The 2024-25 budget focused on job creation, rural development, and transferring more funds to states, while keeping the fiscal deficit under control. However, it lacked significant announcements for the Railways, with the word “Railways” being mentioned only once during the Finance Minister’s speech.
Despite this, the Railway Minister emphasized the substantial increase in capital expenditure on the Railways over the past five years, including investments in new lines, gauge conversion, and doubling. He also highlighted significant progress in electrification and track construction, emphasizing the focus on safety with a substantial allocation for safety-related activities.
Regarding concerns about the focus on Vande Bharat trains at the expense of trains for the poor, the Minister clarified that both low-income and aspirational classes are being addressed. The government is also manufacturing a significant number of non-air-conditioned coaches to cater to the growing demand from low-income and middle-income families.
However, Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the railway budget, alleging a lack of focus on passenger needs and accountability in the wake of recent train accidents. The Railway Minister countered these criticisms, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safety and the existing mechanisms for analyzing and addressing accidents.
