Lalu Prasad received praise from his wife and former Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi, who described him as the 'best-ever' Railway Minister and congratulated him on presenting a "people-friendly" budget once again.

Indian Railways has seen lower than expected earnings from upper class passengers while second class passenger earnings exceeded estimates by more than five per cent.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad announced that efforts will be made to introduce air-conditioned trains in suburban services in Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.

Complimenting Railway Minister Lalu Prasad for presenting a 'growth-oriented' budget, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said benefits of the growth have been passed on to consumers.

Following are the highlights of the Railway Budget 2007-08, presented in Lok Sabha by Railway Minister Lalu Prasad.

* 2nd class fares not to be raised * AC-3 Fare Cut: 4% (busy time) -8% (lean time) * AC-2 Fare Cut: 2% (busy time) -4% (lean time) * AC-1 Fare Cut: 3% (busy time) -6% (busy time) * Unreserved compartments to be increased * Lower berth to be earmarked for women/elderly * 32 new trains, 8 Garib Raths to be introduced * All TTEs to have palm tops * 2007-08 to be 'Year of Cleanliness' * Concession upto 50% for UPSC examinee * Rail tickets to be available at ATMs/pumps

Firing fireballs at the Centre over the Quattrocchi-Sonia 'proximity', Oppn has decided to stall the Question Hour, not allowing Rail Budget to be read out in Lok Sabha.

Even as he is expected to announce many more sops this year, the Railway Minister could well explain what the ministry proposes to do with around 230 projects lying pending for years.

With a surplus of about Rs 11,000 crore, Rail Budget '06-'07 had promised to address populist concerns. Though Lalu worked hard on passenger service, he lost track midway.

Railway minister Lalu Prasad is likely to roll out a passenger-friendly Railway Budget, fourth time in a row, with special focus on safety and security concerns.

People can expect a ‘good’ railway budget as the interests of all sections of customers as well as safety issues were kept in mind, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said.

Buoyed by a revenue surplus, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad may propose a reduction in second class and upper class fares in his budget for 2007-08.

The Railway Minister is likely to roll out innovative measures to ensure a pleasant journey. From entertainment to fast food to diet food, riding on Lalu's 'raths' would be a joy ride!

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad was non-committal on whether passenger and freight fares would be increased or decreased in the rail budget to be presented by him on February 26.

Flush with all-round praise for the turnaround, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said the Govt has many more schemes in store to ensure smooth functioning of railways.

Continuing the trend of past few years, the upcoming rail budget will leave the 2nd class train fare unchanged but upper class AC and freight fares may be 'rationalised'.