Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 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 PK Bansal had done "a commendable job" in meeting competing demands of improving services and controlling expenditure.
WATCH VIDEO -- Part 2: Rail budget highlights 

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