Indias railways minister vowed to support the common people as she unveiled her third annual budget on Friday, that promised to invest 576.3 billion rupees. The railways budget is expected to present a populist spending programme, to help it contain voter anger over inflation and corruption ahead of key state elections.

But, with an eye on winning elections later this year in the populous state of West Bengal that would shore up support for a government under fire over a string of corruption scandals, she kept focus on making the network affordable for the common man.

The creaking railway system has suffered from decades of low investment and unimaginative policies and fallen far behind emerging market peer China in building a network fit for Asias third-largest economy.

Published Date : Saturday, 26/2/2011 1:31 PM IST