RAILWAY MINISTER Mamata Banerjee on Friday presented the 2009-2010 railway budget in parliament; the budget put an emphasis on safety, comfort and amenities for the common man. In her railway budget, Banerjee has taken into account the concerns of the poor, the youth as well as the middle classes. She also made sure there was no hike in train fares and freights.

The following are the highlights of the Railway Budget:

• No hike in passenger and freight charges
• 50 world-class stations in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata
• Medical, security and ambulance facilities for long-distance trains
• Doctor in all long-distance trains
• Multi-functional complexes in 49 stations of religious importance
• A/C double-decker coaches in inter-city trains
• 50 mobile ticket vending vans across India
• 800 new locations for ticket reservations
• Integrated security plan - special battalions with more women commandos in 150 sensitive stations
• Computerised tickets available through 5000 post offices in India
• Rs1950 crores earned profits
• 18000 wagons to be added against 11000 last year
• Special ladies trains
• “Turronto” point-to-point non-stop trains connecting major cities
• 50 first class stations
• Increased frequency of trains on busy routes
• 5 per cent growth in cargo from last year
• 'Izzat' – under this new scheme people below the poverty line can travel 100km for Rs25
• SMS updates for passengers on waiting list
• Pending link connection project between Gangtok and Sikkim would progress
• Toilets similar to ones in aircrafts to be available in every train
• Recruitment to fill backlog of SC/ST quota for women
• Tatkal charges to start from a minimum of Rs100
• Work on completion of Kashmir rail project
• Faster parcel services on three routes.
• Plan outlay of Rs40.75 crores for next fiscal
• Special trains for perishable farm produce and rural craft