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http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ink-by-Dec.-2017-Venkaiah/article16951731.ece
28-VJ-VENKAIAH

Union Ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu and Prakash Javadekar inspecting ongoing railway tunnel work near Cherlopalle in Kadapa district on Tuesday.


The Obulavaripalle-Krishnapuram Port broad gauge railway line connectivity work in Kadapa district would be completed by December next, said Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday.

The work on the 262-metre-long first tunnel had been completed and 56 per cent of the work was completed on the 3,063 metre-long second tunnel which was progressing briskly, said Mr. Naidu after inspecting the railway line and tunnel work near Cherlopalle in Chitvel mandal in Kadapa district, along with Union Minister for Human Resources Prakash Javadekar. Completion of the rail and road connectivity between Obulavaripalle and Krishnapatnam port was his long cherished goal, Mr. Naidu said.

Recalling that the project was sanctioned in 2006 by then Union Railway Minister Nitish Kumar, Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said it progressed at a snail’s pace for want of funds. Work picked up pace in 2014 he said and lauded the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited engineers and officials for it.

An outlay of Rs. 1,168 crore was spent so far on the railway project, undertaken with an estimate of Rs, 1,646 crore, he said. With an estimate of Rs. 47 crore per km., it was a low-cost project. While 1,900 acres was acquired, clearance was accorded for 325 acres of forest land, he said. Earth work would be completed by February 2017 and tunnel work by July 2017 and the cement lining work would be taken up from March to October, he said.

The area would develop with the rail connectivity and development of internal roads. Development would be easy where facilities such as roads, railways, flight and power were available, he said.

Mr. Venkaiah Naidu said a special task force had been constituted to examine the viability of establishing an integrated steel plant in Kadapa and the Government would take an appropriate decision on getting the task force report. Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, Minister for Municipal Administration P. Narayana, RVNL Managing Director Satish Agnihotri, Kadapa Joint Collector Swetha Teotia, BJP national executive member Suresh Naidu and TDP leader of Railway Kodur K. Viswanatha Naidu were present.
 
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http://indianexpress.com/article/india/lt-to-install-about-10000-cameras-in-pune-4448549/

Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, the Chief Guest on the occasion released a postal cover in memory of late The KCP Ltd., founder, V Ramakrishna and it was received by Subrahmanyan. KCP Ltd. Chairman and Managing Director, V L Dutt said, “The company which began operations in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, has entered into various sectors including cement, sugar, power and heavy engineering.

Besides having joint ventures with various companies in Europe and United States, he said, “Mature financial and project management capability helped us in setting up over 40 sugar plants and 12 cements plants across India and globally.”


KCP has been a pioneer in developing the Sugar industry in Vietnam since 1990's as a supplier of sugar machinery to plants in Vietnam. On the invitation of the Vietnam Government to develop sugar cane in rural areas, a 2,500 tcd sugar plant was commissioned by KCP Vietnam Industries Limited a sugar manufacturing subsidiary located in Vietnam in 1999. Since then it has expanded its capacity to 6000 tcd.
 
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Ministry of Railways
28-December, 2016 18:04 IST
Various services / projects of Ministry of Railways in Uttar Pradesh inaugurated / foundation stone laid / dedicated to the nation



The following services / projects of Ministry of Railways across various parts of Uttar Pradesh inaugurated / foundation stone laid / dedicated to the nation today i.e. 28 Dec 2016.

