MoU Between Railways and ISRO
MoU Between Railways and ISRO
Railways have recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for developing applications in the field of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System.
The aims and objectives of the MoU is to develop applications and services in tune with the requirements of Indian Railways such as:- i) Develop an advance warning system at Unmanned Railway Crossings for road users. ii) Mapping of Indian Railway assets through Geospatial technology. iii) Develop paperless unreserved ticketing solution based on geo-fencing of station area. iv)Developing Real Time Train Information System by using Communication Satellite Services. v) Setting up of “BHUVAN” node in Indian Railways to internalize the use of BHUVAN geospatial solutions by Railways. vi) Meet Indian Railways satellite based communication requirements. vii) The MoU has been signed on March 17th, 2016 and has come into force.
For services being currently provided by BHUVAN or envisaged in future for Government of India, no charges shall be levied. For communication services, satellite assisted Navigation etc. charges would be applicable as per mutual agreement and based on pricing policies of the Government.
A project called Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) to track trains on real time basis alongwith dissemination of train running information to rail users has been sanctioned.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
The aims and objectives of the MoU is to develop applications and services in tune with the requirements of Indian Railways such as:- i) Develop an advance warning system at Unmanned Railway Crossings for road users. ii) Mapping of Indian Railway assets through Geospatial technology. iii) Develop paperless unreserved ticketing solution based on geo-fencing of station area. iv)Developing Real Time Train Information System by using Communication Satellite Services. v) Setting up of “BHUVAN” node in Indian Railways to internalize the use of BHUVAN geospatial solutions by Railways. vi) Meet Indian Railways satellite based communication requirements. vii) The MoU has been signed on March 17th, 2016 and has come into force.
For services being currently provided by BHUVAN or envisaged in future for Government of India, no charges shall be levied. For communication services, satellite assisted Navigation etc. charges would be applicable as per mutual agreement and based on pricing policies of the Government.
A project called Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) to track trains on real time basis alongwith dissemination of train running information to rail users has been sanctioned.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Use of Social Media in Railways
A Customer Complaint Management Cell (Social Media Cell) has been set up in Railway Board to receive complaints / suggestions / assistance from Passengers / rail users and public at large through Twitter handle of the Ministry, namely, @RailMinIndia. After analyzing such tweets, the actionable ones are sent to Zones / Divisions through their respective twitter handles for speedy resolution.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday
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Merry-Go-Round System in Railways
In order to provide an economical and reliable alternative short lead traffic, a rationalized scheme with lump-sum rates for Merry-Go-Round has been notified with effect from 01.04.2016. Some of the features of this scheme are as under:
• The MGR Terminals at both ends shall be privately owned.
• Rail track between the two terminals will be provided by the customer.
• Railways will provide locos, wagons, brake-vans and other rolling stock as per requirement for running of the rakes under MGR system.
• Terminals at both ends will operate round the clock.
• Lump-sum rates charged under the MGR System would depend upon the number of rakes loaded per day and the lead of traffic.
• For 18 km lead, the average MGR rate for 2-3 trips per day is around ₹ 47 per tonne.
• Expected traffic under this scheme is around 4-5 million tonnes in the financial year 2016-17.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
• The MGR Terminals at both ends shall be privately owned.
• Rail track between the two terminals will be provided by the customer.
• Railways will provide locos, wagons, brake-vans and other rolling stock as per requirement for running of the rakes under MGR system.
• Terminals at both ends will operate round the clock.
• Lump-sum rates charged under the MGR System would depend upon the number of rakes loaded per day and the lead of traffic.
• For 18 km lead, the average MGR rate for 2-3 trips per day is around ₹ 47 per tonne.
