Kochi: An amount of Rs 3,042 crore has been allocated for railway development in Kerala, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday, media reports said.Thirtytwo railway stations in Kerala would be upgraded and an additional 200 Vande Bharat trains would be introduced across the country,
he told reporters in New Delhi.
He said that Rs 2,52,000 has been allocated as the gross budgetary support for the Railways which is aiming to achieve 100% electrification, he said.
The railways is planning to launch 200 Vande Bharat trains, 100 Amrit Bharat trains, 50 Namo Bharat rapid rail and 17,500 general AC coaches, among others, he said.
The other features of the railway budget include allocation of Rs 1.08 lakh crore for improving safety, he said.
Upgradation of tracks and signalling systems, construction of flyovers and underpasses and implementation of the Kavach safety system are some of the works to be carried out for improving safety.
The budget supports the expansion of the energy mineral and cement corridors, the port connectivity corridor and the high-traffic density corridor.
Refurbishment of 40,000 conventional rakes on par with Vande Bharat level,
investment in solar energy and other energy-efficient measures, improving efficiency of rail services in association with private sector, upgrade wi-fi facilities at railway stations, digitisation of ticketing and other services, introducing modern technologies for customer service and safety are among the areas the budget will focus.
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