Railway Expansion Gears Up After Budget: Ashwini Vaishnaw
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Synopsis
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praises the allocation of Rs 2.52 lakh crore for railways in Budget 2025-26, which supports middle-class families with a new income tax exemption limit of Rs 12 lakh. He emphasizes improved passenger facilities and new projects.
Key Takeaways
- Rs 2.52 lakh crore allocated for railway expansion.
- New income tax exemption limit of Rs 12 lakh.
- Proposals for 100 new Amrit Bharat trains, 200 Vande Bharat trains, and 1,000 flyovers.
- Introduction of MROs in the railway sector.
- Support for India’s semiconductor and AI missions.
New Delhi, Feb 1 (NationPress) Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed enthusiasm over the allocation of Rs 2.52 lakh crore designated for the expansion of the railways, characterizing the Budget 2025-26 as ‘balanced’ and supportive of the middle class due to the newly established income tax exemption threshold of Rs 12 lakh.
In an interview with IANS, he commended Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for sustaining India’s growth narrative by preserving the momentum in Capital Expenditure with an allocation of Rs 11.2 lakh crore.
The railway allocation aims to extend the network across the nation, enhance passenger facilities, and facilitate the construction of new stations.
“The upcoming projects may encompass 100 new Amrit Bharat trains, 200 new Vande Bharat trains, 50 Namo Bharat trains, and 1,000 flyovers and underpasses,” he stated, vowing improved passenger amenities, enhanced safety, network expansion, and new station developments.
An intriguing provision introduced by the Union Finance Minister involves allowing maintenance, repair, and operations (MROs) in the railway sector similarly to existing provisions for airlines and maritime vessels. “This initiative will create job opportunities through India-based operations related to the repair of railway systems, motors, and engines globally,” he noted.
He also praised the Budget's initiatives for India’s semiconductor and AI Missions.
Vaishnaw emphasized the benefits offered to the salaried class, stating, “The increased income tax exemption limit is a significant advantage for middle-class households. It will foster savings and provide additional funds for purchasing new homes and amenities, helping fulfill their aspirations,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the Budget's provisions for farmers and applauded its initiatives aimed at creating new employment opportunities.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, lauded FM Sitharaman’s proposals, describing the Budget as sensitive, visionary, and courageous as it reflects the readiness to make decisive choices.
He praised government initiatives to engage the private sector in the Nuclear Energy Mission with a goal of producing 100 GW by 2047.
“The era of India mimicking other nations is over. We are now determining and setting our own benchmarks,” he asserted.
“Allocating Rs 20,000 crore for small modular reactors (SMRs) will gradually become a topic of global discussion, and I am confident that such steps will astonish the world,” he added, indicating that at least five indigenously developed SMRs will be operational by 2033.
