Budget 2019-20: Highest-Ever Allocation Of Rs 1.60 Lakh Crore for Railways, Infrastructure Remains Priority

Railways has received its highest ever allocation for capital expenditure in Rs 1,60,176 crore for the year 2019-20, reports The Hindu.

With the aim of expanding infrastructure, the outlay comprises Rs 65,837 crore from budgetary support, Rs 83,571 crore from extra-budgetary resources and Rs 10,500 crore from internal resources. Rs 267.64 crore has been earmarked for the safety from the Nirbhaya Fund.

While Rs 7,255 crore has been allocated to laying down new lines, gauge conversion got an allocation of Rs 2,200 crore, doubling was allocated Rs 700 crore, rolling stock was allocated Rs 6,114.82 crore and signalling and telecom received Rs 1,750 crore. The allocation for passenger amenities has been increased to Rs 3,422 crore.

The revenue receipts from the railways is expected to increase by Rs 19,721 crore to Rs 2,16,935 crore this year. As per the Budget documents, the government expects the earnings from passengers to grow to Rs 56,000 crore from Rs 52,000 crore in 2018-19, and from goods to grow by more than Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 1,31,565 crore.