Rail Budget 2015 to run on Swachh Bharat track

In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, this year’s Rail Budget will focus on cleanliness and financial viability of Indian Railways, as per a report by The Economic Times (ET). In his maiden Budget, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu is expected to take measures to improve the financial health of Indian Railways.

According to the ET report, Prabhu is likely to announce a number of measures to promote cleanliness, which may include coverage of more trains under on-board housekeeping services (OBHS), building bio-toilets and providing dustbins in all coaches. Moreover, he may also introduce some measures to improve facilities at stations.

The budget this year will also consider problems faced by visually challenged passengers as the railway minister is expected to come up with a proposal to provide Braille signs at stations.

However, due to the poor financial health of the railways, there is less probability of any big announcement this year. Currently, Indian Railways faces the challenge to generate funds worth Rs 1.7 lakh crore to finance about 300 projects.

In addition to this, the ministry also plans to raise funds from Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme, state governments and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme.