Railway budget has nothing for poor: AAP

The Railway Budget forsakes common man's needs and creates interests for the corporates, Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said on Thursday.

“Around 23 percent of unannounced hike in rail fares happened during last year. Passengers have been tricked by adding the insurance component which he will have to pay from his pocket,” an AAP statement said.

“Apart from the token announcements of Antyodaya coaches for unreserved category, there is no step taken for making Indian trains truly accommodative for the poor and the needy.”

The party said Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu set all the deadlines to 2020 -- which is beyond the life of the government.

“This government seems more concerned about improving the US and European economies, than that of India, and this is reflected in (the) budget. The fine print will tell that the US has been awarded a multi-billion contract for supplying 900 diesel engines to celebrate 'Make In India',” it said. - IANS