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A Sneak Peek at the upcoming Rail Budget 2008-09
(Feb 13, 2008)
Lalu's Strategy
With general elections coming soon next year, Lalu plays his cards in a most wise manner by making a populist rail budget. This year is considered to be the politically most important one of his entire tenure as he can bid his political fate solely on this. However, Bihar being his home state would surely hold a important place in his scheme of things.

Certain propositions that are anticipated to be announced in the Railway Budget for 2008-09

PASSENGER FARES
Fares for the second class might be kept may be left unaffected.

There might be nominal increase in the upper class fares.

NEW LINES
Introduction of ten new rail pathways for Bihar that will join vital railway stations in the state such as Bodhgaya, Muzaffarpur, Aara, Daltonganj, Bihariganj and Darbhanga.

Few new lines for Tamil Nadu and Tripura.

Building up of a broad-gauge Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri line and a Cuddapah-Bangalore line costing Rs 1,040 crore and Rs 1,000 crore, respectively.

Doubling and electrifying the Ahmedabad-Udaipur route, a long awaiting project.

Construction of a new broad-gauge line that will connect two important cities, Tripura — Agartala and Sabrum

DEVELOPMENTAL PLANS
Around Rs 4,510 crore has been earmarked for the building up of second phase of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP), that directs at enhancing the suburban rail service in the commercial capital of the country