Increase In Coaches For Women
Increase In Coaches For Women
As on 31.03.2016, the holding of coaches (excluding EMU, MEMU and DEMU) over Indian Railways is about 53000. This is being utilized over Indian Railways.
To facilitate female passengers, following facilities have been provided: (i) In Sleeper Class coach, reservation quota of 6 berths has been earmarked in Mail/Express trains on non-suburban section for ladies irrespective of age travelling alone or in a group of female passengers.
(ii) As per announcement of Rail Budget, 2016-17, Lower Berth quota in 2A, 3A and Sleeper classes has been increased by 50%. Now, in all trains having reserved sleeping accommodation, a combined quota of six lower berths per coach in Sleeper class and three lower berths per coach in AC 3 tier and AC 2 tier classes has been earmarked for Senior Citizens, Female passenger 45 years of age and above, and Pregnant women. In case of Rajdhani, Duronto and fully Air Conditioned/Express trains, the number of lower berths to be earmarked under this quota in 3 AC class are four per coach.
(iii) In most of the long distance Mail/Express trains, unreserved accommodation is earmarked for ladies.
(iv) Separate compartments/coaches have been earmarked in suburban trains for exclusive use of ladies passengers.
(v) During the Financial Year 2015-16, 28 Lakh berths under Ladies quota and 1.42 Crore berths under Senior Citizen quota were earmarked whose utilization was 85% and 86% respectively.
(vi) Whenever recommendations are received from various quarters for increasing the number of coaches of the trains, they are examined, and to meet the increased demand various measures are taken which include introduction of new trains, enhancement of the composition of more popular trains, attachment of extra coaches in the existing trains, running of special trains for clearance of extra passengers traffic during peak seasons, festivals, special events etc. keeping in view the pattern of traffic, commercial justification, operational feasibility, availability of resources etc. Specific details of such recommendations, however is not maintained.
****
Anti-Collision Device in Trains & Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detection System
Anti Collision Device (ACD) developed by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) was provided as a pilot project on 1736 Route Kilometres on Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
Complex operational and technical problems were experienced during these trials which could not be fully resolved by KRCL due to design limitation of ACD. As such, proliferation of ACD is not contemplated.
Indian Railways have planned for alternative Automatic Train Protection (ATP) Systems and in this regard following pilot projects have been taken up for evaluating their technical suitability on Indian Railways.
1. Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) – Pilot launched on South Central Railway in Lingamapalli-Vikarabad-Wadi & Vikarabad-Bidar (250 Route Kms) section of Secunderabad Division.
2. Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) – Pilot successfully implemented on:
(i) Chennai-Gummidipundi suburban section (50 RKms).
(ii) Nizamuddin-Agra main line section (200 RKms).
(iii) Kolkata Metro Dum Dum- Kavi Subhash section (25 RKms).
It has been decided to undertake trial of Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detection system (UBRD) on Northern Railway and North Central Railway over 25 Km of track each.
****
Measures to Boost freight traffic by Indian Railways
Indian Railways is the most environmental friendly in transportation sector. It is a major player in transport market. The Government is committed to improve the share of Indian Railways in the freight market and this is reflected in the Budget announcement made during the current year. In Budget it has been announced that a review of tariff policy will be undertaken to evolve a competitive rate structure vis-a-vis other modes, permit multi-point loading/unloading and apply differentiated tariffs to increase utilization of alternate routes.
The Government has initiated various steps so as to increase the share of Rail in transportation market. Some of these steps are as under:
i) Distance for Mini Rakes increased from 400kms to 600kms.
ii) All covered wagons have been permitted for booking of traffic to two-point/multi-point combinations and mini rake.
iii) Two point combination for covered stock Liberalised. Now any two stations within 200 kms in Busy season and within 400 kms in lean season can be booked for two point.
iv) Automatic Freight Rebate Scheme in Traditional Empty Flow Direction has been extended till 30.09.2016.
v) Port Congestion Charge (10% of Base Freight) has been withdrawn from 13.04.2016.
vi) Merry-go-Round System has been further Rationalised.
vii) Dual Freight Policy for Iron Ore has been withdrawn from 10.05.2016.
viii) Transportation of Iron Ore through Rail-cum costal shipping for domestic consumption permitted w.e.f. 23.03.2016.
