Railway’s Initiative on Cold Storage for Fruits



Railway’s Initiative on Cold Storage for Fruits
Under a pilot project called “Kisan Vision Project”, Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR), Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) and Central Railside Warehouse Company Limited (CRWC) were asked to provide infrastructure to encourage development of facilities for setting up cold storages and temperature-controlled perishable cargo centers as well as developing agri-retail outlets through public private partnership (PPP) mode at six locations on Indian Railways. Details of these projects are as under:-


(i) Nasik (Maharashtra): The centre located in Nasik District of Maharashtra is functional since 23.02.2013.

(ii) New Azadpur (Delhi): Perishable Cargo Centre at New Azadpur, Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi has been functional since 24.03.2015

(iii) New Jalpaiguri (West Bengal): The Perishable Cargo Centre at Bagdogra airport was taken over by CONCOR on 22.02.2011 from Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA). Under the provisions of Agreement executed between SJDA & CONCOR, SJDA was required to obtain requisite license from State Government authorities. Since SJDA has not been able to obtain the same, CONCOR intends returning the facility to SJDA.

(iv) Singur (West Bengal): The Perishable Cargo Centre was made functional on 18/12/2011. However, due to very low utilization, the service provider has abandoned the contract.

(v) Dankuni (West Bengal): Central Railside Warehouse Company Ltd.(CRWC) has been entrusted with the responsibility of developing Perishable Cargo Centre at Dankuni. However, release of requisite land at the proposed site has been impracticable due to presence of coal blocks, commercial plots, high tension wire and infringing road movement.

(vi) Perishable Cargo Centre at Ghazipur Ghat (Uttar Pradesh): The facility is expected to be functional by December 2016, with a built-up area of 1350 sq.m in Phase-I.

CONCOR’s fully owned subsidiary, i.e. Fresh and Healthy Enterprises Limited (FHEL) is operating a controlled-atmosphere store at Rai (Sonepat) in Haryana having the capacity of 11700 metric tonnes. CRWC has carried out preliminary surveys for construction of temperature-controlled storages at 10 other locations, viz. Vatva, Vishakhapatnam, Badagara, Udhna, Cheriyanad, Bhivandi Road, Azara, Navlur, Kalamboli and Yashwantpura. These surveys do not indicate feasibility, due to inadequate availability of land/traffic, at any of these locations except at Bhiwandi Road. CRWC has been allowed a timeframe of two years from receipt of requisite approvals for construction and operationalization of the warehouse complex.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
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Details of Railway Projects (Doublingl, Electrification etc.)

Details of Railway routes which were identified for survey for electrification, doubling, tripling, four-laning during the last three years are given below: -

(i) Railway Electrification:
SN
State (s)
Routes
1
Bihar, Jharkhand
Pakur –Sahibganj –Kiul including Bhagalpur –Mandar Hill
2
Karnataka, Maharashtra
Londa –Miraj –Pune including Miraj –Kolhapur
3
Madhya Pradesh
Maksi –Vijaypur and Guna –Gwalior
4
Andhra Pradesh, Telengana
Bibinagar (Pagidipalli)-Nallapadu
5
Harayana
Kurukshetra –Kaithal –Narwana
6
Assam, Nagaland
Guwahati –Tinsukhia via Lumding
7
Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
Jhansi –Manikpur (including Khairar –Kanpur)
8
Karnataka
Hospet –Gadag –Hubli
9
Karnataka
Mysore –Hassan –Mangalore (including Hassan –Arsikere)
10
Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana
Manmad –Mudkhed –Lingampalli –Dhone
11
Uttar Pradesh
Unchahar-Utratia –Balamau-Sitapur
12
Jharkhand
Ranchi –Lohardaga-Tori
13
Karnataka, Goa
Bangalore-Tumkur –Hubli – Londa –Vasco da Gama (including Birur –Talguppa)
14
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
Chikajur-Bellary
15
Harayana, Punjab
Hisar-Jakhal-Ludhiana
16
Uttar Pradesh
Moradabad-Aligarh including Bareilly –Chandausi
17
Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat
Hisar –Bathinda –Suratgarh –Phalodi –Jodhpur-Bhildi (including Phalodi –Jaisalmer and Samdari –Munabao)
18
Maharashtra
Panvel-Pen-Roha
19
Tamil Nadu
Erode –Karur-Tiruchchirappalli & Karur-Dindigul
20
Tamil Nadu
Karaikkal/Karaikkal port Thiruvarur –Tanjavur-Tiruchchirappalli & Nagapattinam -Velankkani

(ii) Doubling, Tripling, Four-laning:

As most of the railway lines extend across one or more States, State-wise data is not maintained. However, Zonal Railway-wise details of surveys undertaken during the last three years in respect of doubling, tripling, four-laning are as detailed below:-
Zonal Railway
No. of Surveys undertaken for doubling, tripling & quadrupling
Central
9
Eastern
0
East Central
6
East Coast
6
Northern
13
North Central
2
North Eastern
4
Northeast Frontier
0
North Western
4
Southern
5
South Central
8
South Eastern
5
Southeast Central
2
South Western
1
Western
7
West Central
2

Details of routes on which electrification, doubling, tripling, four-laning has started/ proposed to be started in the last three years are given below:
(i) Railway Electrification:
                                                                                                          