• Expected traffic under this scheme is around 4-5 million tonnes in the financial year 2016-17.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Cleanliness at Railway Stations
Indian Railways has more than 8000 stations which are used by passengers. Improving the standards of cleanliness in all these stations is a continuous exercise. Periodical intensive cleanliness drives for improving the cleanliness at major and important Railway stations are regularly undertaken by Railways. Also campaigns for improving the awareness on maintaining cleanliness at stations are undertaken jointly by Railways and several non-railway organizations. Railway has undertaken a third party survey for assessing the standard of cleanliness of 407 major (A1 & A category) stations, based on the feedback of passengers at stations, conducted during January/February, 2016. In accordance with the survey, 407 major stations have been graded into 5 groups based on the cleanliness levels as assessed by passengers. As per the preliminary survey report, out of 407 major stations, 271 stations have scored more than 50% of the maximum score possible, based on the assessment by passengers on various cleanliness parameters put together.
There is a regular arising of scrap of Railway materials which are stored/stacked in Railway premises including major station yards till the final disposal. This process is continuous and the position keeps changing from time to time.
Scrap worth ` 2801 crores has been disposed off by Railways during 2015-16. This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
There is a regular arising of scrap of Railway materials which are stored/stacked in Railway premises including major station yards till the final disposal. This process is continuous and the position keeps changing from time to time.
Scrap worth ` 2801 crores has been disposed off by Railways during 2015-16. This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Digitising Land records of Railways
A web based application called Land Management Module integrated with Track Management System (TMS) of Indian Railways has been developed for maintaining data i.e. details of acquisition/area/usages and land plans of Land Bank of Indian Railways. At present about 879.48 hectare Railway land is encroached.
A work costing 36.24 crore has been sanctioned for mapping of all fixed Railway assets on Geographical Information System (GIS) of Bhuvan Satellite Imagery of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) integrated with Track Management System (TMS) of Indian Railways. This system is designed to provide the status of Railway land whether encroached or not and thus would be helpful in tackling the menace of encroachment. Pilot of GIS mapping of Indian Railways network and land parcels has already been started on Delhi Division of Northern Railway.
Railway carry out regular surveys of encroachment and takes action for their removal. If the encroachments are of temporary nature (soft encroachment) in the shape of jhuggies, jhopries and squatters, the same are got removed in consultation and with the assistance of Railway Protection Force and local civil authorities. For old encroachments, where party is not amenable to persuasion, action is taken under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 (PPE Act, 1971). During the last three years approximately 89 hectares of encroached land has been retrieved. Regular measures are taken to protect Railway land from encroachment which include, licensing of land to Railway employees for Grow More Food (GMF) Scheme etc., provision of boundary wall, tree plantation at vulnerable locations.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
A work costing 36.24 crore has been sanctioned for mapping of all fixed Railway assets on Geographical Information System (GIS) of Bhuvan Satellite Imagery of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) integrated with Track Management System (TMS) of Indian Railways. This system is designed to provide the status of Railway land whether encroached or not and thus would be helpful in tackling the menace of encroachment. Pilot of GIS mapping of Indian Railways network and land parcels has already been started on Delhi Division of Northern Railway.
Railway carry out regular surveys of encroachment and takes action for their removal. If the encroachments are of temporary nature (soft encroachment) in the shape of jhuggies, jhopries and squatters, the same are got removed in consultation and with the assistance of Railway Protection Force and local civil authorities. For old encroachments, where party is not amenable to persuasion, action is taken under Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 (PPE Act, 1971). During the last three years approximately 89 hectares of encroached land has been retrieved. Regular measures are taken to protect Railway land from encroachment which include, licensing of land to Railway employees for Grow More Food (GMF) Scheme etc., provision of boundary wall, tree plantation at vulnerable locations.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Private Investment Under CSR in Indian Railways
To encourage participation of Private companies and PSUs in identified works/activities to be done under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Railways, the policy framework has been put in place by Indian Railways in February, 2016.
The policy guidelines of Indian Railways details out the works/activities executable under CSR in the field of Environment sustainability, sanitation and cleanliness, such as Rain Water Harvesting, Water Recycling Plants, Solar Panels, construction of toilets, provision for Solid Waste Management, supply of filtered drinking water etc.
As the activities under CSR are typically implemented by the companies (Sponsoring Entity) or its agency as per their CSR policy, no estimation of CSR funding is available with the Railways.
