Highlights of Railway Budget 2006-07

Following are the highlights of Railway Budget 2006-07 presented by union railway minister Lalu Prasad today:

* No increase in passenger fares

*  No increase in freight rates

* AC First Class fares down 18%

*AC Second Class fares down 10%

* Diesel, petrol freight charges down 8%

* Dynamic pricing policy for freight introduced

* 30% discount during non-peak, 20% in peak season on incremental freight.

* 55 new trains, 37 trains extended

* 50% concession in fares to farmers, milk producers

* 50% concession to handicapped people

* Jansadharan ticket booking scheme to be launched

* Gramin ticket booking service for rural youth

* Fully AC Garib Rath to run on a pilot project basis. Fares in Garib Rath to be 25% lower than ac-II tier.