What is new in Rail Minister's budget?

TAPPING ALTERNATE ENERGY: Since the government is grappling with ever-increasing fuel cost, harnessing alternative energy like solar power and bio-diesel in a big way is likely to feature in the NDA government's first Rail Budget. PM Narendra Modi wants use of non-renewable energy in rail sector. The budget is likely to have proposals for bio-diesel plant and LNG locomotives in view of increased fuel prices. The budget will emphasise on switching over to solar power for rail workshops, colonies, hospitals and stations. Besides the proposal of setting up of power plants at vacant land and installing solar panels on rooftop of trains, the commissioning of solar power plant at Raebareli coach factory are likely to be announced.