Railway budget 2008

The Railways Minister Lalu Prasad presented the railway budget for year 2008 today. Though critics might brand this budget as being "populist", it is actually not! The Indian Railways generated a profit of about Rs. 25000 crores, and it is only natural that he tries to pass that on to commuters. The fare cuts for air-conditioned and sleeper classes have not gone down much, but there isn't an increase in any fare - which is a great thing. It is great Lalu is able to manage the expenses without increasing fares or charges. As an ordinary citizen, what has changed about railways? The news channels were busy dishing out the quality of trains and railway stations. They all seem to highlight and suggest that the common man is generally dissatisfied, which I am afraid is not the case. The first contact with railways is the reservation system, and it has changed so much for the better. From Internet to SMS booking, to e-tickets for all trains, to canceling tickets online - life has become a lot better for the common man. A few years back, these things were just unthinkable. These changes are happening so fast, and these benefits become apparent to us only when we sit back and think hard. The automatic upgrade system for tickets is also a good facility. Staffing all the unmanned level crossings is another great thing. We should be able to afford people who do this all important job. These are some things I am able to think of - of course, not all the credit may go to Lalu but Railways is certainly changing for the better. And certainly a part of the credit goes to Lalu.