Govt may announce launch of 100 trains in Rail budget

New Delhi: Railways are planning to introduce about 100 trains, including AC double deckers, new passenger services and extension of services to cater to the demands of various states in the Rail Budget 2013-14. As far as rolling stock programme is concerned, the announcement will be made for manufacturing of 4200 new coaches including 600 LHB coaches in the Rail Budget.

While provision for manufacturing of 670 new locomotives including 20 LNG locos will be made, the budget will also account for manufacturing of about 16,000 new wagons. "The focus of the Rail Budget this year is on providing more amenities to passengers. Attempts have been made to cater to the demands of all regions including Northeast as there were representations for new trains from various states," sources in Railway Ministry said.

While services of some express trains have been extended, frequency of certain popular trains have also been increased keeping the demand of people's representatives in mind. "About 100 new trains will be announced in the budget," the sources said.

Last year, Railways had announced launching of 175 trains including passenger services. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in trains and stations, providing quality linen, upgradation of fire-fighting arrangements and new facilities for differently abled persons are some of the measures likely to be announced by Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal in his maiden budget speech on February 26.

The proposal to provide braille stickers inside coaches for assisting visually impaired passengers are among the measures likely to be announced by Bansal. A total of 543 trains have been identified for providing On Board House Keeping Scheme (OBHS) to keep toilets and coaches clean and hygienic.

Railways have also proposed to set up about 10 mechanised laundries to improve supply of clean and quality linens on trains. New measures for fire suppression system in AC coaches and pantry cars, which are more fire prone, are likely to be announced in the Railway Budget.

Cash-strapped railways, which has sought Rs 38,000 crore as general budgetary support (GBS) from the Finance Ministry, is likely to get about Rs 28,000 crore for the next fiscal. Last year, it had got Rs 24,000 crore as GBS.