New Delhi : Railways will eliminate all unmanned level crossings on broad gauge lines by 2020 and expert international assistance will be harnessed to improve safety preparedness and maintenance practices as per the Budget 2017-18.
Unmanned level crossings are a major reason for train accidents. Railways will implement end-to-end integrated transport solutions for selected commodities through partnership with logistics, who will provide both front and back-end connectivity. Rolling stock and practices are to be customized for perishable goods especially agricultural goods, as per the budget proposals.
As a part of accounting reform a pool-based financial system will be ruled out by March 2019. It will now be our continuous endeavour to improve the operating ratio of the railways. The tariff of the railways would be fixed taking into consideration cost quality of service, social obligation and competition from other forms of transport. The budget envisages commissioning of 3500 km long rail lines in 2017-18 as against 2,800 km in 2016-17 while steps will be taken to launch dedicated trains of tourism and pilgrimage.
The budget for railways will focus on 4 major areas – passenger safety, capital and development work, cleanliness and financial and accounting reforms.
Highlighting the need for green energy, the budget has proposed to feed 7,000 stations with solar power in the medium term.–PTI
