Bangalore : Union Railway Minister DV Sadananda Gowda has said that  the Railway Budget to be presented on July 8 will lay thrust  on speed, safety, service and security.

Speaking to the media men here, the Minister defended the steep hike in rail fares and  said the  Railways will be in deep loss if there was no fare hike. Out of every revenue of Re one, as much as   96 to 97 paise is lost  in payment of wages, fuel cost etc, the minister said.

He hinted that the railway budget  will include proposals for hi-speed trains and several other new projects and assured that the Railways Department sees alround development. Port connectivity and e-ticketing will also get priority, he assured.

Along with new projects, thrust would also be laid on completing existing projects, the minister informed.