“The bottom line is that divestments, which have been on the back burner for a long time will likely see the light of day. Financing India’s infrastructure deficit is likely to be a major focus area. To this end, one could see measures to open up the debt market, given that of the total investment requirements of $517 billion, debt financing is estimated at $247billion. This could include tax exemptions on infrastructure bonds, further raising limits for viability gap funding,” said Birla Sun Life Insurance chief investment officer Vikram Kotak.

Rail-related stocks fall

MUMBAI: Shares of companies related to the rail sector plunged by around 5 pc on the BSE as the Railway Budget fell short of expectations. Shares of engineering and wagon manufacturers like BEML, Texmaco and Titagarh Wagons settled down by up to 5 pc . While BEML closed at Rs 1,033, down 4.51 pc on the BSE, Titagrah settled 5 pc lower at Rs 417.35.