NEW DELHI: The press would be able to take advantage of travel on railways through the use of photo identification cum credit cards based on the certification by the Press Information Bureau and other competent State and local authorities.

Until now, the mediapersons had to acquire coupons from the railways for concessions.

Presenting the Railway Budget for 2011-12, Rail Minister Mamata Banerjee said on production of this card, the Press Correspondents would be able to get reservation done and also tickets issued from the PRS/UTS counters.  
     
  Facilities would also be provided to get compact accommodation for both the Press Correspondents and their family members who are not availing this concession. In addition, concession of 30 per cent will be increased to 50 per cent for Press Correspondents and permission to travel with spouse at 50 per cent concession will be given for once a year, she said.

Meanwhile, she announced the setting up of an expert committee headed by Sam Pitroda, the key person behind the growth of telecommunication revolution in the country, to suggest further innovations, to utilise the optic fiber cables network of the railway and take information technology to the door steps in remote areas.

She said this was being done because there had been little progress after the announcement in the 2001-02 Railway Budget of laying of Optic Fibre Cable network along Railway track for commercial utilisation.