Bengaluru, Feb 27 (KNN) Reacting to the railway budget 2015-16, the Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) said though it is commuter-friendly, the policy has bypassed micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

There are no significant measures in the rail budget to improve its freight services which is the single most important factor that can put the railways on track and make it financially viable.

“From the perspective of the MSME sector, the budget has hardly anything concrete to offer, which is really a great opportunity missed by the railway minister,” rued KASSIA President, Chidananda M Rajamane.

The expectations on a major push for Make in India project too have been contradicted, he said.

Rajamane, however, hailed the minister for choosing to focus on the nearly 360 projects which are either not commissioned or not completed instead of announcing grandiose projects.

“While leaving passenger fares untouched, the budget has focused on making train travel easier, safer, more comfortable and convenient, through measures such as providing Wi-Fi services in A & B stations, and online booking for food options,” he said.

He also welcomed the ministry’s calling bids from interested parties for revamping stations and launch of a financing cell in the railway board to raise funds from pension, insurance and multi-lateral agencies, and infra fund for raising long-term debt.

“On the whole, the Budget has responded to many pain points of the commuter while industry will have to remain content with the trickle-down effect,” added Rajamane. (KNN/ST)