New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering connectivity and enhancing passenger comfort during the presentation of the Interim Budget for 2024. Sitharaman announced plans to upgrade 40,000 normal train coaches to Vande Bharat standards, aiming to elevate safety, convenience, and comfort for passengers.
Highlighting key railway corridor initiatives, Sitharaman mentioned the implementation of three major programs: the energy mineral and cement corridor, port connectivity corridors, and high traffic density corridors, all identified under the PM Gatishakti initiative. These projects are poised to foster multi-modal connectivity, streamline logistics efficiency, and reduce costs.
The Finance Minister emphasized that alleviating congestion in high-traffic corridors will not only enhance the operations of passenger trains but also ensure safety and increase travel speeds for commuters. Additionally, she noted that the dedicated freight corridors, along with the three corridor programs, are expected to accelerate India’s GDP growth.
Turning to aviation, Sitharaman highlighted the significant progress made in expanding the number of airports to 149 over the past decade, with the UDAN scheme extending connectivity to Tier II and Tier III cities. She also acknowledged Indian carriers’ substantial orders for over 1,000 new aircraft.
Sitharaman affirmed the government’s commitment to the continued expansion of existing airports and the development of new ones to meet growing demands efficiently.
Moreover, recognizing the evolving needs of a burgeoning middle class and rapid urbanization, the Finance Minister suggested that Metro Rail and NaMo Bharat (Regional Rapid Transit Systems) could drive the necessary urban transformation. She indicated support for the expansion of these systems in large cities with a focus on transit-oriented development.
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