| Optic fibre
project on railways
RAJYA SABHA, March 12, 2010 (PIB) : The optic fibres have
been laid for modernization of ndian Railways’ communication
network necessary for its operational requirements. As of January
31, 2010, Indian Railways have laid 37382 kms of optical fibre
cable. A total investment of around Rs. 1500 crore has been made on
the optic fibre project. Revenues have been realized from the
available spare capacity in the optical fibre network. The revenue
earned from Optic Fibre project during the last five years is
Rs. 32 crore in the year 2004-05, Rs. 56 crore in 2005-06, Rs. 112
crore in 2006-07, Rs. 188 crore in 2007-08 and Rs. 261 crore in the year 2008-09.
Railways concentrate on its core business of running trains.
However, there are non-core areas allied to core activities, through
which the Railways may generate additional revenue. Due emphasis is
given to both core and non-core activities keeping in view revenue
maximization and social obligations. This information was given by
the Minister of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed in a written
reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Construction of the new rail line from North Bengal to Sikkim
New Delhi, March 8, 2010 : The Indian Railways have begun the
construction of the new rail line from North Bengal to Sikkim that
will pass through the foothills of the Kanchanjungha mountain range
and the Tiesta river valley. An official press release said the
groundbreaking ceremony was held on February 20 in the presence of
North-East Frontier Railway General Manager Shiv Kumar and senior
officials of the Railways as well as Ircon International, a public
sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. The alignment
connecting Rangpo from Sivok is 44.4 km long, more than 70 per cent
of which will be through tunnels. The work also involves spanning of
deep gorges/valleys. According to the release, the project cost is
estimated to be approximately Rs. 3300 crore. The work is expected
to be completed in five years. When completed, this project will
greatly improve the connectivity to Sikkim and will boost the
State's economy and tourism, it added.
UK pitches in for joining Indian Railways projects
New Delhi, March 4, 2010 (PTI) Britain today expressed
interest in India's efforts to mordernise railways and upgrade its
infrastructure, joining several other countries like Japan, France
and China to do so. Britain High Commissioner to India Sir Richard
Stagg who called on Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee today is
believed to have expressed his country's willingness in joining the
Railways' modernisation drive in the field of track and signal upgrade.
In her Budget speech last week, Railway Minister Mamata
Banerjee had asked the private sector to work in partnership with
the Railways and had mooted the setting-up of a special task force
to put investment proposals on a fast track. A railway delegation
comprising 10 companies from the UK is currently visiting the
country exploring possibilities of various railway projects.
Knowledge on wheels
March 2, 2010 : The Indian Scouting Centenary Express, an
exhibition on wheels run by the Southern Railway in commemoration of
the centenary celebrations of the Scouts movement in India was held
recently. The exhibition attracted children in large numbers,
particularly Scouts and Guides who came in to find out more about
the movement's growth in India and looked every inch pleased. The
exhibition train comprises three coaches, two displaying materials
on Scouting and one exclusively giving out information on Railways.
No hike in fares, freight charges in the Railway Budget for 2010-11
New Delhi, February 24, 2010 (PTI) : The Railway Budget for
2010-11 on Wednesday proposed no increase in passenger fares and
freight rates while reducing the tariff by Rs 100 per wagon in
transportation of foodgrains, kerosene and fertilisers to tackle the
price rise. The budget, presented by Railway Minister Mamata
Banerjee in the Lok Sabha, also proposed to reduce the maximum limit
of service charge on e-booking of tickets to Rs 10 for sleeper class
and Rs 20 for AC class. The present maximum charge is Rs 15 and Rs 40 respectively.
This is the seventh year in a row that passenger fares have
not been raised.Announcing a slew of concessions for passengers,
Banerjee proposed free travel for cancer patients going for
treatment in three-tier AC and sleeper class and continuance of
concessions for students of madrassas and journalists. The budget
estimates for 2010-11 pegs the freight loading target at 944 million
tonnes, an increase of 54 million tonnes over current year's revised
estimates. The passenger traffic is likely to grow by 5.3 per cent.
Referring to hardships faced by people because of the high food
prices, Banerjee said, "I understand their distress.Despite
Railways' own tight resource position I announce reduction of Rs 100
per wagon in freight charges for foodgrains for domestic use and
kerosene. This is a small gesture to express our concern."
