A mixed bag, say commuters
TOI : PUNE: The railway budget presented by Mamata Banerjee on Friday evoked mixed responses from common commuters in the city. Commuters welcomed the announcement of new non-stop train to New Delhi as well as trains for Solapur, Hyderabad, Osmanabad and Vishakhapattanam. However, strong disappointment was also expressed as the demands to increase frequency of trains on Pune-Ahemabad-Jaipur-Jodhpur route were not met.
Citizens also cheered the fact that no announcements were made in fares of any of the classes as well as the monthly passes by the railway minister.
Representatives of various commuter groups called the budget a mixed bag.’ They said the long-pending demands of train to Delhi, Solapur, Hyderabad has been addressed adequately. Commuters also expressed happiness as Pune station has been selected among the stations to be developed to a world class facilities. “We look forward that Pune station will be able to provide the top class facilities to commuters,” said the representatives.
Calling it the best for Pune division among the last three rail budgets, the representatives said the announcements, including clearance for Pune-Nashik railway route, double-decker boggies for intercity trains and increase in frequency of the train to Patna will prove helpful to common commuters.
Kanubhai Trivedi, president of the Pune Pravasi Sangh, said, “The budget has addressed around 80 per cent demands of the Pune commuters. The new non-stop train to Delhi is a strong announcement for Pune division. The use of railway land for other commercial purposes is also a welcome move. However, preference must be given to reserve land for laying tracks and creating passenger facilities.”
President of the railway travels service agents association (RTSAA), Manik Birla, said, “The revision of tatkal (instant ticketing scheme) is a welcomed move. However, the scheme should also be applicable to physically-handicapped and mentally-challenged passengers. The budget has neglected the demands to increasing trains to Ahemadabad, Jaipur and Ajmer. However, trains to…More
