The Railway Budget for 2015-16 has focussed specially on macro goals and infrastructure development to improve passenger amenities, cleanliness and safety, said Sajjan Bhajanka, President, Bharat Chamber of Commerce.

According to him, management of several critical issues have been stressed upon through technical upgradation and R&D.

Revamping of the station re-development policy and opening the bid to design, electrify and develop the existing stations and railway amenities to stakeholders in the private sector are a welcome initiative. These measures would boost “not just the infrastructural facilities” but also “investors’ sentiment especially in the infrastructure sector”.

“Setting up of an environment directorate and to save financial resources through energy management is praiseworthy. 'Mechanism' to manage and monitor tariff, solving licensing disputes and setting performance goals is a welcome step,” he said.

The chamber also welcomed the emphasis on railway network development in the North-East.

Bhajanka, however, maintained that more concrete steps in freight mobilisation with efficiency achievement was expected. Mobilising funds for the “massive increase in budget outlay” was something to be looked at.

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