See for details: Railway
Budget 2010-11
Govt for expanding capacity of railways: Prez
New Delhi, February 22, 2010 (PTI): Government today said it is committed to substantially
expanding capacity of Indian Railways along with increasing speed of passenger and freight trains."My Government is committed to fulfilling a substantial expansion in capacity
and modernisation of railway technology and to increasing the speed of both
passenger and freight trains while improving safety," President Pratibha Patil.
Addressing a joint sitting of Parliament, she said commencement of train
services in the Kashmir Valley from Qazigund to Baramulla demonstrates the
Government's commitment to development of all corners of our country.She said a special North East Rail Development Fund has been created to provide
assured financing for nine major national projects in the North Eastern region.
Besides, Railways have also commenced work on the ambitious Dedicated Freight
Corridors on the Eastern and Western trunk routes. "This project would help
drive India's growth".
Railways’ CFL project reaches Allahabad
Allahabad. February 19, 2010 :The Indian Railways project to use energy-efficient tubelights and
compact flurorescent lamps (CFL) in offices and staff colonies across the country is rolling along in the state.
The implementation of the project had started in Ghaziabad last May. “Now, the
distribution of CFLs and energy-efficient T-5 tubelights in all railway zones
has begun,” said NCR’s Chief Public Relations Officer RD Bajpai.
In the stations of Allahabad division, work is in progress to replace the
ordinary tubelights with energy T-5 tubelights. This will cover all the big
stations — Allahabad, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Mughalsarai, Tundla, Aligarh, and
Etawah. Plus, in the first phase, “65,300 CFLs will be distributed in railway residences
of Allahabad division,” said Bajpai. The other two divisions at Agra and Jhansi will be covered in the second phase.
“The lighting in all major stations will be as per the guidelines of Bureau of
Energy Efficiency, which is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power,” said
Bajpai. “This alone will help the North-Central Railway save 20 per cent energy.”
A CFL or T-5 tubelight of 30 watt gives as much light as a traditional 60 watt
bulb, said a senior railway official. So the energy saving is expected to be not
less than 50 per cent. Source: The Indian Express
Mamata Banerjee may not increase passenger fares
February 18, 2010: Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee is likely to present a populist Railway Budget
on February 24, leaving passenger fares untouched but rationalising the freight
rates keeping the essential commodities aside. However, sources say that a marginal increase in air-conditioned class is possible.
Though the Railway Board is insisting on raising fares keeping the railways'
financial condition in mind, insiders said the minister is 'dead against' carrying out any such revision.The recession-hit industry may not be as lucky though, the Rail Budget to be
tabled on February 24 is likely to rationalise freight rates of certain commodities like iron ore, coal and cement.
But according to sources, Mamata is unlikely to tinker with the freight rates of
essential commodities including foodgrains.There is a possibility of a minimum 5 to 10 per cent hike in the transportation
charge of certain commodities including iron, coal and minerals. The hike in
fuel prices is weighing heavily on railways. Source: Rediff.com
Indian Railways planning a new paid Inquiry Number 138
February 15, 2010: Indian Railways is planning a new railway enquiry number 138, with a host of value added passenger related
services. The 138 service, likely to be announced in the Rail Budget on February 26, will lessen the ressure from the existing 139
passenger enquiry number which clocks close to eight lakhs calls per day. But enquiry number 138 would be paid unlike free 139 number.
The new service will allow travelers to book their hotels, tourist taxis and tours.
Indian Railways to set up IIT-Kgp's largest research centre
Kolkata, February 12, 2010 (BS): The Indian Railways will set up IIT-Kharagpur's
(IIT-KGP) largest research and development (R&D) centre. The investment may exceed Rs 120
crore. Currently, the largest R&D centre at the institute is with the
Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), towards setting-up an energy park over a five-year period beginning 2007. The estimated cost of this project is close to Rs 100
crore. Union Railway minister Mamata Banerjee recently said the
Railways will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IIT-Kharagpur on February 13 to rope in students of the institute for research work involving her ministry. Officials at
IIT-Kharagpur, however, point out that the establishment of a R&D centre would be central to the arrangement.
"The Indian Railways will set up an R&D centre at the IIT Kharagpur campus. The MoU to this effect is also for a long-term framework for advanced training for railway staffs,"
an official said on condition of anonymity. IIT-K is expected to carry out research on behalf of the
Indian Railways on areas like equipment, manufacturing and technology
up gradation for building a modern rail eco-system. The Railways is also looking at sponsored research and staff
training in collaboration with IIT-Kharagpur.
