Mamata's words as she got into her car to leave for Parliament, seemed to sum up what she has in store: "Railways is always for the people, by the people, of the people."
She has dedicated the budget to the "common man" and also perhaps to the Assembly polls in Bengal next year.
A slew of trains and projects for Bengal are expected. Also she is unlikely to change passenger train fares.
On Tuesday evening, she called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. But will she pay heed to the PM's advice.
Last October, Dr Singh forwarded the Rail Ministry a note of caution from the Planning Commission on key issues dragging the Indian Railways.
Mamata also wrangled assurances from the Finance Minister on funds.
The BJP said it would not disrupt the presentation of the Budget, though it was agitating over the price rise.
Rail passengers on Wednesday can look forward to some good news.
Though there is a strong possibility that freight rates will be rationalised, a marginal hike is expected. But the bulk of goodies are likely to go the Bengal way.
* Govt may keep passenger fares unchanged for the straight 8th year.
* Govt likely to announce more than 14 new rail lines, most in West Bengal
* Govt may hike freight rates by 7-8 per cent
* Govt may review low traffic density rail routes
* Govt may offer more incentives for the steel wagons industry
* At least 10 per cent of Budget to be spent on modernisation and electrification of tracks.
* Rail Ministry needs over Rs 14 lakh crore to implement its vision 2020.
NDtv News
Tags: Indian Railway, Indian Rail Budget News, Indian Government, Indian Railway Booking, Railway Booking, India Rail, Indian Railway, Railway Of India, National Railway,
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