Chandigarh ignored in Railway budget?

Chandigarh being an important town in the north should be connected to all major cities of India. We have no trains for the south. The budget should have catered to this problem. Moreover,no care is being taken to maintain basic hygiene in trains. Even AC trains are not hygienic now a days.

Rajneesh,Real Estate Manager

The budget does not have much for Chandigarh,besides the introduction of the Chandigarh-Mumbai train. Rather than giving concessions,they should increase fares by a small amount but give proper facilities. There is no difference between the AC and non-AC coaches as both are equally filthy. Stress needs to be given on increasing hygiene level in trains.

Anita,Social Counsellor

More trains need to be introduced,which will connect Chandigarh to the towns in north. People travel more by trains. At peak hours the rush is maddening here. If not trains,then at least more coaches or seats should have been introduced. Government employees should also be given some concessions.

Rahil Kadiwala,Student

I am happy that the Chandigarh-Mumbai train has been introduced. There is a need to increase coaches to accommodate the rush. The trains also need to be cleaner. The station needs to be spruced up to give it a world class look.

Gopal Krishan,Senior Citizen

I am happy that the government is concerned about us and has given us 40 per cent concession on fares. I am satisfied with the budget. It is for the common man. Chandigarh station has all the basic facilities such as a phone booth,book shop and clean washrooms. However,the waiting area needs to be spruced up — it needs better seating arrangement.

Sanjay Tandon, BJP

The rail budget felt like a budget for West Bengal rather than one for the country. While numerous proposals have been announced over the years,there is no account of the projects being executed. Nothing has been given to Chandigarh. The other northern states are also faced with a similar fate.

Pardeep Chhabra,Congress

The budget has offered many things for the city,including introduction of a new express train. Some trains are being extended and survey is being conducted for new lines. Many concessions have been introduced for special categories like the physically-challenged,senior citizens and awardees of Kirti and Shaurya Chakra across the country. It is a people-friendly budget.

Ravinder Krishan,RJD

Chandigarh has been completely neglected in the budget — a failure on part of the local MP. The budget seems to have been prepared keeping in view Assembly elections in West Bengal.