Railway has been executing required works with gross budgetary support from General Exchequer, internal resources, IRFC borrowing, Institutional financing and through other modes of financing as per requirement and feasibility.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
The policy guidelines of Indian Railways details out the works/activities executable under CSR in the field of Environment sustainability, sanitation and cleanliness, such as Rain Water Harvesting, Water Recycling Plants, Solar Panels, construction of toilets, provision for Solid Waste Management, supply of filtered drinking water etc.
As the activities under CSR are typically implemented by the companies (Sponsoring Entity) or its agency as per their CSR policy, no estimation of CSR funding is available with the Railways.
Railway has been executing required works with gross budgetary support from General Exchequer, internal resources, IRFC borrowing, Institutional financing and through other modes of financing as per requirement and feasibility.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Third Party Audit and improvement in catering services in Indian Railways
Railways have decided to conduct Third Party Audit of catering services at periodic intervals by independent and reputed auditing agencies accredited by NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies). As per the guidelines issued in this regard, 16 Railway Zones have been divided into four groups with Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Railways as the nodal Zonal Railway for each group. The nodal zonal railways have been entrusted to empanel these accredited auditing agencies for the third party audit for their respective group of railways.
Improvement of catering services is an on-going process. In its endeavour to provide quality and hygienic food to the passengers, Railways have developed and operationalized an institutionalized mechanism for monitoring of quality and hygiene of catering services through regular inspections at various levels. The passenger satisfaction levels are also regularly monitored through direct feedback and other means to address catering complaints. The steps taken to improve the quality of food in Railways inter-alia include: (i) Introduction of station based e-catering at all A1 and A category stations for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of their choice. (ii) Introduction of precooked food (‘ready to eat’ meals) (iii) 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. (iv) Imposition of penalties in case of deficiencies detected in services. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services (vi) A Twitter handle with the address @IRCATERING has also been made operational to cater to the complaints/suggestions with regard to catering services.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
Improvement of catering services is an on-going process. In its endeavour to provide quality and hygienic food to the passengers, Railways have developed and operationalized an institutionalized mechanism for monitoring of quality and hygiene of catering services through regular inspections at various levels. The passenger satisfaction levels are also regularly monitored through direct feedback and other means to address catering complaints. The steps taken to improve the quality of food in Railways inter-alia include: (i) Introduction of station based e-catering at all A1 and A category stations for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of their choice. (ii) Introduction of precooked food (‘ready to eat’ meals) (iii) 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. (iv) Imposition of penalties in case of deficiencies detected in services. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services (vi) A Twitter handle with the address @IRCATERING has also been made operational to cater to the complaints/suggestions with regard to catering services.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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New Catering Policy in Indian Railways
The Catering Policy 2010, presently in force for management of catering services over Indian Railways was issued in July 2010. The salient features of this Policy include (i) Shifting management and monitoring of all catering services (except Food Plaza, Food Courts and Fast Food Units) from Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to Zonal Railways. (ii) IRCTC made responsible for managing the catering services at Food Plazas, Food Courts and Fast Food Units. (iii) Zonal Railways to have an effective and transparent contract awarding, management and monitoring system as per provisions of Standard Bid Document. (iv) Zonal Railways are responsible for strengthening supervision and monitoring of catering services for maintaining quality and hygiene of the food served to passengers and have been empowered to take corrective actions including imposition of fines on licensees to mitigate passengers complaints.
However, in a paradigm shift, as announced in Rail Budget 2016-17, it has been decided to give back the catering services to IRCTC in a phased manner with unbundling catering services by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution. It has also been decided that there will be no complete handing over of catering service by IRCTC to private licensees. Zonal Railways will have powers of supervision and monitoring to ensure quality food is served to passengers.
Improvement of catering services is an on-going process. In its endeavour to provide quality and hygienic food to the passengers, Railways have developed and operationalized an institutionalized mechanism for monitoring of quality and hygiene of catering services through regular inspections at various levels. The passenger satisfaction levels are also regularly monitored through direct feedback and other means to address catering complaints.
