New Delhi: The all-round cut in train fairs, affordable AC class travel and promise of world-class facilities in Lalu’s rail budget may have impressed a majority, but to rival Nitish Kumar, the budget is purely a “manipulation of figures.”
Former Railways minister and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said the increase in volume of traffic without substantial steps to sustain the axle-load would prove to be 'dangerous' for the railways.
He said “increased axle-load on account of rise in volume of traffic” was a violation of the safety committee guidelines. "It would result in track damage and compromise passenger safety," he said.
Referring to Railways Minister Lalu Prasad's claim of decrease in accidents in 2006-07, Kumar said it had been achieved because of investment of Rs 17,000 crore for railways safety, including provision of anti-collision devices and strengthening of tracks and signal system when he was the railway minister.
Disputing Prasad's claim of having brought a turn around in the railways, he said it was achieved way back in 2002-03 when it paid a dividend of around Rs 3,000 crore. He alleged that the income earned by the Indian Railway Finance Corporation was being diverted for plan expenditure.
The Chief Minister said the volume gain in passenger travel had more to do with the 9 per cent growth of the economy, which had led to increased rush of passengers.
He, however, welcomed the proposal for Greenfield electric locomotive manufacturing unit at Madhepura and Dalmianagar in Bihar, but cautioned against shifting the proposed coach factory from Harnaut for which foundation was laid by the president.
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