the comfort of rail users.
With inputs from Agencies