The steps taken to improve the quality of food in Railways inter-alia include: (i) Introduction of station based e-catering at all A1 and A category stations for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of their choice. (ii) Introduction of precooked food (‘ready to eat’ meals) in the range of options available to passengers. (iii) 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. (iv) Imposition of penalties in case of deficiencies detected in services. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services (vi) A Twitter handle with the address @IRCATERING has also been made operational to cater to the complaints/suggestions with regard to catering services.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
However, in a paradigm shift, as announced in Rail Budget 2016-17, it has been decided to give back the catering services to IRCTC in a phased manner with unbundling catering services by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution. It has also been decided that there will be no complete handing over of catering service by IRCTC to private licensees. Zonal Railways will have powers of supervision and monitoring to ensure quality food is served to passengers.
Improvement of catering services is an on-going process. In its endeavour to provide quality and hygienic food to the passengers, Railways have developed and operationalized an institutionalized mechanism for monitoring of quality and hygiene of catering services through regular inspections at various levels. The passenger satisfaction levels are also regularly monitored through direct feedback and other means to address catering complaints.
The steps taken to improve the quality of food in Railways inter-alia include: (i) Introduction of station based e-catering at all A1 and A category stations for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of their choice. (ii) Introduction of precooked food (‘ready to eat’ meals) in the range of options available to passengers. (iii) 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. (iv) Imposition of penalties in case of deficiencies detected in services. (v) Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services (vi) A Twitter handle with the address @IRCATERING has also been made operational to cater to the complaints/suggestions with regard to catering services.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Generation Targets of Green/Renewable Energy in Indian Railways
Indian Railways proposes to harness 1000 Mega Watt (MW) solar and 150 MW wind energy by the year 2020.
A total of about 50 MW renewable energy capacity has been installed till date including approximately 11 MW solar power & 37 MW wind power. In addition, installation of 6.5 MW is in progress and for about 50 MW solar capacities, Request For Qualification (RFQ) has been issued by Zonal Railways.
For harnessing renewable energy sources for Railway requirements, the mechanism put in place include signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Railways and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), finalisation of Model Bid documents for rooftop solar power plants etc. with the financial support of MNRE. Based on these Model Bid Documents, Zonal Railways have floated tender documents for installation of solar rooftop plants at Railways premises.
Such renewable energy plants are being put up in Railways in an economical manner to reduce the cost of energy with Viable Gap Funding (VGF) from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
A total of about 50 MW renewable energy capacity has been installed till date including approximately 11 MW solar power & 37 MW wind power. In addition, installation of 6.5 MW is in progress and for about 50 MW solar capacities, Request For Qualification (RFQ) has been issued by Zonal Railways.
For harnessing renewable energy sources for Railway requirements, the mechanism put in place include signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Ministry of Railways and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), finalisation of Model Bid documents for rooftop solar power plants etc. with the financial support of MNRE. Based on these Model Bid Documents, Zonal Railways have floated tender documents for installation of solar rooftop plants at Railways premises.
Such renewable energy plants are being put up in Railways in an economical manner to reduce the cost of energy with Viable Gap Funding (VGF) from Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Review of Railway Projects
Review of vital infrastructure projects including those pertaining to railways is a continuous process and several projects have been reviewed by the Government through PRAGATI. Many stalled projects were fast-tracked as a result of this review.
Railways have taken many steps to expedite completion of projects including enhanced fund allotment, delegation of higher powers at field level for quicker decisions, regular monitoring and holding co-ordination meeting with different departments as well as State Government. As a result, Indian Railways commissioned over 2800 Km Broad Gauge track in 2015-16 including New Lines, Gauge Conversions and Doubling, recording an increase of about 41% over last year.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
Railways have taken many steps to expedite completion of projects including enhanced fund allotment, delegation of higher powers at field level for quicker decisions, regular monitoring and holding co-ordination meeting with different departments as well as State Government. As a result, Indian Railways commissioned over 2800 Km Broad Gauge track in 2015-16 including New Lines, Gauge Conversions and Doubling, recording an increase of about 41% over last year.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Indian Railways Freight Operations Information System
Freight Operations Information Systems (FOIS) has been implemented across Indian Railways network and caters to all freight bookings and invoicing and captures running position of all freight trains. About 99% of invoices are generated through this system. FOIS has two core modules viz., Rake Management System for monitoring of Rake movement and Terminal Management System for commercial activities related to freight business.
