Rail budget is reformist:PM

New Delhi, Feb 26: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday described the railway budget as "reformist" and "forward looking" and said it will help in meeting competing demands.

"It is a reformist and forward looking budget which presents a realistic picture of railway finances," said Singh.

He said Railway Minister P.K. Bansal had done "a commendable job" in meeting competing demands of improving services and controlling expenditure.

"I compliment the minister for his innovations in critical areas of railway infrastructure and paving the way for capacity expansion," the prime minister said.