New BG lines commissioned in 2015-16 was 2828km (@7.75kms/day) Avg. rate of commissioning of previous regime from 2009-14 was 1528kms (@4.19 kms/day). This is a great achievement in 2 years especially keeping in view that coal loading offered to IR has fallen for the first time to 10% below budgeted figure. In the coming years much higher acceleration (18-19kms of new BG lines/day in next 5-6 years) in projects commissioning is planned, so it looks like an era of capacity augmentation has begun in real ernest in IR for the first time since independence.
.
IR...
more... is gearing up to absorb the impact of 7th pay commission, an additional burden of 32000 crore Rs in more "efficient way" with strong emphasis on non-fare revenue like advertisement, commercial exploitation of IR properties, etc. Past experience has shown that such schemes had always been a non-starter. Report is silent on possible fare increase. How IR actually arrange for the additional revenue without compromising on the planned quantum of capital investments, is eagerly being awaited.