Trade bodies including CII and FICCI have welcomed the railway budget. CII said that the announcements and emphasis on technological development, growth, safety and passenger amenities and opportunities for industry to work closely with the Railways are a positive development.

The trade body believes that Private-Public Partnership is the most effective way forward and said the announcement of single window approval is welcome.

Lauding the budget, FICCI has welcomed the budget’s thrust on modernization and safety aspects with the plan for commissioning anti-collision devices in three zones this year. It has also said the focus in the budget towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir and North-East regions is welcome stating that it will go a long way towards regeneration of these areas.