Food may be spared freight hike in the railway Budget 2010-11
New Delhi, February 10, 2010: With one eye on inflation and another on the reviving economy, railway minister Mamata Banerjee is
likely to announce an increase in freight rates for commodities other than foodgrains and fruits & vegetables when she presents
the railway Budget 2010-11 later this month. Key items on which freight charges could be increased are automobiles, iron ore and cement.
Banerjee has already ruled out an increase in passenger fares in Budget 2010-11 while presenting a white paper on Indian Railways
and ‘Vision 2020’ documents in Parliament in December. The railways’ inability to achieve the freight earnings target up to
January may have also contributed to the minister’s decision to hike freight charges for non-food goods. Freight earnings fell 2.26%
short of the Budget proposal. The railways earned Rs 47,763.29 crore from April 2009 to January 2010, against the Budget target of
48,868.76 crore, according to figures released on Monday. In terms of loading, for which data is available only up to December 2009, it
surpassed the target by 1.93%. Source: Financial Express
Ms. Sonia Gandhi and Ms. Banerjee flagged off 12 new trains in UP
Kanpur, February 7, 2010 (IA NS): IANS UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday jointly
flagged off 12 new trains in Uttar Pradesh. The routes of seven existing trains have also been extended. Claiming that addition of a
dozen new trains would prove to be a boon for Uttar Pradesh, Ms.Sonia Gandhi said later at a huge public rally adjacent to the
railway station that “it was after a long gap that the railway ministry had done so much in one go for this state”. She said the
central government would be only too keen to do much more for the State. “Our government at the centre in general and the Indian
Railways in particular are committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Uttar Pradesh,” she said.
The new trains are Kanpur-New Delhi Shatabdi Express, Lucknow-New
Delhi Duronto, Allahabad- New Delhi Duronto, Gorakhpur-Lokmanya Tilak Terminal Express, Varanasi-Jammu Tawi Superfast, Lucknow-
Yashwantpur Express, Agra-Lucknow Intercity, Mathura-Kasganj Passenger, Bhopal- Pratapgarh Express, Gorakhpur-Nainital Express,
Gorakhpur-Noutha Passenger and Chapra-Mathura Express.
Railways join hands with Health Min for health care
New Delhi, February 6 (PTI) In a first of its kind
initiative, the Railways today teamed up with the Health Ministry to build medical facilities at major stations across the country.
According to an MoU signed between the two ministries, they will collaborate to develop health care facilities both for allopathic
and Indian systems of Medicine like diagnostic centres, out-patient centres, inpatient medical treatment centres, super-speciality
hospitals, medical colleges and nursing colleges.
These health care facilities could also be used as trauma
centres for emergencies, accidents and natural disasters.While the land for building the health infrastructure would be provided by the
Railways, the health ministry would be in-charge of the setting up process.
HC asks Rlys to give details of extra facilities for Maha Kumbh
LUCKNOW, February 4, 2010: The High Court on Wednesday asked the Indian Railways to tell it as to what kind of extra facilities and infrastructure have been provided to Haridwar Maha Kumbh
travelers against the surcharge imposed on them to the tune of Rs 3 to 15. The division bench of Justice Pradeep Kant and Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi posted the matter on February 9 for next hearing.
A PIL filed by Hindu Personal Law Board seeks subsidy to the Kumbh visitors on the lines of that given to Haj pilgrims. On Wednesday, in compliance of earlier order, the Railway counsel produced July
30, 2009 circular before the court and submitted that as the Railway had to make additional infrastructure and facilities for the Kumbh visitors whose number rises up to lakhs, it has levied the surcharge to gain funds for the said purpose
Mamata
invites business chambers to discuss rail PPPs
New Delhi, January 29, 2010: Union railway minister Mamata
Banerjee has called a meeting with chambers of commerce on February
6 to discuss how to get more private participation in rail projects.
The meeting is a prelude to the framing of a public private partnership (PPP) policy for the railways.
