The Union Cabinet may consider later this month the proposal to open railway sector to foreign investment. The home ministry has already given an in-principle nod to foreign direct investment in the sector. At present, there is a complete ban on FDI in the railways sector except the mass rapid transport systems.

In his first Rail Budget, Kharge may not call for drastic populist measures.

The Indian Railways is witnessing revenue shortfall. While the working expenses have gone up by about Rs 5,000 crore (Rs 50 billion) during April-December period, the revenue earnings have decreased by over Rs 4,000 crore (Rs 40 billion).