Passengers upbeat about new facilities, no fare hike

“It’s a promising budget, but the minister should have also addressed the railway crossings inside the city which are a hindrance to smooth traffic. Route diversions around these crossings can solve the problem,” said, Akhilesh Dwivedi, a CA from Kanpur. He added that availability of local cuisine of choice would be a good change.

Anubhuti Asthana, who was travelling with her husband and two children, said, “It becomes very difficult when the kids need to use the washroom. The toilets are cramped, smelly and dirty. The bio-toilet is an improvement and we hope that all trains get them soon.”

Overcharging by coolies was another issue raised by the passengers. “If you refuse a coolie who is overcharging, no other will agree to carry your luggage. Haggling over the price is a difficult task. Soft skills training might be helpful in this regard,” said K K Agarwal, a businessman from Delhi.

“Optional insurance and reservation quota of 33% for women might make it safer to travel,” said Nivedita Mohanty from Bhubaneswar.