Technical issues regarding day to day working of the system are reported from locations where FOIS terminals have been installed. These are resolved on daily basis by the technical team of Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS).
Technical issues regarding day to day working of the system are reported from locations where FOIS terminals have been installed. These are resolved on daily basis by the technical team of Centre for Railway Information System (CRIS).
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Clean My Coach’ Service in Train Coaches
Ministry of Railways has recently launched the ‘Clean my Coach’ service. As per the scheme, for any cleaning requirement in the coach, passenger sends a Short Message Service (SMS) on a specified mobile number which is immediately acknowledged along with a code. A message is also sent by the server to the mobile number of On board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) staff travelling on the same train along with the details of the passenger such as coach number, berth number. OBHS staff contacts the passengers and carries out the cleaning work as per demand.
Presently, around 600 trains are covered under this scheme. Identification of trains for provision of this scheme and its proliferation is a continual process. However, the present service can work only on trains covered under OBHS.
Presently, around 600 trains are covered under this scheme. Identification of trains for provision of this scheme and its proliferation is a continual process. However, the present service can work only on trains covered under OBHS.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Railway Security Standards
Though prevention and detection of crime, registration of cases, its investigation and maintenance of law and order in railway premises as well as on running trains are the statutory responsibility of the State Governments, yet various measures have been initiated by the Railways to establish and enforce harmonized security standards in the country, which include providing physical security measures like access control, escorting of trains, prosecution of offenders under relevant provisions of the Railways Act, etc. These measures are being further strengthened with technological security solutions like surveillance through close circuit television cameras at major stations, networking of Security Control Rooms of Railway Protection.
Force (RPF) for faster dissemination of information, data and feedbacks, operationalisation of All India Security Helpline (182), provision of Security App at some of the zonal Railways, etc.
Force (RPF) for faster dissemination of information, data and feedbacks, operationalisation of All India Security Helpline (182), provision of Security App at some of the zonal Railways, etc.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Steps to increase speed of trains
Recently, a specific Directorate i.e. Mobility Directorate has been set up of which one of the primary objectives is to initiate measures for increasing the speed of trains. Besides, in Railway Budget 2016-17, a new category of train service for the reserved passengers ‘Tejas’ has been announced with the speed of 130 KMPH and above.
“Mission Raftar” declared in the Railway Budget 2016-17 entails doubling of average speed of freight trains and increasing the average speed of superfast Mail/Express trains by 25 KMPH in the next five years.
Nine corridors for raising the speed of passenger trains to 160/200 KMPH have been identified. The details of these corridors are (i) Delhi-Agra (ii) Delhi- Chandigarh (iii) Delhi Kanpur (iv) Nagpur-Bilaspur (v) Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysore (vi) Mumbai-Goa (vii) Mumbai-Ahmedabad (viii) Chennai-Hyderabad, and (ix) Nagpur-Secunderabad.
Further, under the Quadrilateral network, 6 more corridors have been identified for feasibility studies for high speed rail connectivity to the four major metros and growth centers of the country. These are Delhi-Mumbai, MumbaiChennai, Chennai-Kolkata, Kolkata-Delhi, Delhi-Chennai and Mumbai-Kolkata.
However, due to the high cost of the high speed rail projects, at this stage, only Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project has been approved in December, 2015, for implementation.
“Mission Raftar” declared in the Railway Budget 2016-17 entails doubling of average speed of freight trains and increasing the average speed of superfast Mail/Express trains by 25 KMPH in the next five years.
