2ND LD RAIL 2

Banerjee proposed the highest-ever annual plan outlay
for Railways by pegging it Rs 41,426 crore for 2010-11 under
which a target of 1,000 km of new lines has been set.
The Budget proposes 54 new trains, 28 new passenger
services,extension of 21 trains and increase in frequency of
12 trains.
With apparently Assembly elections in eastern Indian
state of West Bengal in mind, she spread a number of goodies
for the state including several new trains and setting up of
coach and rail related factories.
However, she sought to rebut criticism of partiality
saying "Don't humiliate people of West Bengal" by levelling
such a charge.
A provision of Rs 4,411 crore has been provided in
the Plan for new lines while passenger amenities get Rs 1,302
crore and metro projects Rs 1,001 crore.
The plan also provides for acquisition of 18,000
wagons while additional Budgetary support of Rs 3,701 crore
has been sought for 11 national projects.
Surveys of 114 socially desirable projects connecting
backward areas will be taken up along with 54 surveys for new
lines, two for gauge conversions, seven for doubling and five
others.
Six high speed passenger train corridors have been
identified to be executed through public-private partnership
mode and a national high-speed authority will be set up for
planning, implementing and monitoring these projects.(MORE)
PTI