Rediff On The Net: The Business section: Budget 99

February 26, 1999
	BUDGET 1999 ANALYSES COLUMNISTS INTERVIEWS ECONOMY INDUSTRY FINANCE ECO SURVEY RLY BUDGET PROCESS BUDGET 98-99 BUDGET 97-98 ARCHIVES

RAILWAY BUDGET

Steep fare, freight hike to net Rs 9 billion for railways
The plan outlay for 1999-2000 is Rs 97 billion, up by Rs 9.45 billion over the revised estimates of last year, thanks to increase in budgetary allocation to the level of Rs 25.40 billion, up from Rs 22 billion the previous year.

Govt plans 14 new trains
The frequency of four express trains would be increased.

'Freight hike will lead to inflation'; Paswan finds 450mt target unrealistic
The outlay for Bombay suburban section has been increased from Rs 2.67 billion to Rs 3.04 billion and full share capital of Rs 125 million for the Bombay Rail Vikas Corporation, which was cleared by the Cabinet, has been provided for.

Highlights of Railway Budget
New trains. New routes. New fares. New projects. Increased allocation from the general exchequer. A dream on wheels? A ready-reckoner.

Increased budgetary allocation for Railways unlikely
Freight movement and revenues are on the decline. Dependence on market borrowing and the private sector for funds is not the best solution. Nitish Kumar may be forced to hike passenger fares and freight tariff at a time when elections loom over ten states.

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