S.No.
State(s)
NAME OF PROJECT
Route Kilometer (RKM)
TOTAL
1
Andhra Pradesh/ Kar
nataka
Guntakal-Bellary-Hospet section including Tornagallu-Ranjitpura branch line
138
2
Andhra Pradesh
Nallapadu-Guntakal
426
3
Bihar
Manpur-Tilaiya-Bakhtiarpur
132
4
Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat
Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Rewari-Phulera-Palanpur-Ahmedabad including Kalol-Gandhinagar Khodiyar & Alwar-Bandikui-Jaipur-Phulera
1087
5
Haryana
Manheru-Hisar
74
6
Haryana
Jakhal-Hisar
79
7
Haryana, Punjab
Jakhal-Dhuri-Ludhiana
123
8
Jharkhand/ Madhya Pradesh/ Uttar Pradesh
Garwa Road-Chopan-Singrauli
257
9
Madhya Pradesh/ Maharashtra
Amla-Chhindwara-Kalumna
257
10
Madhya Pradesh/ Uttar Pradesh
Itarsi-Katni-Manikpur-Chheoki including Satna-Rewa
653
11
Odisha
Sambalpur-Angul
156
12
Odisha
Jharsuguda-Sambalpur-Titlagarh section including Jharsuguda-Ib (By pass line)
238
13
Odisha
Damanjodi- Singapur Road
152
14
Punjab
Rajpura-Dhuri-Lehra Muhabhat
151
15
Tamil Nadu
Coimbatore North-Mettupalayam
33
16
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh
Chhapra-Ballia-Ghazipur-Varanasi-Allahabad
330
17
West Bengal/Jhar khand
Kumedpur-Malda-Singhabad and Pakur-Malda
153
18
West Bengal
Andal-Sitarampur via Jamuria-Ikra and Sripur
57
19
West Bengal
Katwa-Azimganj-Nalhati & Azimganj-Tildanga/New Farakka incl. Nalhati & Azimganj bypass line
200

There is no delay in commencement of Railway Electrification projects on the above routes.

(ii) The zone-wise details of doubling, tripling & four-laning of projects under Plan Head Doubling started / proposed to be started in last three years are as under:-
S.N.
Railway
Project
length (in km)
1
Central
Wardha(Sewagram)-Nagpur 3rd line
76.3
2
Eastern
Bazar Sau-Azimganj Jn.(42.15 km)
42.15
3
Eastern
Monigram-Nimtita (34.3 km)
34.3
4
Eastern
Sagardigi-Azimganj Cabin (16.3 km)
16.3
5
East Central
Jarangdih-Danea Patch Doubling (29.2 km)
29.2
6
East Central
Danea-Ranchi Road (25.2 km)
25.2
7
East Central
Garhwa Road-Ramna (32.32 km)
32.32
8
East Central
Hajipur-Ramdayalu Nagar (47.72 km)
47.72
9
East Central
Katreah-Kursela Patch Doubling incl. bridge on river Kosi (7.24 km)
7.24
10
East Coast
Bhadrak-Nergundi 3rd line (80 km)
80
11
Northern
Raibareilly-Amethi
60.1
12
Northern
Meerut-Muzaffarnagar
55.47
13
Northern
Haridwar-Lakshar (27.03 km)
27.03
14
Northern
Anand Vihar-Tilak Bridge 3rd & 4th line (9.77 km)
9.77
15
North Central
Bhimsen--Jhansi
206
16
North Eastern
Ghazipur-Aunrihar
40
17
North Eastern
Chhapra-Ballia Patch Doubling (65 km)
65
18
Northeast Frontier
Lumding-Hojai Patch Doubling (44.92 km)
44.92
19
Northeast Frontier
New Coochbehar-Gumanihat (29.32 km)
29.32
20
North Western
Alwar-Bandikui (60.3 km)
60.3
21
North Western
Rani-Marwar Jn Patch DL (54.5 km)
54.5
22
North Western
Bangurgram-Guria Patch DL (47 km)
47
23
Southern
Chennai Central-Basin Br. Jn. - Provision of 5th & 6th Line (2.2 km)
2.2
24
South Central
Kazipet-Vijaywada 3rd line with electrification (219.64 km)
219.64
25
South Eastern
Manoharpur-Bondamanda 3rd line (30 km)
30
26
South Eastern
Rajkharswan-Chakradharpur 3rd line (20 km)
20
27
South Eastern
Kharagpur-Narayangarh 3rd line (20 km)
20
28
South Eastern
Andul-Baltikuri (7.25 km)
7.25
29
South Western
Hotgi-Gadag
284
30
Western
Palanpur-Samakhayali (274.73 km)
274.73
31
Western
Vatva-Ahmedabad-3rd line with Automatic Signalling (7.5 km)
7.5
32
West Central
Barkhera-Habibganj 3rd line (41.42 km)
41.42
33
West Central
Itarsi-Bhudni 3rd line (25.09 km)
25.09
34
West Central
Ghat Pindrai-Belkhera Patch DL (5.56 km)
5.56

The Minister informed that there is no delay in commencement of doubling, tripling and four-laning projects on the above routes.

