Cleanliness, wireless internet access on trains and some other passenger-centric announcements made in the Rail Budget 2014-15 on Tuesday, though not new, have made commuters happy.

Piyush Gupta, who works as an advertising copywriter, said that the idea of ready-to-eat packaged food on trains is an idea many gastro-enthusiasts will welcome. Gupta added, “Even on the best of trains the food served on board is often inedible. Unfortunately, hygiene concerns, too, continue to dog Railways. As such, many of us carry our own food. Hygienic food that is consistent in quality will be welcome for many of us who have to travel by train often.” Gupta regularly shuttles between Delhi and Rajasthan, his home-town.

Case for cleanliness

For foreign tourists as well as residents in India, the Railway Budget brings in positive news. For example, Artur Przybylski, a Kathak dance student from Poland, living in India for the last one year, cleanliness on trains and in stations has been a big concern. He has to travel across the country for programmes and dance performances.

“I feel positive about these announcements as the current condition of Railways in India leaves much to be desired. Cleanliness, in particular, is a big issue. I hope this would herald some major changes for the Railway system,” Przybylski said.

Question of implementation

However, there are some who are taking these announcements with a pinch of salt.

Seventy-year-old A Chatterjee, a retiree, asked, “How are these announcements different from what the UPA had announced earlier? While the earlier Government promised a faster website for e-tickets, it started Wi-Fi access on trains. Also, bio-toilets have been on the horizon for a few years now, modernisation of stations with escalators and lifts were promised earlier too. What is new? The question is will the new Government manage to implement these?”

Sabari, a journalism student, said, “While the announcements made by Gowda are ambitious in nature, the Minister needs to spell out where the money will come from. Emphasis on cleanliness, quality food and new bullet trains are surely a bold and welcome step. Emphasis should now be on implementation.”

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