Railway Budget 2016-17:
The theme of the Rail Budget was “Overcoming challenges – Reorganize, Restructure Rejuvenate Indian Railways: Chalo, Milkar Kuch Naya Karen”.
In this regard, Railway Budget 2016 – 17 unveiled certain initiatives and schemes ranging from cleanliness drive to development of infrastructure to improving the overall quality of life in train journeys with a plan size of 121000 crore rupees.
Highlights
Major Schemes and Initiatives
Improving quality of travel
For the unreserved passenger – Two initiatives were under taken for this segment of passengers.
1) Antyodaya Express – These are unreserved and superfast service
2) Deen Dayalu Coaches – Unreserved coaches with potable water and higher number of mobile charging points
For the reserved passenger – Four initiatives were undertaken for this category of passengers
1) Humsafar - Fully air-conditioned third AC service with an optional service for meals
2) Tejas – They will showcase the future of train travel in India and operate at speeds of 130 kmph and above. They will also offer onboard services such as entertainment, local cuisine, Wi-Fi, etc. through one service provider for ensuring accountability and improved customer satisfaction.
3) Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri Express (UDAY) – These will be overnight double-decker express and will run on the busiest routes. This service has the potential to increase carrying capacity by almost 40 percent.
4) SMART (Specially Modified Aesthetic Refreshing Travel) Coaches – New coaches will be introduced with facilities such as automatic doors, bar-code readers, bio-vacuum toilets, water-level indicators, accessible dustbins, ergonomic seating, etc.
Rail Budget History and Important facts
Undertaking Navarambh – A new beginning
The following initiatives were announced by the Minister in order to realize the Government’s vision of transforming the Indian Railways.
Navinikaran (Organisational Restructuring): It is proposed to reorganize the Railway Board along business lines and suitably empower Chairman, Railway Board. In this direction, cross functional directorates to be set up in Railway Board to focus on areas like non-fare revenues and speed enhancement and steps will be taken to strengthen PPP cell to improve ease of doing business.
Sashaktikaran – To improving planning practices a Railway Planning & Investment Organisation will be set up for drafting medium (5years) and long (10 years) term corporate plans
A National Rail Plan will also be prepared to harmonise and integrate the rail network with other modes of transport and create synergy for achieving seamless multi-modal transportation network across the country.
Aekikaran (Consolidation): A holding company of companies will be formed to manage the assets owned by IR.
Shodh aur vikas: A dedicated research and development organisation and a Special Railway Establishment for Strategic Technology & Holistic Advancement (SRESTHA) will be set up. While RDSO will focus only on day to day issues, SRESTHA would drive long term research.
Vishleshan (Analyzing data): A dedicated, cross functional team called Special Unit for Transportation Research and Analytics (SUTRA) would be set up for carrying out detailed analytics leading to optimized investment decisions and operations
Navrachna (Innovation): 50 crore rupees will be allotted for providing innovation grants to employees, startups and small businesses.
Bibek Debroy Committee report on Railway Restructuring
Avataran: Under this scheme seven missions were announced for the transformation of Railways.
Mission 25 Tonne: The objective is to make infrastructure suitable to carry 25-tonne axle load. It is proposed to introduce 10-20 percent freight loading through 25-tonne axle-load wagons in 2016-17 and 70 percent by 2020.
Mission Zero Accident: Two specific sub missions would form part
