Rly minister may launch Jan Sadharan AC trains

After Sampark Kranti Express last year, it may now be the turn of Jan Sadharan Express, a cheap AC train, to chug its way into the Railway  Budget 2006-07 to be presented by railway minister Lalu Prasad on February 24.

A number of Jan Sadharan Express trains are likely to be introduced to connect various metros and big cities providing comfort travel to the 'Aam Aadmi' (common man) at affordable fares.

Talking to PTI on the sidelines of a function here to launch the 150-kmph Delhi-Bhopal superfast Shatabdi Express, Prasad gave enough indications in this regard saying he would be introducing new trains, more particularly the Jan Sadharan, keeping the needs of all sections in mind.

Asked specifically as to what would be the message of the budget, the minister said: "Railway is now the preferred choice for travellers. Railway is growing faster than the national economy."