The Rail Budget on Tuesday got a thumbs up from 'aam aadmi', who expressed happiness at Railway Minister Lalu Prasad doling out concessions, even as a section expressed scepticism about the proper implementation of the schemes announced.

The reduction in fares, concessions for girl students and schemes for getting rid of long queues at ticket counters have earned praises from the common man though another section termed the proposals as a "closed packet which will never be opened".

"This budget has once again proved that Prasad is largely concerned about the passengers' comfort and safety. Once again he has offered fares cut in all classes," Shekhar Gehlot, a chartered accountant, is all praise for new Rail budget.

Shubhankar Thakur, a senior financial analyst, noted that Prasad's determination to end the long queues at railway stations within two years will help in saving energy and time.

"Introducing concessions for girls student and elderly citizens is a great step by rail minister," he added.

However, this enthusiasm is not shared by another section, which doubts that the schemes will be implemented properly. "I am not very much impressed with this budget as in the past nothing has been done except announcements and this time also, it is the same old story. Cut in the railway fares are also meagre," said Pankaj Dwivedi, senior financial advisor with a bank.

"My work demands me to travel to different places and I travel by train only and I prefer e-ticketing service, but non-availability of seats most of the time adds to my burden," said Sunil Rajoria, an exporter.

Railway Budget: 2008-09