Rail Budget forward-looking: PM

He said the budget has been formulated against the background of the Railways8217; responsibilities in meeting the demands of the 12th Five Year Plan.

Presenting his first budget,Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi announced hike in passenger fares ranging from 2 paisa per kilometre to 30 paisa per kilometre in various categories of trains while noting that the Railways was passing through a 8220;difficult phase8221;.

He also announced introduction of 75 express trains,21 passenger trains and extension of 39 trains besides increase in the frequency of 23 trains.

Platform tickets have also been raised from Rs 3 to Rs 5.