Rail Budget 2015: How Will Student Passengers Benefit?

There are many students who travel to cities from the outskirts and neighbouring districts for pursuing higher education. For most of them, the Indian railways is the easiest mode of commuting. And why not? We have one of the world's largest railway networks after all.

However, the condition of our country’s railways is not something we are proud of. Students as well as other passengers have a lot of complaints pertaining to the hygiene of railway stations and trains.

A 2012 survey of over 12,000 respondents, conducted by research firm Market Xcel, revealed that 'unclean toilets' followed by 'unclean coaches', were the main concerns that passengers face when travelling through the Railways.

That’s not all! Passengers also face issues while finding out details related to arrival and departure of their trains. Safety of passengers, especially women, is another major concern.

However, the Railway Budget for 2015-16 financial year aims to address a series of such problems. 

Railway minister Suresh Prabhu presented his maiden budget for Indian Railways in the Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Take a look at the highlights of the Railway Budget 2015-16 and see what it means for you!

• No increase in passenger fare

• Tickets can now be booked 120 days ahead of travel date, instead of 60 days now, to tackle tout menace

• Wi-Fi facility will be provided in 400 stations

• 67% more funds allotted for passenger amenities

• Cleanliness in railways will be highest priority; work to begin on Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat

• Introduction of train sets saving 20% journey time, similar to bullet trains in design, can run on existing tracks

• Increase in number of general coaches in identified trains

• Commitment to provide rail connectivity to northeastern states

• Passengers to be provided SMS alert service regarding information on arrival and departure of trains

• Freedom to choose meals, e-catering has been introduced in 108 trains

• Mobile app to address complaints of people on the anvil

• Introducing Operation 5 mins, wherein passengers travelling unreserved can buy ticket in 5 minutes

• The Nirbhaya fund will be utilized for augmenting safer travel for women

• Increase in the number of mechanised laundry, an all-India 24-7 helpline number will become operational

• This year alone 17, 000 more toilets will be replaced by bio-toilets

• In order to prevent fire in coaches, train protection warning system and train collision avoiding system will be installed

• Speedier railway - 9 high-speed corridors and high-speed trains

• The average speed of freight trains both in empty and filled condition will be enhance

Inputs from hindustantimes.com