Details of projects completed for electrification doubling, tripling and four-laning for the last 3 years is given below: -
(i) Sections commissioned on electric traction during last three years are as under:     
SN
State
Section
Route Kilometers
Cost
(` in Crore)
1
Delhi, Harayana
Shakurbasti-Rohtak
60
85.44
2
Uttar Pradesh
Moradabad-Rosa-Hardoi
221
369.18
3
Punjab, Himachal Pradesh
Suchipind-Pathankot-Jammu Tawi
213
282.41
4
Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Trivandrum-Kanniyakumari
87
55.02
5
Tamil Nadu
Madurai- Vanchi Maniyachchi--Nagercoil including Vanchi Maniyachchi-Tuticorin
262
320.78
6
Tamil Nadu
Dindigul Madurai
56
63.49
7
Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain-Indore & Dewas-Maksi
116
98.75
8
Uttar Pradesh
Jhansi-Kanpur incl Ait-Konch & Kanpur Anwarganj-Kalyanpur
239
205.54
9
Uttar Pradesh
Barabanki-Gonda
88
127.22
10
Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
Bhatni-Siwan- Chhapra-Barauni via Shahpur Patoree including Siwan-Thawe
287
414.91
11
Bihar
Hazipur-Muzaffarpur-Bachhwara
140
202.39
12
Uttar Pradesh
Utratia-Sultanpur-Mughalsarai
292
549.27
13
Andhra Pradesh
Kadappa-Muddanur-Guntakal
183
221.20
14
West Bengal
Gokulnagar Joypur-Maynapur
06
3.90
15
West Bengal
Talpur-Arambag
20
12.97
16
West Bengal
Tamluk-Digha
89
57.70
17
West Bengal
Pandabeswar-Kachujor-Sainthia
45
73.36
18
Karnataka, Telengana
Tandur-Wadi
68
100.83
19
Gujarat
Bharauch-Samni-Dahej
64
40.20
20
Punjab
New Morinda-Sanehwal
52
33.72
21
Tamil Nadu
Vellore-Villupuram
150
97.26
22
Uttar Pradesh
Khurja-Meerut
84
90.97
23
Andhra Pradesh
Vizianagaram-Garudaballi
13
17.79
24
Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan
Mathura-Alwar
123
124.53
25
Kerala
Shoranur-Kozhikkode (Excluding)
84
98.29
26
Maharashtra
Manmad-Puntamba-Shirdi
81
116.71

