Expectations and improvement was the key word for the Rail Budget 2009-10. It was the 15th Railway Budget presented by railway minister Mamata Banerjee in Parliament on Friday.

It was a ‘pro-people’ budget as it was promised earlier. Mamata Banerjee said that economic viability is not the only index of development, according top priority to social commitment.

Ms Banerjee also said, “People expect to get better rail and train facilities. Development should not be restricted to only few people. People want better connectivity between stations in the nation. My priorities will include better passenger amenities, safety and security and provision of good quality food and drinking water”.

The best part of the budget is that there are no hike in passenger fares and freight rates. The non-stop trains between a host of key stations and air-conditioned double-decker trains for inter-city trains were added feature in this budget. Moreover, there has been also announced of sale of tickets at 5,000 post offices. Automatic vending machines at 200 stations was the highlight.

Beanerjee also added that an expert committee will be set up so it can advise her on implementation of the so-called economically unviable but socially desired projects.