Budget
24 | Article
Viewpoints of Industry Experts on Budget 2018-19 Focus – Railway Sector
What are your opinions on the Union Budget 2018-19 ?
It ’ s good to see that Infrastructure Development is given a massive push in the budget . As India is gaining importance in the global economy and encouraging global companies to set up their manufacturing in India , it is extremely important that infrastructure which is the backbone to support this movement , is given importance . The budget allocation for urban infrastructure development and smart cities are a good move . I am pleasantly surprised by the decision of the government to development tourist attractions and heritage cities . These will help in promoting tourism and attracting more tourists . The decision to focus on safety of the Railways is a necessary step to ensure safe and sustainable transportation for the commuters .
Mr . Ashish Tandon MD , Egis India
On the corporate front , reduction of corporate tax by 5 % for companies with turnover under 250 crores INR is a good move to boost medium sized companies and help their expansion . However , I feel it should have been extended to companies with up to 400 crores of turnover for greater impact .
I am pleased with the decision of the government to invest in digital infrastructure , educational and social security measures announced as it is taking us closer to being a developed nation from being a developing nation .
What will be the impact of the Budget 2018-19 on the different Infrastructure projects in Railways in India ?
I feel that the impact of the budget will be two pronged . Firstly , it will help achieve the vision of the government to go electric by 2030 and railways in all its different avatars will play a pivotal role . Secondly , I feel that It will make the public transport system more robust than it is now in the near future which will encourage the use of public transportation amongst the masses and thereby reduce the financial burden of crude oil import and improve the environment with reduced vehicular emissions . So the way I see it , this budget is sowing the seeds for a more sustainable tomorrow .
lot of investment is made towards building the nation . So in my view it ’ s not a populist budget but it ’ s a budget that will be good for the nation in the long run
What are your viewpoints about the progress of Railways since 2014 ?
The intention of the government to go electric by 2030 has been a big boon for the railways . It is seeing more acceptance and expansion . The focus has now moved towards modernization to make railways world class and comfortable . The metros are on the rise and the super-fast trains have become a ‘ must have ’ rather than a ‘ good to have ’. Technological advancements are also sweeping the sector which is making the sector more relevant for the long term .
Do you find the Budget 2018-19 Satisfactory ?
As they say that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step . In my opinion , this budget is quite a few steps in the right direction
Since This was the last Budget of BJP Government Before 2019 Elections , so what do you think it could bring out ?
This government has shown the risk appetite to take tough decisions which in the short term may cause pain but will deliver gains in the long run . Since India is still a developing country , I feel the budget is very pro-development wherein a