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The Union Railway Budget for 2009-10, which focussed on 'inclusive growth' and expansion of rail network to take development to every corner of the country, was presented by the Railway Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee on July 3, 2009.
Budget Highlights:
- No increase in passenger fare and freight tariff
- Plan outlay of Rs 40,745 crore (US$ 8.34 billion) proposed for 2009-10
- Passenger amenities get high priority, to get Rs 1,102 crore (US$ 225.63 million)
- Freight loading at 833 million tonnes (MT) grew at 5 per cent over the previous year
- Traffic receipts during 2008-09 increased by 11.4 per cent to touch Rs 79,862 crore (US$ 16.34 billion)
- Railways paid full dividend liability of Rs 4,717 crore (US$ 965.14 million) to Government
- Investible surplus of Rs 12,681 crore (US$ 2.6 billion) generated
- Railway tickets to be made available through post offices and 'mushkil aasaan' mobile vans
- Issue of concessional MST of Rs 25 (US$ 0.51162) for people with monthly income upto Rs 1,500 (US$ 30.69) in unorganised sector, under the 'izzat' scheme
- 'Only ladies' EMU trains to start in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata
- 'Yuva trains' from rural hinterland to metros at concessional fare
- 12 new point-to-point non-stop 'Duronto' trains
- 57 new trains, extension of 27 trains and increase in frequency of 13 trains proposed
- 50 stations to be developed as world-class stations
- Onboard availability of doctors and infotainment services in long-distance trains being considered
- Physically challenged and aged persons to have more amenities
- Creation of Northeast Rail Development Fund under consideration for timely completion of national projects in Northeast Region
- Railways to come out with white paper on organisational, operational and financial status based on last five years performance and develop Vision-2020 document
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