Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee, who presented the Railway Budget 2008-2009 on Friday, has done a ‘highly competent job’, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh said. “She has presented a budget, which does not impose any burden by way of increase in freight charges or passenger charges,” the prime minister said. “At the same time, she has, in keeping with our party’s election promises, focused her attention on improving the amenities available to passengers, improving security and safety of railway travel and making railway travel an enjoyable experience.”

Dr Singh lauded the railway minister’s initiative to modernize 50 railway stations and bring them to world-class standards and to introduce a public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism to facilitate financing. “The railway minister accomplished that in a very short period available to her.”

Also read: Rail Budget: Mamata keeps fares, freight rates unchanged