why everybody pleased with railway budget?

Indian Railway Budget 2008-09 has been hailed as a good budget by most. One of the Industry/Trade associations has gone ahead and even called it a `Pragmatic, Progressive & Futuristic’ Budget. But why everybody is so pleased with this budget?

First the financial performance is very impressive. Gross Traffic Revenues at Rs 72,755 cr - 16% higher than the previous year and 2% higher than the Budget Estimates. Ordinary Working Expenses register savings of Rs 966 cr. Return on Capital is an all time high of 21 per cent.Cash Surplus before dividend expected to be a record Rs 25,000 cr.

Above all, in view of elections, Budget has taken care of all- the railways, the manufacturers, industries and above all the common man.

However to make Indian railways world class also need is to tackle issues like cleanliness, Technology upgradation, Upgrading skills of manpower and Emphasis on Implementation of plans in an effective and timely manner.