Title - Highlights of the Railway Budget 2013-14

Presenting his maiden railway budget, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal on Tuesday announced a slew of passenger-friendly measures including better e-ticketing facilities and no rail fare hikes. Here is a look at the key highlights of his Rail Budget speech:
Thrust 1. Safety; 2. Consolidation; 3. Passenger Amenities; 4. Fiscal Discipline.

Some Achievements/Initiatives

> IR enters the one billion tonne Select Club joining Chinese, Russian and US Railways;

> IR also joins Select Club running freight trains of more than 10000 tonne load;

> 'Fuel Adjustment Component' concept to be implemented linking tariffs with movement of fuel prices;

> Target of Rs 1000 crore each fixed for Rail Land Development Authority and IR Station Development Corporation to be raised through PPP in 2013-14;

> New fund - Debt Service Fund - to be set up to meet committed liabilities of debt servicing for WB and JICA loans for DFC and other future liabilities.

Measures for improving Safety & Security

> Making a Corporate Safety Plan for a ten year period (2014-2024).

> Elimination of 10797 level crossings during the 12th Plan and no addition of new LCs to the IR system henceforth.

> Introduction of Train Protection Warning System on Automatic Signalling Systems.

> Rigorous trials of the indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System.

> Using 60 kg rails, 260 meter long welded rail panels and improved flash butt welding technology.

> Introduction of 160/200 kmph Self Propelled Accident Relief Trains.

> Induction of crash worthy LHB coaches with anti-climb feature.

> Rehabilitation of identified 17 distressed bridges over next one year.

> Provision of comprehensive fire and smoke detection systems.

> Provision of portable fire extinguishers in Guard-cum-Brake Vans, AC Coaches and Pantry Cars in all trains.

> Use of fire retardant furnishing materials in coaches.

> Measures initiated to deal with elephant related accidents.

> Four companies of women RPF personnel set up and another 8 to be set up to strengthen the security of rail passengers, especially women passengers.

> Recruitment to RPF with 10% vacancies reserved for women

Rail Based Industries

New factories/workshops to be set up:

> a new Forged Wheel Factory at Rae Bareli in collaboration with Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited.

> a Greenfield Mainline Electrical Multiple Units (MEMU) manufacturing facility at Bhilwara (Rajasthan) in collaboration with State Government and BHELBSE -2.63 %.

> a Coach Manufacturing Unit in Sonepat District (Haryana) in collaboration with State Government.

> a Midlife Rehabilitation Workshop at Kurnool ( Andhra Pradesh) in collaboration with the State Government.

> Bikaner and Pratapgarh workshops to undertake POH of BG wagons.

> a workshop for repair and rehabilitation of motorized bogies at Misrod ( Madhya Pradesh).

> a new wagon maintenance workshop in Kalahandi (Odisha).

> a modern signaling equipment facility at Chandigarh through PPP route.