Total
3123
3863.83
Total
                                                                                                          
(ii) Doubling, tripling, quadrupling projects completed in last three years is as under:-
Railway
Name of the Section completed
Length (in Km)
Central
Kasu-Roha
12
Central
Jite-Pen
10
Central
Apta-Pen
14
Central
Hoigi-Tilati
9
Central
Mohol- Malikpet- Angar- Vakav- Madha
29
Eastern
Gaddharpur-Tarapith
14.1
Eastern
Plassey- Rejinagar
8.71
Eastern
Sahibganj-Sakrigali
7.96
Eastern
Maharjpur- K/Purato
4.21
Eastern
N/Dham- Bhandartikuri
1.15
Eastern
Taljhari-Maharajpur
10
Eastern
Dhubulia-Muragachha
5
Eastern
Belangar-Bally
2.16
Eastern
Takipur-Morgram
11.68
Eastern
Lebutala-Champapukur (part)
14.58
Eastern
Debagram-Palassey
22.5
Eastern
Sahibganj-Mirzachouki
15.2
Eastern
Nabadwipdham-Purbasthali
8
Eastern
Dhartigram-Nabadwipdham
14.63
Eastern
Barharwa-Bonidanga
4.73
Eastern
Ambika Kalna-Dhatrigram
8.66
Eastern
Poradanga-mahishasur
14.98
Eastern
Dainhat-Patuli
10.69
Eastern
Patuli-Purbsthali
13.85
Eastern
Pirpanthi-Mirzachoki
8.39
Eastern
Dubulia-Muragachha-Bethuadahari
15.39
Eastern
Krishnanagar-Dhubulia
12.55
Eastern
Bhagawangola-Jiaganj
11.52
Eastern
Dankuni-Bally
3.55
Eastern
Nalhati-Takipur
7.09
Eastern
Phulia-Kalinarayanpur
8.66
Eastern
Tinpahar-Taljhari
9.78
East Central
Chandrapura-Rajabera
5
East Coast
Lapanga- Brundamal (Part)
3
East Coast
Delang- Sakhigopal-Puri
28.7
East Coast
Handapa- Boinda
8
East Coast
Bedsonda- Mahasamand- Arand
17
East Coast
Muribahal- Rahanhata- Titlagarh
17
East Coast
Porjanpur- Goldhi
7
East Coast
Sitabinji- Nilakanteshwar
11
East Coast
Chunagarh- Barang
7
East Coast
Barang- Mancheshwar-Bhubneshwar
13.3
East Coast
Delang-Sakhigopal part
0.9
East Coast
Rengali-Lapanga
6
East Coast
Cuttak-Barang
14.3
East Coast
Naraj-Chunnagarh
5
East Coast
Harichandanpur - Nilakanteswar
11.2
East Coast
Goaldhi - Keonjhar
11
East Coast
Sukinda Road-Baghuapal
8.5
East Coast
Baghuapal - Tomka
8.5
East Coast
Chilkidra-Harichandanpur
10.4
East Coast
Jharsuguda-Brundamal
9
East Coast
Brundamal-Rengali
7.6
East Coast
Simhachalam North-Gopalipatnam DL of bypass line
2.07
East Coast
Korukonda-Alamanda-Kantakapalli
9
East Coast
Korukonda-Alamanda-Kantakapalli
7.3
East Coast
Jenapur-Jakhapur
8.5
East Coast
Garhmadopur-Jenapur
5.8
Northern
Sewapuri-Kapsethi-Parsipur-Bhadoi
22
Northern
Jhangai-Sarai Kansarai
5.7
Northern
Sarai Kansarai- Suriyawan
10
Northern
Chandrauli to Trivediganj
7.54
Northern
Bhadian to Lambua
6.85
Northern
Adhinpur to Nihalgarh
10.48
Northern
Lambua -Maharani Paschim
8.31
Northern
Musafirkhana -Adhinpur
8.47
Northern
Nihalgarh to Sindhurwa
7.79
Northern
Shiv Nagar to Musafirkhana
9.7
Northern
Sindhurwa- Akbarganj
7.18
Northern
Ballabhgarh- Faridabad Part
2.5
Northern
Maur to Maiserkhana
8.32
Northern
Chhan Arorian – Budhi
8
Northern
Sambha – Vijaypur – Jammu – Involving Doubling across Basantar Bridge
7
Northern
Lohta-chokhandi-Sewapuri
16.77
Northern
Bhadohi-Sarai Kansarai
15.33
Northern
Sultanpur-Bhadaiyan, shivnagar-bandhukalan
30
Northern
Ambala-Dhapper
22.71
Northern
Jallandhar Cantt-Suchipind
3.5
Northern
Chakki Bank-Bharoli
3.5
Northern
Asoati-Tughlakabad
20.5
Northern
Mansa-Maur
18
North Central
Hodal-Chhata
21
North Central
Tundla flyover
2.6
North Eastern
Jahangirabad-Barabanki
8
North Eastern
Ghaghraghat-Chowkaghat
5
North Eastern
Chauri Chaura-Baitalpur
19
Northeast Frontier
Ambari Falakata-Belakopa
10.3
North Western
Mavel- Shriameergarh
8
North Western
Chitrasni- Karjoda
6
North Western
Moribera- Kothar
6
North Western
Khemal- Phalna
8
North Western
Luni by pass
1
North Western
Rewari-Manheru (part)
9.3
North Western
Kothar-Nana
6.3
North Western
Nana-Keshavganj
8.7
North Western
Banas-Sirohi
10.04
North Western
Hanwant - Salawas
8.4
North Western
Salawas - Basni
9.6
North Western
Basni - Bhagat Ki Kothi
3.4
North Western
Luni-Salawas
15
Southern
Chengalpattu- Ottivakkam, Karanguzhi- Maduranktam & Olakur- Tindivanam- Perani
25
Southern
Vridhachalam Jn to Ulundurpet
19
Southern
Manaparai-Samudaram (10 Km) & Dindigul-Tamaripadi (8 Km)
18
Southern
Samudram-Kolatur
7
Southern
Ulundurpet - Parikkal
11
Southern
Tamarai Paddi- Wadamadadura - Ayyalur
16
Southern
Kolatur- Pungudi
10
Southern
Ariyalur- Ottakovil
9
Southern
Parikal- Tirvennainallur
11
Southern
Manaparai- Chettiapatti
7
Southern
Mulanturutti-Piravam Road
11.34
South Eastern
Rajkharswan-Pandrasali
7
South Eastern
Pandrasali-Jhinkpani
25
South Eastern
Adityapur-Gamhariya (part)
6.5
South Eastern
Sini- Gamharia (part)
8
South Eastern
Mahalimarup- Sini (part)
1.7
South Western
Pandavapura-Srirangapatnam-Naganhalli
10
South Western
Yeliyur-Byadarahalli (balance)
9
South Western
Holalkere-Ramagiri
10
South Western
Holalkere-Chickjajur
9
Southern
Melmaruvthur-Tozhuppedu(Part -7Km & Olakur-Dindivanam(Part 8Km)
15
Southern
Tindivanam-Perani
17
Southern
Ottivakkam-Madurantakam
9
Southern
Attipattu-Ennore 4th line
6
Southern
Valadi-Kallakkudi Palanganatham
25
Southern
Ariyalur-Kallakkudi Palanganatham
25
South Central
Raghavpuram-Ramagundam_Pedampet
7
South Central
Venkatachalam-Nidigunpapalem
7
South Central
Nidigunpapalem-Krisgnapatnam
9.5
South Central
Esivi-Kupgal
8
South Central
Kosgi-mantralayam
14
South Central
Manchiriyal-Mandamari
10
South Central
Raghavapuram-Peddampet
4
South East Central
Salka Road-Khongsara (part)
6.1
South East Central
Venkatnagar-Nigaura
7
South East Central
Silyari-Mandhar
11
South East Central
Mandhar-Urkura
7.4
South East Central
Hari-Venkatnagar
10.8
South East Central
Chulha-Anuppur
5
South East Central
CPH-Bye pass
9.35
South Eastern
Bimlagarh-Patasahi
8
South Eastern
Mahalimarup- Sini (part)
6.3
South Eastern
Sini-Gamhariya
8
South Eastern
Rajkharswan-Pandrasali
5
South Eastern
Mahisadal-Barda
8.5
South Eastern
Tamluk-Keshavpura
2.5
South Eastern
Keshavpura-Mahisadal
7.5
South Eastern
Manoharpur-Posoita
11.6
South Eastern
Madpur-Jakhpur
8
South Eastern
Panskura-Haur
10
South Eastern
Rajgoda-Tamluk
13.5
South Eastern
Barda-Basulya Sutahata
5.9
South Eastern
Dumetra-Champajharan (Part)
2
South Eastern
Kharagpur-Gokulpur
6
South Eastern
Muri-Muri Outer
1.5
South Eastern
Rajkharswan-Mahalimarup
8.5
South Eastern
Tikiapara-Santragachi (Part)
2
South Western
Koppal- Banapur- Banipopa- Sompur- Harlapur
39
South Western
Hulkoti- Ammigeri
9
South Western
Hebsur- Navalagund
12
South Western
Byadarahalli-Pandavapura
9
South Western
Yelahanka-Chennasandra
13
South Western
Sethihalli-Maddur
11
South Western
Shivani-Hosadurga
10
South Western
Yeshantpur-Yelahanka
7
South Western
Hosadurga Road-Ramagiri
9
South Western
Nagavangala-Ajjampur
9
South Western
Ajjampur-Shivani
11
South Western
Channapatna-Settihalli
7
South Western
Mandya-Yeliyur
8
South Western
Hanakere-Mandya
10
Western
Jatpipli-Dhrangadhra
27
Western
Chuli-Sukhpur
11
Western
Chalthan-Bardoli
16
Western
Amalner-Nardana
28
Western
Bhadwad- Dhekwad
8
Western
Chinchpada-Khandbara
18
Western
Lilapur-Surendernagar
30
Western
Vani Road-Sabli Road
8
Western
Bardoli-Vyara
29
Western
Khandbhara-Nadurbar
15
Western
Chhinchpada-Khandbhara
18
Western
Viramgam-Sadla
21
Western
Ukaisongarh-Chinchpada
40
Western
Dharnagaon-Paldhi
7
Western
Sabri Road-Lilapur
14
West Central
Sanchi-Salamatpur
7.4
West Central
Sumer-Sorai
8.3
West Central
Kalhar - Bareth
9.6
West Central
Sorai - Vidisha
5.6
West Central
Bina - Kurwai Kethora
9.5
West Central
Sanchi-Vidisha
9.1
West Central
Bhadbhadaghat-Diwanganj
10
West Central
Kalhar-Mandi Bamora
8.8
West Central
Sukhi sevian-Nishadpura
9.6
West Central
Gulabganj-Sumer
7.4
West Central
Kurwaikaithora-Mandir Bamora
7.9
West Central
Diwanganj-Salamatpur
9

