Railway Budget 2009 : At a Glance

Indian railway minister Ms Mamata Banerjee on Friday presented the 15th Railway Budget in Parliament.

Among the major highlights of the budget, are the construction of 50 world class stations, better food for passengers, environment friendly toilets, ticketing facilities from post offices, and non stop trains.

Railway Budget for 2009-10 at a Glance

Press correspondents to be given 50% discount along with spouse

Student concession: High Madrassa and Senior Madrassa students to be included in discount scheme

Rs 25 per month ticket without surcharge for unorganized sector employees under ‘Izzat’ scheme for people with salary upto 1500

National sportspersons to be preferred at in recruitment

E-ticketing to be enhanced, simplified

Unreserved ticketing terminals to be expanded from 5000 to 8000

Automatic ticket vending machines to be increased

Computerised issuance of tickets from 5000 post offices

SMS updates to indicate berth and confirmation status

Railways to develop cold storages for farmers to store vegetables and fruits

Tests on environment friendly, green toilets

Mobile ticketing vans for purchase in local markets: 50 such vans to be introduced

Vacuum toilets in trains

Railway hospitals to be upgraded

Ambulance services for passenger in metro cities to start

Online infotainment services in major long distance trains including Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains

PRS is now in 800 locations with more than 600 terminals, will cover 200 locations more