Nine corridors for raising the speed of passenger trains to 160/200 KMPH have been identified. The details of these corridors are (i) Delhi-Agra (ii) Delhi- Chandigarh (iii) Delhi Kanpur (iv) Nagpur-Bilaspur (v) Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysore (vi) Mumbai-Goa (vii) Mumbai-Ahmedabad (viii) Chennai-Hyderabad, and (ix) Nagpur-Secunderabad.
Further, under the Quadrilateral network, 6 more corridors have been identified for feasibility studies for high speed rail connectivity to the four major metros and growth centers of the country. These are Delhi-Mumbai, MumbaiChennai, Chennai-Kolkata, Kolkata-Delhi, Delhi-Chennai and Mumbai-Kolkata.
However, due to the high cost of the high speed rail projects, at this stage, only Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project has been approved in December, 2015, for implementation.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Implementation of DFCS, SFTO and AFTO Schemes in Indian Railways
Presently two Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC), one on the Western route (Jawaharlal Nehru Port to Dadri) and another on the Eastern route (Ludhiana to Dankuni), have been taken up for implementation. In Rail Budget 2016-17, the following three freight corridors: - (i) East West Corridor (Kolkata-Mumbai), (ii) North-South Corridor(Delhi-Chennai) and (iii) East Coast Corridor ( Khargpur-Vijaywada) have been proposed.
To increase rail share of the non-traditional commodities like molasses, fly ash, edible oil, caustic soda, chemical, petrochemicals, alumina & bulk cement, Special Freight Train Operator (SFTO) Scheme was launched in the year 2010 and amended in the years 2013 and 2014.
M/s. Fourcee Infrastructure Equipment Private Limited and M/s. Jindal Steel and Power Limited have been registered under SFTO Scheme. Three rakes have been inducted by M/s. Jindal Steel Power Limited.
Container Train Operators cannot operate under SFTO Scheme. However, 17 container train operators including CONCOR have been licensed for container operation and they can operate on the DFCs as well.
Container Rail traffic has grown at an average rate of 12.7% per annum from 2007-2008 to 2014-2015.
Two firms viz. M/s Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and M/s. APL Logistics Vascor Automotive Pvt. Ltd. have registered under the Automobile Freight Train Operator (AFTO) Scheme and have been given approval for procurement of six rakes each of Automobile carrier wagons (BCACBM) involving an investment of ` 80 crores approximately. So far, three rakes procured by M/s Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and five rakes by M/s. APL Logistics Vascor Automotive Pvt. Ltd. have been put up to use on Indian Railways system.
To increase rail share of the non-traditional commodities like molasses, fly ash, edible oil, caustic soda, chemical, petrochemicals, alumina & bulk cement, Special Freight Train Operator (SFTO) Scheme was launched in the year 2010 and amended in the years 2013 and 2014.
M/s. Fourcee Infrastructure Equipment Private Limited and M/s. Jindal Steel and Power Limited have been registered under SFTO Scheme. Three rakes have been inducted by M/s. Jindal Steel Power Limited.
Container Train Operators cannot operate under SFTO Scheme. However, 17 container train operators including CONCOR have been licensed for container operation and they can operate on the DFCs as well.
Container Rail traffic has grown at an average rate of 12.7% per annum from 2007-2008 to 2014-2015.
Two firms viz. M/s Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and M/s. APL Logistics Vascor Automotive Pvt. Ltd. have registered under the Automobile Freight Train Operator (AFTO) Scheme and have been given approval for procurement of six rakes each of Automobile carrier wagons (BCACBM) involving an investment of ` 80 crores approximately. So far, three rakes procured by M/s Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. and five rakes by M/s. APL Logistics Vascor Automotive Pvt. Ltd. have been put up to use on Indian Railways system.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Passenger Reservation System in Indian Railways
At present, computerised reservation facility is available at approximately 3337 reservation centers, which are working satisfactorily. Till March 2016, 134 Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra (YTSK) licensees have been engaged. They are also working satisfactorily. Next Generation e-Ticketing (NGET) which was launched on 28.04.2014, now has a capacity of booking 15000 tickets per minute and is working satisfactorily.