1. Inauguration of Wi-Fi at Bareilly station

2. Inauguration of Wi-Fi at Varanasi station

3. Inauguration of Wi-Fi at Aligarh station

4. Inauguration of Wi-Fi at Mathura station

5. Inauguration of three platforms and yards at Aligarh station

6. Foundation stone laid for upgradation of passenger amenities at Akbarpur station

7. Foundation stone laid for upgradation of passenger amenities at Jaunpur station

8. Foundation stone laid for upgradation of passenger amenities at Shahganj station

9. Foundation stone laid for upgradation of passenger amenities at Pratapgarh station

10. Foundation stone laid for upgradation of passenger amenities at Jhangai station

11. Foundation stone laid of escalator and FoB of Mirzapur station

12. Foundation stone laid of escalator and FoB at Vindhyachal station

13. Foundation stone laid of improvised station and FoB at Robertsganj station

14. Foundation stone laid of Electrification of Jafarabad-Akbarpur-Tanda section

15. Foundation stone laid of Electrification of Chunar-Chopan line

16. Foundation stone laid of Electrification of Utretia-Raebareli-Amethi-Janghai line

17. Commencement of work of doubling cum electrification of Utretia-Alam Nagar byepass at Lucknow

18. Dedication of newly electrified route of Rosa-Sitapur rail route to the nation

19. Dedication of newly electrified route of Sitapur-Burhwal rail route to the nation

20. Dedication of Electronic Interlocking at Aligarh

21. Foundation stone laid for doubling of Rosa-Sitapur

22. Foundation stone laid for doubling of Sitapur-Burhwal

23. Foundation stone laid of Mathura-Jhansi 3rd line

24. Commencement of work of doubling between Raebareli and Amethi stations

25. Extension of existing Agra Cantt-Etawah DEMU Train upto Mainpuri via newly constructed Etawah-Karhal-Mainpuri Broad Gauge section


Ministry of Railways has taken up many projects in Uttar Pradesh. There are as many as 62 ongoing Engineering Projects like New line, Gauge Conversion & Doublings in the state of UP, costing Rs 58,850 cr. and the aggregate length of these projects is 6500 km.

Outlay for projects in UP has been increased substantially in the last 3 years. The average annual outlay for projects in UP from 2009 to 2014 was Rs. 1100 Cr. This average has been enhanced to Rs. 3400 Cr for the last three budgets. In 2016-17 alone, Rs 5369 Cr has been allotted for projects falling partly or fully in UP.


Inauguration of Wi-Fi service at Mathura, Varanasi, Bareilly & Aligarh Railway Stations

The Wi-Fi service at Mathura, Varanasi, Bareilly & Aligarh Railway Stations was dedicated to the nation today, 28th December 2016.

The Wi-Fi facility for the visitors & rail users of Mathura, Varanasi, Bareilly & Aligarh Railway Station has been commissioned by RailTel in association with Google for providing high speed state of the art world class internet experience to the commuters. The service built over the fiber network of RailTel is designed to offer high-speed broadband like experience to users. Travelers passing through these stations will now be able to easily stream a high definition video while they’re waiting, research their destination, download a book or a new game for their journey.

RailTel Corporation of India Ltd., a Mini-Ratna PSU under Ministry of Railways, has taken a lead in providing fast Wi-Fi for the use of passengers at A1 & A category Railway stations. RailTel roped in Google as the technology partner for setting up fast Wi-Fi network initially covering 400 A1 & A category stations.

Under this partnership, it was planned to provide fast Wi-Fi service at 100 railway stations by the end of the year to benefit around 10 million Indians a day.


Inauguration of three platforms and yards at Aligarh

The works of Aligarh Yard remodelling and improvement of Passenger Amenities have been carried out at the cost of Rs 14.9 cr. Following works have been undertaken at Aligarh yard :

● 3 new platforms have been constructed with all required passenger amenities, to accommodate 25 coach rakes.

● All these newly constructed platforms have also been connected with newly constructed FOB.

● The width of PF no. 1 has been increased by 7.3 m at DLI end to avoid inconvenience to passengers. Width of PF no. 3 & 4 has also been increased at both HWH and DLI ends.

● The existing mechanical interlocking of Aligarh yard has been upgraded to Electronic interlocking.

● Besides this, safety standards have been increased by removing 4 number Diamond Crossings from existing yard.

● All main line signals of Aligarh station are converted into semi automatic 4 aspect signals.

● All operation of points, signals and indications of signaling gears has now been centralized in newly installed visual display unit in Station Master’s chamber.

● New Down loop line of CSR – 801m has been constructed.

● The existing goods lines no. 6, 7 and 8 have been converted into passenger platform lines and their CSR has also been increased to 700-735 m.


Foundation stone laid for Upgradation of Passenger Amenities at Akbarpur Station

Akbarpur is an important railway station in District Ambedkar Nagar of Uttar Pradesh and is a junction station, catering to Tada Thermal Power station of NTPC.

Important works of passenger amenities have been sanctioned for upgradation of facilities at this railway station which caters to pilgrims, traders & population of Ambedkar Nagar. Major inputs have been planned for improvement of circulating area, renovation of booking cum PRS office, platform surface, extension of platform no. 1 for 26 coach length and extension of platform no. 2 & 3 for 24 coach length,provision of 20 nos 4-seater stainless benches etc. The work was sanctioned in 2015-16 at approximate cost of Rs 90 Lakhs.