Completion of railway projects depend upon factors such as land acquisition, forest and wildlife clearance, shifting of services, construction of road over bridges and road under bridges by State Authorities, modification to power line crossings etc., apart from availability of funds. As many of these factors are not within the control of Railways, timeline for completion of these projects are not fixed.
However, in order to expedite the execution of the project, various steps have been taken to generate extra budgetary resources through institutional funding, state participation, public private partnership etc. For early completion of these projects, State Government are pursued through regular meetings with Chief Secretary and other concerned officials to speed up the pending cases in connection with land acquisition and forestry and to provide additional security at work sites in law and order affected areas.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

Dynamic Fare System in Indian Railways
At present, there is no proposal to introduce dynamic fare system which would charge higher fare close to journey date. However, there is Premium tatkal quota in identified trains in which system of dynamic fare is applicable. Also, Indian Railways is running Suvidha/Premium Special trains with variable/dynamic fares where fares increase with the number of berths being sold in a step-function manner.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Monitoring of Railway Tracks
Railway is undertaking monitoring of Railway tracks as per laid down systems which, inter alia, includes daily monitoring by Keyman, monitoring at predefined interval by various level of inspecting officials and monitoring of track parameters by Track Recording Cars (TRCs) and Oscillation Monitoring Systems (OMS). The system of monitoring of Railway Tracks by TRCs and OMS is in line with global practices. The monitoring of Railway tracks is being done on all Zonal Railways.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Modernization of Railway Stations

Modernisation/upgradation of stations is undertaken according to their category based on earnings of the stations irrespective of their location, on a continuous basis as per availability of funds. Presently, development of stations is taken up under ‘Adarsh Station Scheme’. The expenditure on development of stations under ‘Adarsh Station Scheme’ is generally funded under Plan Head –‘Passenger Amenities’. State/UT-wise and station-wise details of funds allocated/spent are not maintained, however, zone-wise allocation under Plan Head ‘Passenger Amenities’, during the last three years and the current year is as under:-
Railway
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
Central
48.42
73.40
73.50
130.65
Eastern
150.53
162.64
92.23
120.19
Northern
59.82
87.24
106.44
159.21
North Eastern
25.54
24.96
41.71
88.78
Northeast Frontier
77.50
58.94
50.48
103.98
Southern
71.56
84.93
62.29
123.80
South Central
124.71
123.69
92.47
133.47
South Eastern
70.07
56.22
58.01
110.24
Western
61.09
74.88
63.28
102.76
East Central
49.07
76.22
64.52
132.16
East Coast
44.30
52.78
53.67
75.79
North Central
90.34
96.60
88.64
107.71
North Western
37.71
33.91
33.87
95.69
South East Central
79.25
59.62
46.11
75.50
South Western
41.48
46.46
38.07
84.07
West Central
52.17
73.52
48.15
87.17
Metro
18.78
14.39
12.25
17.31
Total
1102.40
1200.40
1025.70
1748.50

106 railway stations have been targeted for modernisation under ‘Adarsh’ Station Scheme during the year 2015-16.
 This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

Infrastructure Projects of Rialways


Track Renewal, Repair/ rebuilding/ rehabilitation/ strengthening of bridges is a continuous process. Track Renewals are undertaken on basis of age cum condition and Repair/rebuilding/rehabilitation/strengthening of bridges is undertaken on the basis of physical condition subject to availability of funds. Better signalling is being provided progressively depending upon codal life of system and availability of resources.
For the year 2015-16, a target of 2500 km of Track Renewal and Repair/rebuilding/rehabilitation/strengthening of 750 bridges has been fixed. Better signalling by Electrical/Electronic Interlocking with centralized operations of points and signals, multiple aspect colour light signaling with Light Emitting Diode (LED) signals, complete track circuiting of the station and digital axle counters are being inducted. For 2015-16, target of Panel Interlocking, Electronic Interlocking & Route Relay Interlocking (PI/EI/RRI) of 220 stations has been fixed. Existing Diesel and Electrical locomotives are designed duly taking into consideration all safety requirements and further regular maintenance attention is given so that they work safely. Incremental improvement to improve safety performance of locomotives is constantly being made. Though it is not technically feasible to design accident proof coach, however, crashworthy design coaches are being manufactured.
The details of budget earmarked for Track Renewal works, Repair/strengthening/rehabilitation/rebuilding of railway bridges and Signaling projects are hereunder :-

