Rail Budget 2016: Key things to watch out in Suresh Prabhu's speech

Moneycontrol Bureau Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu is set to present his second Rail Budget today. Analysts say FY17 Rail Budget is likely to focus on safety upgradation, electrification and doubling to clear traffic bottlenecks.Here are key things to watch out for: 1) Capex plan: Expect 20-25 percent YoY increase in capital outlay for FY17 at Rs 1.25 lakh cr2) During FY16, rail minister had promised an aggressive capex plan for the railways from 2015-19 at Rs 8.5 lakh crore. During FY16, the budgeted capital outlay was Rs 1 lakh crore. 3) Targeted operating ratio for 2015-16 at 88.5 percent against 91.8 percent in 2014-15: best in the last 9 years4) Wagon procurement is expected to increase to 18,000 - 19,000 units. 5) Expect healthy improvement in allocation towards Dedicated freight corridor (DFC).6) Allocation towards coaches, MEMU and EMU expected to witness higher growth in FY177) Fare changes unlikely; no pass through of lower diesel prices8) Progress and expansion of DFC9) Rollout and expansion of high speed network10) Building of 200-kmph train coaches indigenously11) Connecting J&K, North East and hilly regions on a priority basis12) Implementation of new design coaches and vaccum toilets13) Progress towards elimination of all level crossings14) Upgradation of station complexes for comprehensive government services, skill development.