Railway Budget 2011 is aimed at the common man: Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, CII

CII welcomes the Rail Budget. It is aimed at the Common man. The announcements and emphasis on technological development, growth, safety and passenger amenities are opportunities for industry to work closely with the Railways. The annual plan outlay at Rs.57630 crore presents an opportunity for businesses to work closely with Railways.

CII believes that PPP is the most effective way forward. Once the proper PPP model takes off, fund flow and resources availability for ambitious projects would not be an issue. The announcement of single window PPP approval is very welcome in this context.

The budget also throws up new opportunity through its announcements of setting up coach factories, bridge factory, 700 MW gas based power plant, rail industrial park, track machine unit, etc. The setting up of 2 wagon units with private partners is another welcome announcement.