Railway Budget 2011 favours Maharashtra, says Chavan

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said the railway budget has favoured the state with announcement of new Duranto trains, Shatabdi Expresses, 47 more services of suburban local trains and the proposal to convert nine-coach local trains into 12-coach trains.

"The railway budget gave topmost priority to welfare of the common man as promised in the UPA Government's agenda," Chavan said.

There was no fare-hike. Besides, there was announcement of housing scheme for people living by the railway tracks, which will benefit many in Mumbai, Chavan pointed out.

20 railway stations, including Mumbai and Pune, would be revamped, Chavan said.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar appreciated the railway budget for not hiking fare.

"The announcement of trains linking Nagpur-Kolhapur, Pune-Nanded, Nagpur-Bhusawal, Mumbai-Sawantwadi and Mumbai-Manmad was significant...it would strengthen the rail network in the state," Pawar added.