Lok Sabha okays railways grants

New Delhi, March 9 : The Lok Sabha Tuesday passed the Indian Railways demand for grants and appropriation bill seeking an additional Rs.5,268 crore for the current financial year.

The bill was passed through a voice vote amid a din created by Samajwadi Party and Rashtriya Janata Dal members over the women's reservation bill.

As the protesting MPs shouted slogans, Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee moved the bill seeking more grants and appropriation for 2010-11.

The bill seeks an additional Rs.5,268 crore as expenditure, including for repairs, maintenance, fuel and payment towards salary and pension.

Amid the noisy scenes one could barely hear what the minister said before the bill was put to voice vote and passed without any discussion.