Barnali:- What has Pawan presented
today?
Joydeb:- Pawan presented today! Are
you talking about the father of Lord Hanuman?
Sheila:- Oho! We know that you are a
devotee of Lord Hanuman and a supporter of Bajrang Dal. You don’t have to prove
that by doing such acting. Today, Pawan Kumar Bansal presented the Rail Budget
of 2013.
Rabindra:- So, how was the Rail
Budget of 2013?
Sheila:- Well; it is a very disguised
budget. Passenger fares were hiked in January 2013. Even a little thing in any
Budget is remembered by the common people of India. So, that’s why; UPA-II
increased the passenger fares before the Rail Budget. But, all the freight charges
and surcharges got hiked. Even the hike of fuel surcharges will be decided for
two times in a year from now on.
Arindam:- See! The logic is very
simple. Some states will go for some important elections in 2013. So, you
cannot make the rural people of India angry. So, no, passenger hikes were done.
But, if you want an emergency ticket; pay more. Surcharges got increased means,
some rail tickets may have to be increased by 1 or 2 rupees. Therefore, Mr.
Bansal showed the bypass routes to the UPA-II to generate more revenues in
Indian Railways.
Joydeb:- Look! I liked the Dinesh Trivedi’s
Rail Budget last year. That budget really had some long term goals. No matter,
to which political party you support, you have to agree to the fact that the
Indian Railways is still in ICU. So, if UPA-II is increasing several Tatkal
charges or Superfast Express Train charges, there is no harm in it. It is
beneficial. Rich people are getting richer day by day, so, let them pay
something extra from their pockets to save the Indian Railways.
Barnali:- We never objected against
the hike in passenger fares. We want better service, better security and better
infrastructure in Indian Railways. Look at Japan, China and European nations.
They have rightly utilized their Railway networks as one of the strong pillars
of economy. Why can’t India do the same thing despite having one of the largest
Railway networks of the world?
Rabindra:- It is easier said than
done. Signaling systems are not automated. Anti-Collision devices are yet to be
implemented. At least, Dinesh Trivedi touched upon these things in details,
but, Mr. Bansal hardly gave more emphasis on these aspects. Every now and then,
we hear molestation cases of girls in trains. Separate bogies for women are not
well equipped. Moreover, many a times, there is not enough number of security
guards in the compartments. Even, there are instances where security guards of
Indian Railways have molested women passengers. Is Indian Railways not going to
recruit more lady security personnel for better security of women passengers?
Sheila:- I have heard that the
financial allocations of many metro rail projects have been reduced. Indian
Railways is also planning to have its own Financial Management Institute. Lots
of revenue leakages in Indian Railways are still either untraceable or
unnoticed. Mumbai local trains may get Air-conditioned with its own standard
fares. Indian Railways must directly monitor and supervise the East-West
corridor Metro Project of Bengal to avoid any scam or corruption. Some special
rail passes will be given to eminent sportspersons, Indian soldiers and freedom
fighters. That’s a good initiative. What about the foods?
Arindam:- Quality of foods has always
been a real worry for Indian Railways. Even IRCTC fails to maintain good
standards in many platforms. Indian Railways is looking to have tie-ups with
some food business companies who have ISO certifications. Even you can complain
about foods in a toll free number. Overall, UPA-II instructed Mr. Bansal to
follow madhyapantha policy before the elections. PM said, ‘Oye! Pawan! Just
“TARGET TATKAL.”’