ix) Withdrawal of Busy Season Charge on covered stock (15% of Base freight) from 01.05.2016
x) Minimum distance for charge is reduced from 125 kms to 100 kms (from 15.07.2016 to 15.09.2016) for all commodities and graded concession for short lead traffic introduced under which Short Lead concession for charging of freight for all traffic booked up to 100 kms will be as under:-
Distance Slab Freight Concession
------------ -------------------
0 – 50 km 30% (thirty percent)
51 – 75 km 10% (ten percent)
76 – 90 km 5% (five percent)
91 – 100 km Nil
--------------------------------------
xi) Stations and Goods sheds notified in Group I & II are opened for Container operations including Lift On-Lift Off and/or Chassis Stuffing/De-stuffing and will be considered as Container Rail Terminals (CRT).
xii) Proliferation of Roll-on Roll-off scheme over Indian Railways.
xiii) The following changes have been made in Classification of Commodities –
(a) Classification of Red Mud reduced from Class-150 to 120;
(b) Groundnut Seeds added under Oil cakes and Seeds at Class-120;
(c) Oliflux added under Minerals and ores at Class-160;
(d) Kota Stone has been de-notified.
****
Railway Infrastructure Development in Hilly and North Eastern States
There are 26 ongoing projects falling partly/fully in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern States. An amount of ` 5946 Crore in 2014-15, ` 6687 Crore in 2015-16 and ` 6531 Crore in 2016-17 has been allotted for these projects falling fully/partly in the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern States.
Due to continuous efforts and focused approach, following sections have been completed/commissioned since April, 2013 in these states.
1.Agartala-Udaipur (40 Km), New Line
2.Ambala-Dhapper (22.71 Km), Doubling
3.Ambari Falakata-Belakoba (10.3 Km), Doubling
4.Arunachal-Jiribam & Karimganj-Mahishashan (50 Km), Gauge Conversion
5.Asoati-Tughlakabad (20.5 Km), Doubling
6.Badarpur-Kumarghat (118 Km), Gauge Conversion
7.Balipara-Bhalukapong (34.47 Km), Gauge Conversion
8.Barhni-Gainsari (24 Km), Gauge Conversion
9.Belakoba – Raninagar Jalpaiguri (8 Km), Doubling
10.Bhadian-Lambua (6.85 Km), Doubling
11.Bhadohi-Sarai Kansarai (15.33 Km), Doubling
12.Bhambewa-Gohana-Mohana (40 Km), New Line
13.Budhalda-Mansa (16 Km), Doubling
14.Chakki Bank – Bharoli (3.5 Km), Doubling
15.Chhan Arorian – Budhi (8 Km), Doubling
16.Dudhnoi-Mendipathar (19.75 Km), New Line
17.Ganga Bridge at Garh Mukteshwar (3 Km), Doubling
18.Harmuti- Naharlagun (22 Km), New Line
19.Harmuti-North Lakhimpur (31 Km), Gauge Conversion
20.Jakhal-Budhlada (29 Km), Doubling
21.Jallandhar Cantt – Suchipind (3.5 Km), Doubling
22.Kasganj-Ramganga Bridge except Bridge No. 409 on river Ganga
between Bitroi-Manpur Nagaria (95 Km), Gauge Conversion
23.Katakhal-Bhairabi (84 Km), Gauge Conversion
24.Khukrana-Panipat (8 Km), Doubling
25.Kumarghat-Agartala (109 Km), Gauge Conversion
26.Lohta-Chokhandi-Sewapuri (16.77 Km), Doubling
*******
Track Management in Railways
Indian Railways have a system of scheduled inspections by Railway officials which, inter alia, includes daily inspection by Keyman, inspection/monitoring at predefined interval by various levels of inspecting officials and measurement/monitoring of track parameters by Track Recording Cars (TRCs) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS). In addition, directives/instructions/guidelines are issued and special drives are launched from time to time at various levels viz. Divisions, Zonal Railways and Railway Board.
Track renewal is a continuous activity, which is to be undertaken as and when a stretch of track becomes due for renewal on age-cum-condition basis. Track renewals are planned in advance every year and their execution is prioritized according to condition of track and overall availability of funds ensuring all the time that the track is in a sound condition for safe running of trains.
