Expect a good budget, says Lalu

FEBRUARY 27, 2007 NEW DELHI: Railway minister Lalu Prasad has said that the interests of common people would be kept in mind in the railway budget, which he will present in Parliament on Monday. Prasad, however, declined to elaborate how he intended to articulate the common man’s interest in the budget while replying to reporters queries during the customary photo session at Rail Bhavan on Sunday. He said that ‘‘interests of all sections, and safety and security issues were kept in mind while preparing the budget,’’ and promptly added, ‘‘I will not say whether passenger and freight fares will go up or down, but people can hope for a good budget.’’ Asked whether freight charges would be reduced in view of the rising prices of essential commodities, Prasad said, ‘‘The government has already taken steps in this regard. Wait till tomorrow to see what we are going to do.’’ ‘‘I have tried to address the interests of all sections of people. But if there are any shortcomings, people should tell me, I will try to remove it in future,’’ he added. On the Samjhauta Express blasts which killed 68 people, Prasad said the government would take all steps to provide security to the trans-border train. He also clarified why he did not take a call from his Pakistani counterpart on the day of the blasts, saying he was in a plane, en route from Patna to Panipat. ‘‘There was no motive to ignore him,’’ he said. Prasad dismissed the BJP’s threat to boycott Rail Budget’s presentation in protest of the Ottavio Quattrocchi issue and said they have been crying ‘‘Bofors, Bofors always.’’ ‘‘Even V P Singh had said that he had the account number of the beneficiary... what has happened?’’ he asked. Sources in Rail Bhavan said that with 2007 being observed as the ‘‘year for passenger amenities’’, the minister is set to announce more facilities for commuters. The railways is devising a strategy to win over the masses by significantly improving amenities, including at stations, the sources added. Prasad has asked all zones to ‘‘identify and hire’’ consultants and architects to refurbish stations. The railways is also considering a proposal to re-design air-conditioned three-tier coaches on general trains and increase the capacity of such coaches from 64 to 81.