The ministry plans to announce the policy in the coming
Budget. "The new policy is aimed at attracting private developers, who have not shown much interest in railway projects
hitherto," said a source in the know.In the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2002-07), PPP projects by Indian Railways constituted less
than one per cent of the total plan outlay for the sector. The projections for the Eleventh Plan (2007-12) are, formally, 20 per
cent of the totaloutlay, which is around Rs 1,00,000 crore. In
last year's Budget presentation, the railway minister had said the Railways would be upgrading 50 stations under the PPP scheme. Of
these, Delhi station was seen as a test case. But, the Rs 6,000-crore project has been stuck for two years for want of
approval from local bodies such as the Delhi Development Authority,
New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Traffic Police and so on. Source:
Business Standard
Railways plan to introduce more non-stop Duronto trains
Mumbai, January 25, 2010 (PTI) : Indian Railways is planning to launch at least ten more non-stop Duronto Express trains in the next financial year, encouraged by good response received since the introduction of Duronto Express trains last year. An official from the Indian Railways mentioned that for the same
a feasibility study which was conducted recently has identified 40 new sectors where Duronto service can be introduced, but only about ten Durontos can be announced for the new sectors. This is because the Indian Railways have managed to launch only half of the 14 trains announced in the last Railway Budget. Some of the new sectors found feasible
for running Duronto trains are Mumbai-Chennai, Pune- Mumbai, Bhubaneswar-Varanasi,
Guwahati-New Delhi, Patna-Amritsar, Howrah-Puri, New Delhi-Trivandrum, Bhopal-New Delhi and Ahmedabad-Howrah among others. The feasibility study also took into account the occupancy rate of mail and express trains in the routes identified for running the Duronto trains.
Railway Board holds a meeting on railway safety
New Delhi, January 21, 2010 (ANI): The Railway Board held a
meeting here on rail safety on Wednesday. It discussed the issue of
security of rail passengers and devise solutions to the threat faced
from naxals and terrorists. Interacting with the media, Ajay Kumar
Goel, Member, Railway Board, said that interstate police teams would
be nominated for a group of trains running through the concerned
states so that the crimes get investigated in a better way.
“Special arrangements will be made for the security of the rail
construction projects through the mutual agreement between the
railways and the state government,” he added. State-run Indian
Railways has one of the largest and busiest rail networks in the
world, transporting over 18 million passengers and over two million
tonnes of freight everyday. (ANI)
Railways to build first flyover track
PATNA, January 18, 2010: With the completion of Rajgir-Tilaiya new line, the railways now intends to build a flyover
track between Bakhtiarpur and Barh in Patna district at an estimated
cost of over Rs 60 crore for the smooth run of goods trains carrying
coal directly from Tilaiya (Jharkhand) for NTPC power station being built at Barh.
The flyover tracks will be the first of its kind in the
Indian Railways and it will be completed on priority basis. It is a
joint venture of the railways and NTPC. he civil work on the
proposed flyover track is likely to begin soon between Bakhtiarpur
and Barh on the mainline section of Danapur division under East
Central Railway (ECR). - The Times of India
Rail mishap near Tundla junction, 3 killed, 14 injured
NEW DELHI, January 16, 2010: Three persons were killed and 14
injured in a rail mishap in Uttar Pradesh, Saturday, a senior Indian
Railways official said. The rail mishap took place when the Kalindi
Express collided with the Shram Shakti Express near the Tundla
junction in the state due to dense fog which had reduced visibility
levels, North-Central Railway spokesperson R.D. Vajpai told the
media in the national capital. The official said that a medical team
has been rushed to the spot to help in the rescue operations, he
said, adding that a probe has been ordered into the mishap.
Indian Railways to expedite Bangladesh rail upgrade
New Delhi, January 13, 2010 (PTI): India today assured Bangladesh of speedy implementation
of projects on rail infrastructure upgrade in the neigbouring country.All rail projects would be speeded up as per the agreement with Bangladesh,
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said after meeting Bangla Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina here.
A railway link between Rohanpur and Singhabad to facilitate transit traffic from
Bangladesh to Nepal through India and making Akhoura-Agartala line operational
among others were finalised yesterday between the two countries.Indian Railways would help Bangladesh to build rail infrastructure that is
expected to allow train services from Kolkata to Tripura, she said. "India always had good relations with Bangladesh and its people," Banerjee said.On cultural ties, she said, "We have a great cultural affinity with the country.
Mamata
calls upon Zonal Railways to carry more safety drives
January 11, 2010, Ministry of Railways (PIB) : The Minister
of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, has called upon the Railway
officials to continue their dedication and devotion to ensure smooth
operation of Indian Railways and also continue to be careful and
alert in their attitude towards implementing and observing all
important instructions & guidelines issued by the Railway Board
from time to time. Addressing the two-day General Managers’
Conference here today, Kumari Mamata Banerjee emphasized on proper
training of Railway personnel especially the core staff deployed for
safety related jobs. She also said that while it is necessary to
encourage and protect good employees but staff found wanting on
performance needs to be held accountable and answerable.