******
R & D Units of the Ministry of Railways
Research, Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), situated at Lucknow, is the sole Research and Development (R&D) organisation of Indian Railways and functions as the technical advisor to Railway Board and Zonal Railways. The aims and objectives assigned to RDSO include the following:
Development of new and improved designs of systems and equipments
Development, adoption and absorption of new technology for use on Indian Railways
Development of overall system standards
Development of specifications for equipment, components & materials
Testing and Recommending authority for Statutory clearances (including Metro system)
Assistance in technical investigations
Quality Assurance of delegated items
Some of the important work done by RDSO, during the past three years, are listed below:
Advance Warning System (Radio Based) to pre-warn road user about approaching trains at unmanned level crossing gate
Crashworthy design of coach
Fog PASS (Pilot Assistance System for Safety) with enhanced features
Development of indigenous Advanced Auxiliary Warning System (AAWS)
Development of satellite based accident site communication system
Development of double decker coach design
High capacity milk tank van
Upgradation of existing wagons to 25t
Development of energy efficient HOG (Head on Generation) train power system for Indian Railways in electric locos
Development of WDG5 locomotive for increasing throughput
Development of 9000 HHP locomotive for DFCCIL Western Corridor
Development of Crew Voice and Video Recording System(CVVRS)
Operation of Gatimaan Express
Design & development of new wagon for salt loading
Design & development of auto car wagon
Development of world-class Interiors in ICF type coaches
Differently-abled passenger coaches
Broadband internet on running trains through two-way satellite communication
Development of Integrated passenger information system (PIS) for mainline and EMU coaches
Environment friendly coach toilet discharge system
Introduction of biodiesel over IR
Introduction of natural gas operated trains over IR
The total budget allocated to RDSO is as under (in Crores):
Financial year Budget allotment (Revenue & Capital)
-------------- ------------------------------------
2014-15 216.11
2015-16 241.19
2016-17 313.10
--------------------------------------------------------------
*******
Suvidha Trains
With effect from 01.07.2015, Suvidha trains on variable fares are introduced for meeting demand peaks as may arise from time to time during summer, winter, festivals and on other occasions. The following types of Suvidha trains are introduced.
(i). Fully air-conditioned services with or without stoppages.
(ii). Mixed services having no enroute commercial stoppages on mixed Duronto pattern.
(iii). Mixed services having some stoppages enroute and running as Mail/Express.
Apart from above, on the basis of demand, Zonal Railway can also run fully air conditioned Shatabdi/Double decker type Suvidha trains. Minimum fare of Suvidha trains is equal to Tatkal fare applicable for the class of accommodation for initial 20% of the berths and thereafter the fare increases for subsequent slabs of 20% of seats/berths booked subject to maximum three times of the Tatkal fare. Tickets are booked through PRS counters and online through IRCTC web portal.
Confirmed, RAC (Reservation against cancellation) and waitlisted tickets are issued for this train. No concession, child fare, free passes etc. are permissible in this train. However booking is allowed in this train on Identity Cards issued to MPs and on the coupons issued to MLAs.
Special trains on special charges are introduced based on demand pattern over and above the time-tabled trains. In addition to Mail/Express fare for Time Tabled Trains, special charges are levied at the rate of 10% of basic fare for second class for reserved accommodation and 30% of basic fare for all other classes. The second class accommodation of such trains can be declared as reserved or unreserved and charging shall be made accordingly. In case of unreserved second class accommodation the fares as applicable to normal superfast Mail/Express trains will be applicable.
******
Anil Kakodkar Committee Report on Railway Safety
High Level Safety Review Committee was constituted by the Ministry of Railways on 16.09.2011 under the chairmanship of Dr. Anil Kakodkar. The Committee submitted its report on 17.02.2012.
The Committee had made 106 recommendations covering various aspects viz. General Safety Matters, Organizational Structure, Empowerment at Working Level, Safety Related Works and Issues, Filling up of vacancies in critical safety categories and Manpower Planning Issues, Plugging the shortage of critical Safety Spares, External Interferences – Removal of Encroachment and Sabotage, Upgradation of Signaling, Telecommunication and Train Protection System, Upgradation of Rolling Stock, Track, Bridges, Elimination of Level Crossings, Human Resource Development with emphasis on Education and Training Institutes on Indian Railways, Eco-system and Safety Architectures on Indian Railways.