RAILWAY PROJECTS
BUDGET EARMARKED FOR THE YEAR 2015-16 (IN ` CR)

Track Renewal works
 
6035
Repair/Rebuilding/Rehabilitation/
Strengthening of Railway bridges

559.9
Signaling projects
1115

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Railways Takes Steps to Develop Railways of Global Standards
Modernization and technology upgradation on Indian Railways is an ongoing process. Major initiatives include implementation of Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridors, mechanized maintenance of assets, automatic signalling and train protection system, electrification, setting up manufacturing facilities for high horse power diesel and electric locomotives, modernization of railway stations and terminals, passenger ticketing & information systems, enhancement of train capacity and higher capacity wagons.

Other steps include opening up the Railways for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in November, 2014 and Participative Policy for rail connectivity and capacity augmentation in December 2012 for investment in rail infrastructure.

Being a continuous process, no specific time-frame can be fixed for its completion.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****
Details of 15 Day Drive Conducted by Railway Officers
As a part of “Railyatri/Upbhokta Pakhwada” organized from 26/05/2015 to 09/06/2015, Railway officers had inspected stations and interacted with passengers all over Indian Railways.

Inspection of various railway facilities at stations, trains etc and interaction with passengers travelling in different coaches, is a continuous process on Indian Railways.

Corrective action is taken on the short-fall/deficiencies and passenger grievances that come to notice/knowledge during such inspections and interactions, including this “Railyatri/Upbhokta Pakhwada”, depending upon their viability and availability of resources.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

Railways steps to Improve Traffic
Indian Railways continuously strive to improve passenger traffic across all Zonal Railways through various measures including augmentation of on-board capacity by attachment of additional coaches, running of special trains during festivals and holidays, running of Suvidha trains, organizing intensive ticket checking drives including fortress checks etc., augmentation of ticket selling capacity through operation of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM), Cash-Coin & Smart Card operated Ticket Vending Machines (CoTVM), mobile ticketing, utilizing the services of ticketing agents like Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sewaks (JTBS), Station Ticket Booking Agents (STBA), Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK) etc. subject to feasibility.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Consortium for High Speed Rail Lines

Tree high speed studies have been awarded to consortia mentioned below : -

S. No.
Corridor
Consultants

1
Delhi-Mumbai
M/s. The Third Railway Survey and Design Institute (Lead) Group Corporation- Lahmeyer International (India) Private Limited, India (Consortium)
2
Mumbai-Chennai
M/s. SYSTRA (Lead)- RITES-Ernest and Young LLP (Consortium)
3
Kolkata-Delhi
M/s. INECO (Lead)- M/s. TYPSA- Consultants and Technocrats Private Limited (Consortium)

Apart from the above three studies, the feasibility study for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor has been done by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and report submitted in July, 2015. Further, it has been decided to undertake feasibility study of Delhi-Nagpur section through Government to Government co-operation with China.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****
Automatic Doors in Coaches
Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai has provided Automatic Sliding Doors on 13 Metro Rakes (8 Car Formation) which are currently running in Kolkata Metro. Besides, ICF is currently providing Automatic Sliding Doors on fully Air-conditioned (AC) Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) Train Set for Mumbai Suburban. Similarly, Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala has developed design for semi-high speed Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake having high speed potential of 200 kmph with Automatic doors.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Science Express Climate Action Special Train
Science Express is a flagship initiative of Department of Science & Technology, Government of India. In the current phase, it is run as Climate Action Special jointly by Department of Science & Technology and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Ministry of Railways provides operational support in running of the train.

He further informed that the train is scheduled from 15th October, 2015 to 7th May, 2016. The train will cover 64 cities in 20 States.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Railway University
Designated delegation has recommended tie ups with Chinese Universities and Training Institutes to the extent of designing multi-disciplinary and multi-speciality course content and detailed course-curriculum, design and development of research centres and joint research programmes.

It has been decided to set up the first Railway University by upgrading the National Academy of Indian Railways at Vadodara. Detailed Project Report for setting up the Railway University has been prepared by M/s. EdCIL (India) Ltd.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Manpower for Railway Projects
Manpower requirement for Railway Projects, which are executed by the Construction Organisations of the Railways, are met by posting railway employees against the various posts created for the purpose.

It has been decided to set up the first Railway University by upgrading the National Academy of Indian Railways at Vadodara. Detailed Project Report for setting up the Railway University has been prepared by M/s. Educational Consultants India Limited (EdCIL) .

Modernisation of Railways is a continuous process which takes place through execution of various sanctioned works. There is no proposal to modernise Indian Railways with foreign railway assistance. However, debt from Bi/Multilateral lending agencies is used for implementation of Railway projects like the Dedicated Freight Corridor project.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*******
Increase in Railway Services
With a view to clear the rush of passengers on different railway routes and during important festivals like Chhath, Holi, Diwali etc. Railways run special trains and also augment capacity on the existing scheduled services subject to operational feasibility and resource availability. However, a compendium of special trains on State-wise basis is not maintained.

