Prabhu begins rail budget speech, says hard journey ahead

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu has begun the Narendra Modi government's first full-fledged railway budget speech, which is expected contain proposals for 'Make in India' initiatives besides enhancing safety and security.

The session had to be delayed due to protests by the opposition, particularly the Congress, over the allegedly derisive remarks by parliamentary affairs minister Venkaiah Naidu, who had taken digs at Congress president Rahul Gandhi's taking a sabbatical on the eve of the budget session.

The session got under way after Naidu apologised, saying he did not mean to be derogatory to the opposition.

In his initial remarks, Prabhu made some fairly routine comments about railways pumping blood into the heart of India; and a reference to Mahatma Gandhi and his faith in Railways.

 He said he hoped to improve the Railways, and would keep in mind the long-term benefit of Railways, says Prabhu

Prabhu said the budget would set the direction, but it will be a tough and long journey. ''It is a tough task but we will work hard,'' he said. ''This is the common man's transport, our dream is to bring it back on track.''

He said expansion and modernization of Indian Rail network will find a space in the budget, and passengers will benefit.

Customer satisfaction will be a focus area of this year's rail budget as a series of steps including air-conditioning of Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains for inter-city services and noise reduction in diesel locomotive cabs are likely to be proposed, reports said.

The railway minister is also likely to spell out plans for joint venture mechanism for implementing projects involving state governments and other external agencies.