Bangalore: Commerce and industry bodies in Karnataka on February 26 welcomed the initiatives on the safety front and introduction of new trains in the Railway Budget.

However, president of the Greater Mysore Chamber of Industry Harbans Thukral said it was a non-controversial Budget with no concrete proposals for bringing about modernisation and innovation.

However, he welcomed the proposal for reclassification of commodities in order to bring down freight rates and also the introduction of a new train between Bangalore and Salem.

Thukral also welcomed the provision of internet services in trains as part of the Railways future plans and also the plan to install a device in trains to avoid collisions.

He said the Karnataka government also needs to move forward with speed and commitment on existing projects for which funds have already been allocated by the Railways in the previous Budgets.

The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry President K N Jayalingappa said the Railway Budget appeared to be a "rather subdued affair".

He said the Budget was quite disappointing for Karnataka, as there was no word about the many important projects that are pending completion.

"The opening of Hubli-Ankola broad gauge line would have greatly added to the economic lifeline of the region. One only hopes that the Hassan-Mangalore rail work would not be further delayed," Jayalingappa said.

PTI