Women over 58 yrs now eligible for railway concession

New Delhi, Feb 25 (ANI): Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday announced that the railways will give concession to women over 58 years.

Presenting the Rail Budget 2011-12 in the Parliament, Banerjee said: "Railways will give relief for senior citizens: to decrease the age for senior citizen (Women) to 58 years from 60 years and concession on rail ticket for senior citizens to 40 percent."

Banerjee said the railway is planning to invest Rs 57630 crore in the 2011-12 fiscal.

Regretting over the two incidents of sabotage that led to a large number of deaths last year, Banerjee said: "Anti-collision devices will be commissioned in three railway zones including South and South Central soon. Also, all unmanned crossings will be done away with in the next fiscal."

She further said the rail accident rate has declined from 0.29 per cent last year to 0.17 per cent now.

"The states with lowest number of rail accidents will get two new projects and two new trains as an incentive," said Banerjee.

"As many as 442 stations are to be completed and 584 upgraded by 2012 and new railway line capacities are to be increased to 700 km," she added.

The Railway Minister said the booking charges for A/C as well as non-A/C seats will be reduced by 50 per cent and trolleys will be introduced at railway stations.

" Also, 'Go India' smart card ticket project will be launched this year," she said.

Banerjee announced that the first coach from the new rail factory at Rae Bareli will roll out in next three months.

"Track-machine industry will set up in Uluberia in West Bengal. There is a plan to set up metro coach factory near Singur in West Bengal," she added. (ANI)