Bengaluru, Feb 25 (KNN) Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association (KASSIA) welcomed the Railway Minister's announcement to work with the Karnataka government for suburban rails stating that this will go a long way to reduce daily traffic snarls and congestion in Bengaluru.

“The railway Minister deserves kudos for doubling this year's investment compared to last year, something that had never been achieved before,” said V.K. Dikshit, President, KASSIA, while also welcoming the move to introduce overnight double-decker trains on business. 

The micro and small scale industries were also relieved that the budget had left the freight rates untouched though a cut in the rates could have helped to increase revenue from freight, Dikshit observed.

The proposal to develop three dedicated freight corridors on high priority to accommodate the increased demand in freight transport and the full-fledged market study on freight basket being undertaken to revive the freight share could help to increase freight volumes, he said.

Kassia also welcomed the rollout of a number of commuter-friendly measures such as increase in seat quota which was up by 50 per cent for senior citizens, and 33 per cent sub-quota for women under all reserved categories, the proposal to introduce Wi-Fi services in 500 stations over the next two years, enhanced capacity of e-ticketing system, and improving punctuality to 95 per cent. (KNN Bureau)