Jaijit Bhattacharya, Partner, infrastructure and Government Services, KPMG, hailed the maiden Rail Budget presented by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today.
“The Rail budget has all the right articulations. We welcome the greater role of private sector in station operation, railway electrification and other activities. The aim to have an Operating Ratio of 88.8% is also very welcome and forward looking. However, one would like to see the details of how Railways will be able to manage this target. Also, while it has been mentioned that there will be no hike in railway passenger fares, it appears that the fare reduction due to Fuel Adjustment Component will not be applied,” said Bhattacharya
“Other passenger enhancement focussed initiatives, safety and modernization of railways, including introduction of high speed railways is welcome. Excellent initiatives in Ease of Doing Business with Railways in the Rail budget. If the initiatives are implemented, it will improve on the private sector trust and hence help in attracting private sector participation in railways,” he added.