She also said that various decisions announced in the Railway
Budget should be implemented with full sincerity and expeditiously.
On safety, Kumari Mamata said that Railways need to carry more
safety drives by conducting surprise checks and by properly
implementing safety guidelines. Referring to security of passengers,
the Minister said that there is an urgent need to strengthen Railway
Protection Force (RPF) in vulnerable areas and be more vigilant
about those elements trying to create obstacles in the smooth
operation of Railways.
19 Trains cancelled till January 31
New Delhi, January 8, 2010: Almost 19 trains cancelled due to
fog The Indian Railways on Wednesday cancelled as many as 19 trains
till January 31 in view of the prevailing foggy weather conditions
in North India. The decision came as poor visibility again hampered
train movement, with over three dozen trains arriving in Delhi
several hours behind schedule and 16 trains being rescheduled on Wednesday. Trains cancelled include
New Delhi-Sitamarhi Lichchvi Express
Lucknow-Saharanpur Express
Katihar-Amritsar Express
Jhansi-Lucknow Intercity
Gaya-New Delhi Mahabodhi Express
Amritsar-Howrah Express
Rlys' land acquisition rules will be altered
Kolkata January 5, 2010 :Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said she had already altered the land acquisition template of the Indian
Railways in a bid to ensure no land was forcefully acquired
for projects undertaken by her ministry. “I have personally made an amendment to the land acquisition
rules of the Railways a month ago so that forceful acquisitions do not take place,” Banerjee said, without
divulging the details of the amendment or the Act to which it was made.
However, sources indicated that the Banerjee, along with the rail board, were likely to have approved changes in the
Railways Act (1989). “But, after the amendment is approved, it might have to go through Parliament before it is enforced,” the source said. Slighting the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee-led West Bengal
government for its dispute-ridden land acquisition attempts in the state, Banerjee said her ministry would walk the extra
mile to avoid discord among land-losers in railway projects.“Unlike Singur and Nandigram, we will not acquire large tracts of land forcefully. We will only take what we require from those who are willing to part with their land. If people are unwilling, we will change the tracks and look at alternative
routes,” Banerjee said at a ceremony in Amta, near Kolkata. Source: Business Standard
Railways mishap raises questions about railway safety
New Delhi, Jan 4, 2010 (PTI) Nothwithstanding the Railways
claim, the collision involving Gorakhdham Express, which was
apparently overspeeding in dense fog, near Kanpur, has raised fresh
doubts about the safety measures in Indian Railways. Gorakhdham
Express, which rammed into the stationary Prayagraj Express at Panki,
25 km from Kanpur, killing 10 passengers and injuring 43, was
running at a speed much higher than a train usually runs in foggy
conditions, according to railway sources. In dense fog, trains are
required to virtually crawl at a speed of eight km per hour
but the extent of damage to Prayagraj Express by the impact of
Gorakhdham Express indicated the train was running at a much higher
speed, said the sources. A senior railway Ministry official said it
seems the driver of Gorakhdham Express was overspeeding in the foggy
condition.
Four express trains collide in UP; 39 dead
LUCKNOW, January 2, 2010 (IANS): Uttar Pradesh saw two
train collisions early Saturday as dense fog enveloped most parts of
north India. Eye witnesses from the scene of the accidents said over
39 people have died. While five people were injured when two trains
collided in Kanpur district, no casualties were reported in the
accident in Etawah district, officials said.
The Gorakhdham Express and Prayagraj Express collided near
the Panki railway station in Kanpur, some 90 km from here. "We
have learnt that at least five people have been injured in the
accident," said an official of the government railway police.
In the second accident of the morning, two passenger trains - the
Lichchavi Express and Magadh Express - collided near Sarai Bhupat
railway station in Etawah, some 300 km from here. "It is yet to
be ascertained whether the accident caused any casualty," a
railway police official told IANS. "It appears that the
collision took place due to heavy fog," he said. "The
driver of the Lichchavi Express is trapped in the cabin and efforts
are on to rescue him," said A K Singh, government railway
police inspector at Etawah. Senior railway officials have rushed to
the spot along with district authorities for rescue operations.
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