Fare reduction to help contain inflation: Lalu Prasad Yadav

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After presenting the Railway Budget, Lalu Prasad Yadav claims that the Indian Railways had the vision, thinking and consideration not only for the common man but also for all sections of the society. He further welcomes suggestions for improvement.

 

Excerpts from the exclusive interview with Lalu Prasad Yadav:

 

Q1: Did the Budget address the concerns of the common man?

A: The Indian Railway Budget today had the vision, thinking and consideration not only for the common man, but also for all sections of the society, including the business class, small traders, big traders, industrialists and people who travel in First A/C and Second A/C. I have considered every aspect and given concession to them. Right now, our main concern was beating inflation, which is an aspect that has been taken care of by reducing the fares. Reducing the fares even in the face of price rise is my first achievement. I think the Indian Railways is the lifeline of our country and the concession given to them will control the price rise also.

 

The Indian Railways is a big network. What miracle have I done? It is the same rails and same officials but with honesty, determination, vision and the assurance to our employees that the Railways would never go in the hands of private players, it was achieved. In certain areas we can allow privatisation but not the whole Railways. It was advised by the think-tank to hand over this institution to the private sector. The Indian Railways is the earning horse and has the potential to make profits.

 

Compared to the Railways in other countries we are in third position. The Indian Railways is cheaper than them and despite it being cheaper, I reduced the fares. 

 

Q: Three years ago you presented your first major Budget and your opponents were actually very critical of you as they thought you would not perform. Three years down the line do you think you will answer your opponents and now you would have them flattened?

 

A: In a democracy, opponent is necessary but today their ugly behaviour was not appreciable. If there is any defect or anything they can suggest, but this is Budget of the nation and their behaviour was not appreciated. I think what they did was anti-democratic and they have no faith in the Parliamentary system. There is a sufficient time to discuss anything but this was not an occasion. Everybody wanted to hear my speech; I invite people; if they find any defect they are free to give me suggestions.

 

Q: Many people say this is just a political movement?

 

A: In the Indian Railway Budget this is the first time we have created history. So how will those people, leaders and opposition who have other tendencies and ideology, appreciate me? But I am doing my duty for the best of the nation.

  

Q: Talking about freight sector that was a first major focus you took in your first Budget - to turn around the freight sector because the roadways were competing with the Railways in a big way. You managed to turn it around.

 

A: Most of the goods are going in trucks. Trucks are very costly in comparison to the Railways. So I want to collect the entire load from the piecemeal goods sector. I want to take the Railways, to warehousing, dedicated freight corridor and want provide them with timely infrastructure and coaches.