After not mentioning the much-anticipated safety cess in the Rail Budget, railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday said that the option is being examined as a way to mop up additional resources.
After not mentioning the much-anticipated safety cess in the Rail Budget, railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday said that the option is being examined as a way to mop up additional resources. While replying to a discussion on demands for grants of the railways, Mr Prabhu strongly defended the high speed (bullet train) rail project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. “We are looking for new funding avenues, including a safety cess, and will review project financing norms to ensure best returns on investment,” said Mr Prabhu, while responding to the concerns of the MPs in the Lok Sabha that the finances of the railways have come under stress in the recent times. Mr Prabhu also brushed aside criticism of the bullet train project.
While noting that it was during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that India had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan for the project, he stated that the government has managed to secure a soft loan of Rs 1 lakh crore at an interest as low as 0.1 per cent for a period of 50 years.“The technology which India will get from Japan will help in improving the railway systems in the country,” said Mr Prabhu. The Lok Sabha passed the demands for grants for the railways after rejecting a number of cut motion moved by MPs of the Opposition parties.
Meanwhile, the Opposition slammed the government over the functioning of railways. The Opposition MPs, while taking part in the discussion, claimed that the government is indulging more in marketing gimmick while the funds under various heads have been cut down, impacting rail operations and safety.
“Sixty four people died in railway accidents in 2015-16, higher than 54 in 2013-14. You (Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu) had in December 2015 announced setting up of Rashtriya Rail Sanrakshan Kosh (National Rail Security Fund) of Rs 1 lakh crore. I want to know how much fund has come and how much has been spent towards passenger safety,” the Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge asked, while initiating the discussion.
The BJP MP Yogi Adityanath, while taking part in the discussion, said that the Railway budget is a proof of the Centre rising above party politics. “Whatever challenges are there in the railways, we have inherited as part of legacy. During UPA’s rule we saw corruption, incomplete projects and even scams involving rail minister. This year’s budget has given a roadmap of taking the railways forward,” he said.
