Railway Minister Mallikarjun Kharge is expected to announce several new trains along with a promise of better amenities in trains and at stations in the interim budget on Wednesday, February 12.

As general elections are just round the corner, MPs from all parties are demanding new trains for many zones to sway voters.

Sources revealed that Kharge has approved some of the demands for new trains and increase of certain train services, and as a result he is expected to announce survey of new lines and extension and increase of some existing train services in the vote-on-account statement in the interim budget. The vote-on-account will likely also mention the expeditious work on coaching complex for maintenance facility at Gulberga.

Kharge, a strong Congress man from Karnataka, has taken many bold steps to improve the condition of railways, such as allowing fuel adjustment component in freight as well as passenger fares. He allowed hikes in Duronto fares and revision of catering charges in Rajdhani Express.

Taking an advantage of increased demand of berths in Delhi-Mumbai sector, he allowed dynamic fares in special trains as a pilot project.

However, Kharge has repeatedly expressed serious concern over declining revenue, which may force him to refrain from announcing some populist measures. While Railways' working expenses soared by nearly Rs 5,000 crore during April to December period of last year, the revenue earnings slipped by more than Rs 3,000 crore.