The Coimbatore chapter of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry welcomed the Railway Budget 2016 today, describing it as ‘focused more on consolidation rather than expansion.’

In a press release issued by the ICCI president D Nanndakumar, he said that the budget also focused on key issues on innovative measures, and highlighted the outlaying of investment opportunities, and new financing methods.

Lauding the Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu for the ‘overall matured Rail Budget,’ he said that the chamber welcomed the fact that there were no increases in the fares.

Bringing all the railway stations under CCTV surveillance, WiFi facilities at 100 stations, optional travel insurance facilities at the time of booking the tickets, e-ticketing facilities through foreign debit and credit cards are some of the schemes listed in the new budget.

The chamber however was disappointed that there was nothing in the budget for Coimbatore, including the long-demanded Coimbatore-Bengaluru express train.

The Tirupur Exporters Association’s president, A. Sakthivel welcomed the Budget for not increasing the rail fares and freight charges.