Railways continuously monitor the punctuality of passenger trains at the Divisional, Zonal and Board levels. Some of the factors that impact punctual running of trains are capacity constraints on saturated routes, asset failures, alarm chain pulling, agitations, cattle run over, bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Based on assessments of factors impeding punctual running of trains, remedial measures, both short term and long term, are initiated. High priority is being accorded to making resources available for speedy execution of critical capacity augmentation as these on completion would facilitate, inter alia, improved efficiency and reliability in train operations.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Skill Development Programmes in Railway Land
Indian Railways will make available sparable infrastructure, which are not operationally required by Railways for the time being, to Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) through Directorate General of Training (DGT) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and in consultation with Railway, would identify areas within Railway premises where MSDE will undertake skill development programmes for unemployed youth especially in rural & remote areas.

Minister explained that the MOU is intended to provide skills to the youth of this country to enable them to find suitable employment opportunities in the country. The MOU is not intended for skilling Railway employees for enhancing their technical expertise as in house training is already being imparted to them. Minister also stated that Railways regularly undertake recruitment for filling up of Technical vacant posts to meet its requirements. Occurrence of vacancies due to retirements and their filling up is a continuous process and some vacancies are inevitable.

Railways would provide only spare infrastructure to the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, who in turn, through their authorized representatives would conduct Skill Development Programmes. Wherever Railway technical manpower can be spared beyond their normal duty hours, their services can also be made available on voluntary basis, if required.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****
FDI in Rail Engine Factories
Projects to be set up through Foreign Direct Investment are: -

(i) Diesel Locomotive Manufacturing Factory at Marhoura; and

(ii) Electric Locomotive Manufacturing Factory at Madhepura.

He further said that M/s GE Global Sourcing India Pvt. Ltd. has been selected as Joint Venture Partner for manufacture of Diesel Locomotives at Marhoura and M/s Alston Manufacturing India Ltd. has been selected as Joint Venture Partner for manufacture of Electric Locomotives at Madhepura. (d) The share of Ministry of Railways in the equity of each of the project will be 26 % subject to a maximum of ` 100 cr. for each of the projects.

(e) Contracts have been signed with the respective Joint Venture Partners (JV) and further action would be taken in terms of the contract agreements.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Bio/Vaccum Toilets in Trains
A development tender for 80 vacuum toilets for 40 coaches is under consideration. A hybrid vacuum toilet, combining requisite features (i) of standard vacuum toilet system (being used in advanced railway systems of the world) and (ii) of bio-toilet system (being used in Indian railways network), has been installed for trial in a First Class air conditioned coach of Dibrugarh Rajdhani in September 2015.

Following advantages are envisaged by using hybrid vacuum toilets:

1. Elimination of direct discharge of human waste from coach toilets onto the railway tracks and platform aprons at stations.

2. Significantly less quantity of water is used for flushing human waste thereby resulting in substantial water saving.

3. No need to evacuate waste collected in retention tanks and thus no need to install expensive waste handling facilities for evacuation of waste.

(e) The decision to install these toilets in trains will depend upon the outcome of the trials and acceptability of such toilets.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Quality of Food in Trains
An institutionalized mechanism is in place for monitoring quality and hygiene standards of catering services through regular, surprise and periodical inspections. Some of the steps that have been taken /are being taken to ensure that good quality and hygienic food is served to the passengers include: (i) Imposition of penalties in case of deficiencies detected in services. (ii) Introduction of station based E-Catering for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of their choice. (iii) Introduction of precooked food (‘ready to eat’ meals) in the range of options available to passengers. (iv) Operation of centralized Catering Service Monitoring Cell (CSMC) (toll free number 1800-111-321) for prompt redressal of passenger grievances relating to the catering activities and real time assistance to travelling public. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services.

The action taken against defaulting licensees include imposition of fines in 382 cases.

Based on the feedback received from rail-users and inputs from zonal railways, contractual provisions are reviewed and, also, suitably modified from time to time.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****
Quality of Food in Trains
1195 stations on Indian Railways have been identified for upgradation under Adarsh Station scheme. Zone wise number of stations identified under the “Adarsh Station Scheme” is as under: 

Railway
No. of Stations
Railway
No. of Stations
Central
72
North Western
37
East Coast
45
South Central
61
East Central
58
South east Central
24
Eastern
277
South Eastern
86
North Central
37
Southern
122
North Eastern
43
South Western
42
Northeast Frontier
90
West Central
24
Northern
119
Western
58

The expenditure on development of stations is generally funded under Plan Head-‘Passenger Amenities’. State/UT-wise and station-wise details of funds allocated/spent are not maintained. The zone-wise details of funds allocated under Plan Head ’Passenger Amenities’, during the last three years and the current year is as under:-
Railway
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
Central
29.00
58.60
77.00
130.65
Eastern
126.69
113.30
91.42
120.19
Northern
54.30
71.45
125.80
159.21
North Eastern
14.14
18.59
41.96
88.78
Northeast Frontier
67.23
45.00
50.48
103.98
Southern
69.81
68.12
62.58
123.80
South Central
85.98
97.12
104.24
133.47
South Eastern
57.80
45.97
56.37
110.24
Western
49.91
50.74
58.61
102.74
East Central
41.91
53.39
55.17
132.16
East Coast
33.38
35.94
55.00
75.79
North Central
72.36
74.97
90.23
107.71
North Western
18.94
28.38
42.18
95.69
South East Central
65.80
42.87
39.57
75.50
South Western
37.59
28.02
35.81
84.07
West Central
30.76
53.58
49.92
87.17
Railway
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
Central
29.00
58.60
77.00
130.65
Eastern
126.69
113.30
91.42
120.19
Northern
54.30
71.45
125.80
159.21
North Eastern
14.14
18.59
41.96
88.78
Northeast Frontier
67.23
45.00
50.48
103.98
Southern
69.81
68.12
62.58
123.80
South Central
85.98
97.12
104.24
133.47
South Eastern
57.80
45.97
56.37
110.24
Western
49.91
50.74
58.61
102.74
East Central
41.91
53.39
55.17
132.16
East Coast
33.38
35.94
55.00
75.79
North Central
72.36
74.97
90.23
107.71
North Western
18.94
28.38
42.18
95.69
South East Central
65.80
42.87
39.57
75.50
South Western
37.59
28.02
35.81
84.07
West Central
30.76
53.58
49.92
87.17
Metro
6.46
7.95
11.56
17.31
TOTAL
862.06
893.99
1047.90
1748.50

