Targeting youth and low-income groups
The Union Rail Minister Mamata Banerjee presented the 15th Railway Budget in Parliament today, 3 July 2009.
The Railway Minister in her budget speech announced introduction of low-cost, air-conditioned 'yuva trains' dedicated to the generation next. The trains, with only sitting accommodation, are aimed to also benefit low-income groups.
The trains will run from point to point for the distance ranging from 1,000 km to 2,500 km. The fare will be Rs 229 for distances up to 1,500 km and Rs 399 for distances upto 2,500 km.
A weekly service will be introduced as a pilot project within three months in Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Kolkata sectors, Banerjee said presenting the railway budget 2009-10 in Parliament.
If successful, it will be extended to other areas, she said in her 65-minute speech setting the tone of the third budget of her career and the first for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government
These trains will be introduced between major cities to ensure that the youth and low-income groups can travel at low fares. The idea is to connect the youth in rural hinterlands with major metro cities, she said.
