The Union Railway Budget for 2010-11, which focussed on economic viability and social responsibility, was presented by the Railway Minister, Ms Mamata Banerjee on February 24, 2010.

Budget Highlights:

• Passenger fare and freight tariff remain unchanged
• 117 new train projects to be launched
• 28 passenger trains and 52 long distance express trains to be introduced
• Frequency of 12 trains to be increased
• E-ticket service charges reduced
• Women RPF personnel for the security of women passengers
• Double-decker coaches to be introduced on pilot basis
• Electrification of 1000 km by 2011
• 94 stations to be upgraded to Adarsh Stations
• Rs. 41,426-crore (US$ 8.9 billion) outlay proposed
• Rs. 1,302-crore (US$ 281.3 million) to improve passenger amenities
• Special Task Force to clear investment proposals within 100 days
• Multi-level parking complexes through PPP route
• Plan for high-speed rail corridor by National High Speed Rail Authority
• Master plan for the Northeast region
• Private operators allowed to run special freight trains
• 25,000 km of rail lines to be completed by 2020
• Setting up of dedicated freight and passenger corridors

Click here for the full speech of the Railway Budget 2010-11.