A well worded, directionless Rail Budget full of ideas: M Mallikarjuna Kharge

New Delhi: The Union Railways Budget is a very well worded one. It is a craftily worded Budget. Just like 'much ado about nothing'. As I have already mentioned, it is a very well worded speech, but has no plans for generating resources.

You may have good ideas, but how will you execute them if you have no money in your pockets? He has presented a vision document without substance or guidance. He talks about Joint Ventures, Public Private Partnership etc. But he has not been able to come out with an independent revenue model for the Railways.

Perhaps, for the first time, no new train has been announced in the Budget. I would not be wrong, if I say that they are worried only about Mumbai - Ahmedabad train. Because, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is from Ahmedabad and the Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu is from Mumbai. What about others? Other states? One planned Bullet Train won't cover entire India.

The Railways is a public service. We need to use it to further integrate the nation. Remote states like Arunachal Pradesh in the North East must get more facilities and more importance. During our regime, as Railways Minister, I did something for these areas. The present Budget has nothing of that sort.

Suresh Prabhu is trying to sell dreams. Just dreams in the name of doing something big for the Indian Railways. By selling dreams, Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister in the last Lok Sabha election. They are still selling dreams. Nothing beyond that. But, it won't work.

Suresh Prabhu does not know where the money comes from for his all proposed projects. He has listed out several things. But, he does not mention where he is getting the money for all these projects. What will he do without money? He has to come out with an answer.

In my opinion, this budget is not exciting. It is not a new budget. Most of the things are old. He is repackaging the same old stuff. We will raise all these issues during the time of debate on the Railway Budget. We will question Railways minister about his promises.

It is a very average budget with no clear directions.

(M Mallikarjuna Kharge is leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha and a former Railways Minister)