Of the 106 recommendations, 68 recommendations have been fully accepted, 19 partially accepted and 19 not accepted by the Ministry of Railways. So far, 22 recommendations of the Committee have been implemented. 20 recommendations are in final stages of implementation.
*****
Modernization of Indian Railways
Modernisation is an ongoing and continuous process on Indian Railways. In order to obtain latest technical knowhow of the world Railways, Ministry of Railways have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for technical cooperation with various foreign countries/railways viz. France, Germany, Czech Republic, China, South Korea, Canada, Kazakhstan, Slovak Republic, United Kingdom, Japan, Russia and Sweden which inter alia includes modernization of rail infrastructure including railway stations.
The ongoing cooperation projects through the MoUs signed between Ministry of Railways and foreign railways/countries include:-
S.N Country Projects
--- ------- -------------
1.China (i) High Speed Rail feasibility study for Delhi-Nagpur section with financing from Chinese side
(ii) Feasibility study for upgradation of Speeds to 160 kmph on Chennai- Bengaluru-Mysore corridor with financing from Chinese side.
2.South Korea Feasibility Study for speed raising of Delhi-Mumbai route to 200 km/h with financing from South Korean side.
3.Japan The Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project has been taken up for implementation with financial and technical assistance of Japan. Completion Cost of the Project is ` 97,636 Crore, Japanese financial assistance being ` 79,165 crore (81%). An SPV, namely, National High Speed Rail Corporation (NHRC) has been formed to implement the project.
4.France (i) Technical and Execution Study for upgrading the speed of passenger trains between Delhi-Chandigarh upto 200 kmph. (ii) Renovation/development study of Ludhiana and Ambala railway stations.
5.Germany Feasibility study for High Speed Rail of Chennai-Bangalore-Mysore Section with financing from German side.
-----------------------------------------------------
For monitoring Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Train Project, a Joint Committee chaired by Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog and an Empowered Committee Chaired by Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs have been formed.
Other projects are at the stage of feasibility studies, which are monitored regularly by Railway Board.
Ministry of Railways has approached State Governments to form Joint Venture Companies (JVCs) with Ministry of Railways to undertake mutually identified rail infrastructure projects for project development, resources mobilization and monitoring. 17 State Governments have consented for formation of JVCs with Ministry of Railways. Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for setting up Joint Venture companies have been signed with Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Telanganga and Haryana. Joint Venture Agreement has been signed with Government of Odisha and Haryana.
Steps taken for modernization includes elimination of level crossings & unmanned level crossings, mechanized maintenance of track, introduction of new generation locomotives, high speed potential LHB coaches, introduction of train sets, upgradation of suburban coaches, green toilets on all passenger trains, development of modern high pay to tare ratio wagons, enhancement of customer amenities at stations and on trains, feasibility studies of high speed and semi high speed corridors, construction of freight corridors, implementation of electrification, introduction of mobile ticketing and trials of train protection warning system etc.
****
Make in India Initiatives of Indian Railways
In order to give boost to the “Make in India” scheme and to generate more jobs in India, the following projects have been sanctioned by Railways:
(i) Setting up of a traction alternator manufacturing factory for high horse power Diesel Locomotives at Vidisha.
(ii) Augmentation of production capacity from 200 to 250 high horse power locos per year including facilities for fabrication of crank case for high horse power diesel locomotives at Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi.
(iii) Setting up of a Forged wheel factory at Raebareli by Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited.
(iv) Ministry of Railways has already planned to manufacture two rakes for Kolkata metro & EMU rakes for Mumbai area with indigenously developed IGBT based 3 – phase propulsion system under ‘Make in India’ scheme.
******
Trial of Talgo Train
The trials with Talgo Coaches started with effect from 24.05.2016. The trials on main line track have been completed. The trials on Rajdhani track are under progress.
The main features of Talgo Coaches are:-
(i) Natural tilting leading to higher speed on curves.
(ii) Independent Axle-less wheels.
(iii) Lightweight Aluminium body coaches.
(iv) Disc brake system.
(v) Articulated wheels to keep wheel parallel to track.
(vi) Integrated suspension.
(vii) Enhanced passenger comfort.
