They also demanded immediate electrification of the Pune-Daund section. The experts deliberated on the budget at Patrakar Bhavan after the presentation. “Even though the budget is positive, with many provisions for the common man, it has still not given attention to the long-pending demand of starting new trains to Rajasthan. There is still no mention of a train on the Pune-Ajmer route. This neglect is happening despite a good revenue in the route,” said Kaluram Prajapati of Prajapati Vikas Sangh.

Kanubhai Trivedi, president of Pune Pravasi Sangh, said though the speed at which Pune is getting attention is slow, it has been steadily getting one of its wishes fulfilled every year.

Jayashree Pendse of Railway Pravasi Mahasangh said, “The budget has been prepared keeping in mind the social needs. It incorporates various positives like Ijjat or travel with dignity, non-stop trains for the business class and a doctor in long-distance trains.”

President of Pune-Mumbai Railway Pravasi Sangh Hemant Tapale said, “The budget has many positive moves for ordinary people like low fares, special trains for youths and women. Pune too has got some respite, though long-pending demands like trains to Rajasthan have not been met. The Lonavala-Daund route needs to be expanded to four lanes while the Pune-Daund route needs to be electrified soon

Major (retd) Mathew Oommen welcomed the budget, saying that this year’s budget has got a national face. “This time, we got a realistic budget, which has a national face.”

He said despite 4.5 lakh Keralites residing in Pune, there has been a sheer neglect as far as starting direct trains to the state is concerned. He said more focus should be given to maintenance of trains and railway stations ; more facilities should be provided to defence personnel as well.