Rail Budget 2015 Saw Suggestions Taken From Social Media: Suresh Prabhu

"We received over 20,000 responses from people on social media and some of the suggestions are there in the budget," he said in his maiden budget speech in parliament.

He said railways needs to go for a transformation and the quality of services is a priority for his government.

The rail ministry launched its FacebRailway Minister Suresh Prabhu Thursday said his ministry received an overwhelming response and suggestions on social media during the formative phase of the Railway Budget 2015-16.

"We received over 20,000 responses from people on social media and some of the suggestions are there in the budget," he said in his maiden budget speech in parliament.

He said railways needs to go for a transformation and the quality of services is a priority for his government.

The rail ministry launched its Facebook and Twitter pages in July last year.

Prabhu added the ministry is working towards integrating the best food chains in the country into e-catering services.

"Food can be ordered through the IRCTC website at the time of booking of tickets. We are working to integrate the best food chains in our country into this project. Depending on the response from our customers, the facility will be extended to cover more trains. It is also intended to set up base kitchens in specified divisions to be run by highly credible agencies for serving quality food," Prabhu elaborated.

Other major, tech-related announcements made in the Rail Budget 2015 included the improved ability to purchase unreserved tickets through smartphones, surveillance cameras on select mainline and ladies compartments, all India 24x7 helpline (138) from March 1, online booking of wheel chairs; extension of Wi-Fi facility to be extended to category B stations; and SMS alerts to inform passengers about the updated arrival/ departure time of trains at starting or destination stations.

Written with inputs from IANS