Mallikarjun Kharge, the Railway Minister of India announced on February 12, 2014 that passenger fares and freight rates will stay the same and will not be changed in the near future. The interim railway budget mentioned the introduction of 72 new trains and also announced connectivity to two additional northeastern states, amidst protests over the separate Telangana state.
In addition to that, Kharge said that work on eastern and western freight corridors was advancing and promised a new tariff-setting body. During his speech in the House, the minister could barely be heard, as members of the House were constantly shouting slogans. For 14 minutes, the minister read just a part of his speech in the lower house of Parliament, as the members continued to disrupt the entire process.
A full copy of the speech with other documents – which included a vote on account for the first four months of the following fiscal – were laid on the table of the House. It was mentioned that 72 new trains will be introduced, including 17 premium trains, 38 express trains, four suburban trains, three diesel locomotive intercity trains for medium distances and 10 passenger trains.
Train services will also begin for Vaishno Devi Shrine at Katra in Jammu and Kashmir.
Photo Credits: Intoday
