INDIAN RAILWAY BUDGET ((IRB) 08-09): An Overview
The most awaiting Railway Budget was finally presented by railway minister Mr. LaluPrassad on February26.This IRB (Indian Railway Budget) concentrated mainly on passenger’s welfare. The investment amount came to 13, 534Cr.Rs, since the surplus amount after payment of all dues came to around 13,550Cr.Rs.from 25,000Cr.Rs.
BUDGET ESTIMATES (08-09)
The freight loading target of 850milion tones is marginally less than 8% growth rate target of 858 million tones projected for the Ninth plan by the Railways. It needs to be seen whether there has bee a deliberate scaling down because of the impact of anticipated slowdown in global economy. An ad hoc provision of 5000Cr.Rs. for expenditure arising from anticipated recommendations of the sixth pay commission would appear to be less than 30% increase experienced at the time of implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations.
ANNUAL PLAN (08-09)
The allotment of only 600Cr.Rs. for bridges, as compared to 700Cr.Rs. for ROBs/RUBs seems inadequate considering that a large number of bridges even now require attention being more than 100 years old and particularly considering the increased axle loads being permitted /proposed to be introduced.
The target of gauge conversion (2150 km) being almost double that of doubling (1000 km)
seems anomalous considering that major focus of Railways should now be on capacity expansion.The budget is silent about any plans to isolate parcel traffic from passenger platforms, which today poses a serious impediment to passengers.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
PASSENGER- FRIENDLY: On the passenger front, there has been handsome growth in earnings(14.2%upto Jan2008)while the no of passengers has increased by 5.6%.A number of IT-related initiatives has been announced or carried forward to make the ticketing process user-friendly. The budget has usual quota of new trains, extending services, increasing the frequencies, etc.
MANPOWER PLANNING: Filling up vacancies in the security department, supported by up-gradation of facilities, such as introduction of metal detectors and screening, may make rail travel more secure. This plan gives enough job opportunities to sick public sector wagon manufacturing units at Mokhama and Muzafarpur.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The reduction in the accident rate is commendable. But the Railways need to undertake a cost-benefit analysis to know the improvement that has been achieved. By this investments can be better directed to all sections of the railway department.
FUTURE VISION
With each change of government, a new vision document is prepared. This leads nowhere. As an institution, Railways should have a long-term vision and plan. This seems highly unlikely. There is no mention of high-speed/’bullet’ trains. Development of old railway maintenance workshops shouldn’t mean their expansion. Improved reliability and not more maintenance should be the aim for a 21st Century Railway. So we can believe this budget(08-09) is progressing towards growth in railways department.
BUDGET ESTIMATES (08-09)
The freight loading target of 850milion tones is marginally less than 8% growth rate target of 858 million tones projected for the Ninth plan by the Railways. It needs to be seen whether there has bee a deliberate scaling down because of the impact of anticipated slowdown in global economy. An ad hoc provision of 5000Cr.Rs. for expenditure arising from anticipated recommendations of the sixth pay commission would appear to be less than 30% increase experienced at the time of implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations.
ANNUAL PLAN (08-09)
The allotment of only 600Cr.Rs. for bridges, as compared to 700Cr.Rs. for ROBs/RUBs seems inadequate considering that a large number of bridges even now require attention being more than 100 years old and particularly considering the increased axle loads being permitted /proposed to be introduced.
The target of gauge conversion (2150 km) being almost double that of doubling (1000 km)
seems anomalous considering that major focus of Railways should now be on capacity expansion.The budget is silent about any plans to isolate parcel traffic from passenger platforms, which today poses a serious impediment to passengers.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
PASSENGER- FRIENDLY: On the passenger front, there has been handsome growth in earnings(14.2%upto Jan2008)while the no of passengers has increased by 5.6%.A number of IT-related initiatives has been announced or carried forward to make the ticketing process user-friendly. The budget has usual quota of new trains, extending services, increasing the frequencies, etc.
MANPOWER PLANNING: Filling up vacancies in the security department, supported by up-gradation of facilities, such as introduction of metal detectors and screening, may make rail travel more secure. This plan gives enough job opportunities to sick public sector wagon manufacturing units at Mokhama and Muzafarpur.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: The reduction in the accident rate is commendable. But the Railways need to undertake a cost-benefit analysis to know the improvement that has been achieved. By this investments can be better directed to all sections of the railway department.
FUTURE VISION
With each change of government, a new vision document is prepared. This leads nowhere. As an institution, Railways should have a long-term vision and plan. This seems highly unlikely. There is no mention of high-speed/’bullet’ trains. Development of old railway maintenance workshops shouldn’t mean their expansion. Improved reliability and not more maintenance should be the aim for a 21st Century Railway. So we can believe this budget(08-09) is progressing towards growth in railways department.
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