Adequate safeguards have been kept in the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and internet booking system to prevent its misuse by unscrupulous elements.
For the benefit of different categories of travelling public, the Railways have introduced ticketing facilities at Non-Railhead locations and India Post Offices so that the ticketing system can be accessed by people living in smaller towns and villages. This is in addition to e-ticketing which provides access to reservation system from the comfort of the home/office.
In addition to the provisions made in the computerised PRS and internet ticketing system to prevent misuse of reserved ticketing system, various other steps have been taken, some of which are as under: (i) Condition of carrying original proof of identity by any one passenger booked on a reserved ticket. (ii) Agents are debarred from booking tickets during first thirty minutes of opening of booking, i.e., from 0800 to 0830 hours for general booking, 1000 to 1030 hours and 1100 to 1130 hours for Tatkal booking on AC class and Non-AC class respectively. (iii) In case of booking of reserved tickets through internet, only one booking in one user login session except for return/onward journey between 0800 and 1200 hours. (iv) The monthly limit of booking of tickets through internet by an individual user has now been revised to 6 tickets in a month instead of 10 tickets.
Adequate safeguards have been kept in the computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and internet booking system to prevent its misuse by unscrupulous elements.
For the benefit of different categories of travelling public, the Railways have introduced ticketing facilities at Non-Railhead locations and India Post Offices so that the ticketing system can be accessed by people living in smaller towns and villages. This is in addition to e-ticketing which provides access to reservation system from the comfort of the home/office.
In addition to the provisions made in the computerised PRS and internet ticketing system to prevent misuse of reserved ticketing system, various other steps have been taken, some of which are as under: (i) Condition of carrying original proof of identity by any one passenger booked on a reserved ticket. (ii) Agents are debarred from booking tickets during first thirty minutes of opening of booking, i.e., from 0800 to 0830 hours for general booking, 1000 to 1030 hours and 1100 to 1130 hours for Tatkal booking on AC class and Non-AC class respectively. (iii) In case of booking of reserved tickets through internet, only one booking in one user login session except for return/onward journey between 0800 and 1200 hours. (iv) The monthly limit of booking of tickets through internet by an individual user has now been revised to 6 tickets in a month instead of 10 tickets.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Closing of Unmanned Railway Crossings
It is the endeavour of Railways to eliminate all unmanned level crossings, in a phased manner, by either of the following:-
• Closure - Closing unmanned level crossings having NIL/ negligible Train Vehicle Unit (TVU).
• Merger - Merger of unmanned level crossing gate to nearby manned/unmanned level crossing or subway/Road Under Bridge (RUB)/Road Over Bridge (ROB) by construction of diversion road. • Provision of Subways/RUBs.
• Manning- Phased manning of unmanned level crossings which cannot be eliminated by above means.
• Closure - Closing unmanned level crossings having NIL/ negligible Train Vehicle Unit (TVU).
• Merger - Merger of unmanned level crossing gate to nearby manned/unmanned level crossing or subway/Road Under Bridge (RUB)/Road Over Bridge (ROB) by construction of diversion road. • Provision of Subways/RUBs.
• Manning- Phased manning of unmanned level crossings which cannot be eliminated by above means.
There are 9340 unmanned level crossings in the country as on 01.04.2016. This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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Inculcating Civic Values among Railway Passengers
Railways have taken the following measures to inculcate civic values among railway passengers in view of the reported ravaging of railway coaches including newly launched trains:- I. By organizing awareness camps/meetings to educate/counsel students, villagers, road users and general public. II. By distributing pamphlets, handbills etc in railway stations, markets, petrol pumps and other public places. III. By organizing Nukkad Natak at various public places. IV. By making appeal through print, electronic and social media.
By and large, rail users have become more responsive to the Railway administration’s appeal made through the above measures to desist from ravaging and despoiling the coaches.
By and large, rail users have become more responsive to the Railway administration’s appeal made through the above measures to desist from ravaging and despoiling the coaches.
This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.04.2016 (Wednesday).
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