‘This is what happens if rail minister is not from state’

While there was a feeling of relief because a general fare hike was not announced,commuters said the budget will be heavy on pockets owing to the hike in tatkal fares and the increase in surcharge for superfast services.

Abhijeet Patil,a chemical engineer from the city who travels to Mumbai every weekend to be with his family,said, “More trains should have been started between Mumbai and Pune. No matter at what time you board a train,it’s always crowded. Plus it would not have mattered if they increased fares,but done something about cleanliness. Hygiene on small-distance trains is horrible.”

“Maharashtra has been sidelined for so long because of no railway ministers from here. Pune is always sidelined as compared to Mumbai,” added Patil.

The disappointment of having no new trains was not limited to short-distance ones.

“This time again,no new trains were introduced from Pune to Kerala. Existing trains are always full. There are no seats even if you try 2 months in advance. Even tatkal tickets are not available because of agents’ hold over it. Hence,we are generally disappointed by the budget,” said retired Col Mohan Joseph.

“Secondly,comfort is poor in these trains. It is high time the railways upgraded standards of trains as well as services offered. Every Indian is today ready to pay a bit extra if it means better services or at least conditions fit for humans. Value for money is all we want,” said Joseph.

Mohit Daga,a software professional,thinks that one of the most neglected areas in the last three budgets is the general condition of railway stations. “Although everybody is talking about Shivajinagar,Pune railway station also needs a major overhaul. The station is unapproachable during peak traffic. Navigating the road near the station and finally boarding your train,even if you have a reserved ticket,is a death race,” said Daga.

“But the announcement of wi-fi on trains is great. I really hope trains through Pune will get this facility. This will be of great help for Pune as it’s a city of students and IT professionals,” added Daga.

Surabhi Runwal of Delhi,a CA student in the city,is happy that Security for women has been given importance in the new budget. “Eight new companies of women Railway Police Force is a great measure. I travel alone to my home in Delhi and it is an overnight journey. My parents are always concerned till I reach home. But with the announcement of women police on trains,my parents can sleep peacefully. Even I will feel more secure during the journey,” said Surabhi.