Kolkata: The CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) today (July 6, 2004) welcomed the Rail Budget terming it as 'pro-people' and said that it has reflected "national outlook" setting aside all regional bias.

Commenting on the rail budget, CPM politburo member and state secretary Anil Biswas said that there was no hike in passenger fair or cargo freight.

'West Bengal has many more demands. Still I must say this rail budget has positively reflected the national outlook", he said.

Several positive steps had been reflected in the current rail budget through improvement of passenger amenities, railway safety and security.

Besides priority had been given on development and expansion of various existing and new railway projects, he said.

Biswas also said that in the budget the Railway Minister also offered free tickets to the unemployed youths travelling by train to appear either in examination or for interview for Central Government jobs.

The introduction of a new train West Bengal Express was also a "positive step." Besides, the current rail budget also gave priority to several existing projects in the state including the completion of the circular rail and Digha-Tamluk rail line, he said.