(viii) Designed for operational speed of 200 kmph.
Presently there is no proposal to purchase Talgo coaches. As such, purchase cost is not available.
*****
Setting Up Of Rail Development Authority
Ministry of Railways brought out for public consultation a concept paper on setting up of Rail Development Authority of India which envisages an independent Authority housed outside Ministry of Railways for functions such as tariff determination, ensuring fair play and level playing field for private investments, setting efficiency and performance standards and dissemination of information.
*******
Trials on Train Collision Avoidance System
Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is being indigenously developed by Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in association with Indian Vendors. This Safety system is aimed at providing capability to prevent train accidents caused due to driver’s error of Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) or over-speeding.
After successful initial Proof of Concept trials, limited field trials with multi-vendor equipment have been conducted. Further, extended field trials of TCAS in pilot section Lingampalli-Vikarabad-Wadi-Bidar (250 RKms) of Secunderabad Division of South Central Railway have been taken up. Trials on two pairs of passenger trains have commenced in the pilot section.
Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) based on proven European Train Control System (ETCS L-1) technology has been provided in the following pilot sections: i) Chennai-Gummidipundi Suburban Section of Southern Railway (50 RKms) covering EMU sections.
ii) Hazrat Nizamuddin-Agra Section of Northern/North Central Railway (200 RKms). Gatiman Express running at 160 Kmph on Delhi-Agra section has been equipped with TPWS.
iii) Dum Dum-Kavi Subhash Nagar section of Kolkata Metro (25 RKms) covering the EMU sections.
To ensure safety, all electric locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Device (VCD) to ensure alertness of Loco Pilot.
All safety category railway employees are given structured training as per prescribed periodicity at various stages of their career. They also undergo mandatory refresher training programmes. Detailed modules which give the periodicity and course content taking into account technological changes and operational requirement are available. Due emphasis is laid on practical training which helps in assimilating technology transferred and skill upgradation. Safety Category staff are also given training in Disaster Management.
Opening of new training centres is duly considered on the basis of proposal and justification received from Zonal Railway/Production Units. This is a continuous process.
******
Making Drinking Water Available at Railway Stations
It is Railways’ endeavour to provide drinking water at all stations on Indian Railways. As such, eight stations viz. Bhopal, Dwarka, Gadag, Guwahati, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Madurai, Patna and Tirupati stations have been identified for provision of RO drinking water units on experimental basis. Further, 346 Water Vending Machines have been provided at stations.
*******
Security of Trains In The Naxal Affected Areas
Prevention and detection of crime, registration of cases and maintenance of law and order over Railways is the statutory responsibility of States which is being discharged by them through the Government Railway Police (GRP). In addition, security of tracks, bridges and tunnels is the responsibility of concerned District Police. As such, State Governments concerned are primarily responsible to formulate any scheme to ensure security of passengers against naxal threat.
Railways, through the Railway Protection Force (RPF), supplement efforts of States for better protection and security of railway property, passenger area, passengers and matters connected therewith. Security has been identified by Railways as one of the priority areas for strengthening and upgradation. A proposal for installation of 162 Close Circuit Television cameras has been sanctioned at the cost of ₹3.26 Crore for round the clock surveillance at 10 stations falling in naxal affected sections of South Eastern Railway.
Other measures initiated to strengthen security of passengers over Indian Railways (including sections falling in naxal affected areas) include escorting of about 2500 important mail/express trains daily (in addition to escorting of 2200 such trains by GRP), rendering round the clock assistance to train passengers through 182 Security Helpline, implementation of Integrated Security System at identified sensitive stations, networking of security control rooms, etc.
*******
Janani Sewa Scheme of Indian Railways
As announced in the Rail Budget 2016-17, Zonal Railways have been advised to ensure availability of baby food, hot milk and hot water at Railway stations on payment basis. Presently, the items under Janani Sewa Scheme are available on most of the major Railway stations. Further, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been advised to ensure availability of children’s Menu through e-catering scheme. At present, children’s menu are available through e-catering scheme for all trains passing through New Delhi, Lucknow Jn., Lucknow, Jaipur, Ajmer, Howrah, Chennai Egmore, Pathankot Jn. and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway stations.
This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 27.07.2016 (Wednesday).
Post a Comment