“Finance Minister Announces Upgrade of 40,000 Rail Coaches to Meet Vande Bharat Standards”

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In a significant move to enhance the safety, convenience, and comfort of rail passengers, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Interim Budget for 2024 that 40,000 regular train coaches will undergo a transformation to meet Vande Bharat standards. The conversion is part of the government’s continued commitment to improving connectivity and passenger experience.

During the budget presentation on Thursday, Sitharaman emphasized the importance of retaining focus on connectivity and enhancing the well-being of passengers. The upgrade to Vande Bharat standards is poised to elevate the overall travel experience for millions of rail commuters across the country.

The Finance Minister highlighted three major railway corridor programs set to be implemented, including the energy mineral and cement corridor, port connectivity corridors, and high traffic density corridors. These projects, identified under the PM Gatishakti initiative, aim to facilitate multi-modal connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency, and reduce costs.

The decongestion of high-traffic corridors is expected to streamline operations for passenger trains, improving safety measures and boosting travel speeds. Sitharaman underscored that, combined with dedicated freight corridors, these corridor programs will play a pivotal role in accelerating India’s GDP growth.

Shifting the focus to aviation, Sitharaman noted that the number of airports in India has doubled to 149 over the past decade. The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, she mentioned, has significantly expanded connectivity to Tier II and Tier III cities, fostering accessibility and regional development. Additionally, she highlighted that Indian carriers have placed orders for over 1,000 new aircraft, demonstrating the sector’s robust growth.

Sitharaman assured the expeditious continuation of the expansion of existing airports and the development of new ones. With a growing middle class and rapid urbanization, she emphasized the role of Metro Rail and NaMo Bharat (Regional Rapid Transit Systems) in catalyzing the required urban transformation. The minister affirmed that the expansion of these systems will receive support in large cities, with a focus on transit-oriented development.

As India gears up for a comprehensive overhaul of its rail and aviation infrastructure, these initiatives are poised to not only enhance the travel experience for citizens but also contribute to the economic growth of the nation. The ambitious plans underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing transportation systems to meet the evolving needs of a dynamic and growing country.

Sources By Agencies