Why Modi loves the Railway Budget

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday termed the Rail Budget ‘futuristic’ and ‘passenger centric’ and said it lays out a clear roadmap to make the national transporter the key driver of the country's economic growth.

"Rail Budget2015 is a forward looking, futuristic and passenger centric budget, combining a clear vision and a definite plan to achieve it," he tweeted.

He said the budget is a watershed moment for Railways, marking a paradigm shift from discussing coaches and trains to comprehensive railway reform.

Budget 2015: Complete Coverage

"I am particularly delighted that for the first time there is a concrete vision for technology upgradation and modernisation of the Railways," he said in another tweet.

"Rail Budget lays out a clear roadmap to make the Railways the key driver of India's economic growth and playing a key role in India's progress," Modi added.

He said the budget stands out for its focus on the common man, putting speed, scale, service and safety, all on one track.

Image: A vendor moves from one train to another at a railway station in Kolkata. Photograph: Rupak De Chowdhuri/Reuters

Budget 2015: Complete Coverage