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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."
More detail - 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 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's;.
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 (IANS): 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.
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
Prayagraj 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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