New DelhiRailway Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to present a populist budget leaving passenger fares untouched, but rationalising the freight rates keeping the essential commodities aside.
Though the Railway Board is insisting on raising fares keeping the PSU's financial condition in mind, insiders said the minister is "dead against" carrying out any such revision.
The recession-hit industry may not be as lucky though, the Rail Budget to be tabled on February 24 is likely to rationalise freight rates of certain commodities like iron ore, coal and cement.
But according to sources, Mamata is unlikely to tinker with the freight rates of essential commodities including foodgrains.
There is a possibility of a minimum 5 to 10 per cent hike in the transportation charge of certain commodities including iron, coal and minerals. The hike in fuel prices is weighing heavily on railways.
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