946 stations have been developed under Adarsh Station Scheme so far. Another 106 railway stations are targeted for development under this Scheme during the year 2015-16 and remaining 143 station are targeted for development by March 2017.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Train Travel without Ticket


Details of persons caught without ticket and with improper ticket during the last three financial years are as under:-
Financial Year
Number of Persons caught without ticket and with improper ticket
(in lakh)
Financial Year
Number of Persons caught without ticket and with improper ticket
(in lakh)

2012-13
137.68
2012-13
137.68
2013-14
146.70
2013-14
146.70
2014-15
166.88
2014-15
166.88

With a view to prevent ticketless travel, various steps have been taken by Indian Railways, some of which are as under:-
i. Conducting of regular and surprise checks against ticketless travel, which are intensified during peak rush periods.
ii. Vigorous drives such as Ambush Checks, Fortress Checks are conducted in association with Railway Protection Force and Magistrates under the Action Plan framed by Railway Board.
iii. Intensive Check Posts have been set up at important stations of each division of Zonal Railways to curb ticketless travelling in unreserved segments.

iv. With a view to curb entry of without ticket passengers in ticketed areas and to reduce ticketless travel, instructions have been issued for ensuring effective manning of all designated/functional gates at stations.
v. Travelling public are urged to avoid ticketless travel through publicity campaigns launched by Zonal Railways through posters/notices/ announcements at railway stations and advertisements in newspapers.

He further said that the Indian Railways have taken various measures using technological advancement or otherwise to facilitate issuing of tickets so as to prevent travelling without ticket on account of non-availability of tickets which include:-
i. Provision of Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.
ii. Provision of unreserved tickets through Mobile phones.
iii. Engaging Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sewaks outside station premises for issuing of unreserved tickets through Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) of Indian Railways.
iv. Engaging of Station Ticket Booking Agents(STBAs) for issuing of unreserved tickets from E category stations.
v. Engaging Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK) licensee for issuing of unreserved as well as reserved tickets.

The number of ticketless passengers who were jailed during the last three years is as under:-


Financial Year
Number of people jailed who were travelling without ticket
Financial Year
Number of people jailed who were travelling without ticket
2012-13
4919
2012-13
4919
2013-14
3863
2013-14
3863
2014-15
4571
2014-15
4571






iv. With a view to curb entry of without ticket passengers in ticketed areas and to reduce ticketless travel, instructions have been issued for ensuring effective manning of all designated/functional gates at stations.
v. Travelling public are urged to avoid ticketless travel through publicity campaigns launched by Zonal Railways through posters/notices/ announcements at railway stations and advertisements in newspapers.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
****

Bullet Train Project
A joint feasibility study for Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed corridor, co-financed by Indian Railways and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been completed in July 2015. The completion cost of 505 km long high speed line is estimated at approximately ₹ 98,000 crore.

The Government of Japan has given an assistance package proposal for Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed corridor involving technical, Operation & maintenance (O&M) and financial assistance to the tune of 81% of project cost met through loan. The interest and other terms have not been finalised. No other country has offered such support for the project.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

*******
New Class of Locomotives
Indian Railways is planning to develop a diesel locomotive with dual mode capability, which would be able to work as an electric locomotive in electrified area. Research, Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) has developed a specification for dual mode passenger locomotive in July, 2015. Specification for the dual mode freight locomotive is under finalization. Proposal for development is still under examination in Railway Board. Prototype will be ready by March, 2017.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today

*********
Development of Railway Stations of Internation Standards
Ministry of Railways has planned to offer ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations (about 400 stations) for redevelopment on ‘as is where is’ basis. Category of stations is decided on the basis of annual earnings from passenger traffic. ‘A-1’ category stations have annual earnings of more than `60 crores and ‘A’ category stations have annual earnings of `8 – 60 crores. These stations are proposed to be developed by inviting open bids from interested parties with their designs and business ideas duly providing for amenities and other requirements of the Railways. The general guidelines in this regard have been issued to Zonal Railways.
Details of ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations, zone-wise are as under:

S.No.
Railway Zone
No. of ‘A-1’ category stations
No. of ‘A’ category stations
1
Central
8
26
2
East Central
6
29
3
East Coast
3
10
4
Eastern
3
12
5
North Central
6
14
6
North Eastern
3
11
7
Northeast Frontier
2
20
8
North Western
3
22
9
Northern
14
49
10
South Central
5
31
11
South Eastern
3
8
12
South East Central
2
6
13
South Western
2
15
14
Southern
7
42
15
West Central
2
15
16
Western
6
22









This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.


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