The Lok Sabha today passed the Rail Budget 2013-14 by a voice vote. It provides for the withdrawal of 63 thousand and 363 crore rupees from the Consolidated Fund of India to achieve the targets announced in the budget.

Replying to the discussion, Railway Minister P.K.Bansal assured the House that all railway projects announced in the Budget will be taken up and completed in time. For this, ten lakh crore rupees are needed.

The minister said every effort will be made to raise the resources by economising the expenses and through borrowings from institutions like the World Bank. He said there has been only a slight rise in fares this time.

Passenger fares remained unchanged in the last twelve years. Mr. Bansal said every effort has been made to protect the interests of passengers. He said providing better amenities to passengers will be his endeavor.

There will be increased focus on their safety. For this 41 thousand and 112 crore rupees has been allocated.

The rolling stock will be improved and two dedicated freight corridors will be constructed. One will be from Ludhiana to Howrah and the other from Delhi to Mumbai.

Dissatisfied with the reply the entire opposition staged a walkout.