Foundation stone laid for Upgradation of Passenger Amenities at Jaunpur Jn Station

Jaunpur Junction, also known as Bhandariya railway station, is a district headquarters station in Uttar Pradesh. This station is part of Northern Railway Lucknow Division and caters to Lucknow-Faizabad-Varanasi and Allahabad-Jaunpur lines of Northern Railway as well as Aunrihar–Jaunpur line of North Eastern Railway.

Important passenger amenities works have been sanctioned for upliftment of Jaunpur Jn station. Major components of proposed upgradation include improvement of circulating area, upgradation of facilities on platforms such as improvement of platform surface (of platform no. 1), water booths, improvement of booking office cum PRS and waiting hall, improvement of approach road to railway station, provision of Pay and Use toilets etc. The work was sanctioned in 2015-16 at approximate cost of Rs 99 Lakhs.


Foundation stone laid for Upgradation of Passenger Amenities at Shahganj Station

Shahganj is an important junction station, situated in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh and is part of Ayodhya-Jaunpur railway line where railway line from Mau also meets.

Important passenger amenities works have been planned to give a facelift to this station. The work sanctioned in 2015-16 at approximate cost of Rs 99 Lakhs includes improvement in circulating area, construction of booking office cum PRS and waiting hall at Shahganj, provision of Pay and Use toilet, provision of additional steel benches (50 nos, 4-seater each) etc.


Foundation stone laid for Upgradation of Passenger Amenities at Pratapgarh Station

Pratapgarh is an old city and municipality of Uttar Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of Pratapgarh district. Pratapgarh is the birthplace of the national poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan.Pratapgarh is a junction railway station, situated strategically on Allahabad-Faizabad and Varanasi-Lucknow sections.

In view of its strategic location and important catchment of passengers and trade activities, many important passenger amenities works have been sanctioned for upliftment of Pratapgarh railway station. Major items include improvement of circulating area, replacement of old FOB, provision of longue for high end passengers, extension, raising and improvement of platforms, platform surfacing, provision of additional platform shelter, renovation of waiting rooms, replacement of water hydrants on platform no. 3, provision of full length washing line, renovation of Pay and Use toilet, provision of 10 kWp solar panel & LED lights in station building, circulating area & on platforms etc, at approximate cost of Rs 8.75 Crore.


Foundation stone laid for Upgradation of Passenger Amenities at Janghai Station

Janghai is an important junction railway station where railway lines from Varanasi, Jaunpur, Pratapgarh/Rae Bareli/Lucknow and Allahabad converge from four sides.

In view of its strategic importance, Railway has decided to develop additional passenger facilities at Janghai station, including improvement of circulating area, improvement of drainage system, development of façade of station building, improvement of platform surface, renovation of waiting rooms, provision of new waiting hall, improvement of drinking water facilities, renovation of toilet facilities etc, at approximate cost of Rs 67 Lakhs.


Foundation stone laid of Escalators & Foot Over Bridge on

Mirzapur & Vindhyachal Stations

The project to provide escalators & foot over bridge on Mirzapur & Vindhyachal Stations of Allahabad Division of North Central Railway is being undertaken with the estimated cost of Total Rs. 12.20 Crore. One foot over bridge will be constructed on each station, under the project along with provision of 04 escalators on Mirzapur & 02 escalators on Vindhyachal stations (approx cost of each escalators is Rs. 70 Lacs). New foot over bridges and escalators will definitely improve the safety & facility for Passengers. The new escalators will securely be a blessing for old & disabled passengers.


Foundation stone laid of Improvised Station and Foot Over Bridge at Robertsganj Station

Robertsganj is an important station of Sonebhadra district on Chunar -Chopan section of North Central Railway. The beautification work & Construction of foot over bridge on station is being done with the approx. estimated cost of Rs. 3.00 Crores. The completion of these works will fulfill the demands of Local Public.


Foundation stone laid of Electrification of Zafrabad-Akbarpur-Tanda section

Electrification of Zafrabad-Akbarpur-Tanda section is required in order to enhance throughput of this section and to avoid cost of detention due to traction change from diesel to electric and vice-versa which in turn would also have environmental implications. The route caters to important NTPC power plant at Tanda. The work of electrification in above section has been sanctioned during 2015-16 at an approximate cost of Rs 92.24 Crores.

The project involves electrification of 101 RKM with 01 Traction Substation (at Shahganj), 10 Switching Stations, 17 Auxiliary Transformers & 01 Maintenance Depot (at Shahganj). The section falls in districts Jaunpur, Sultanpur & Ambedkarnagar of Uttar Pradesh.


Foundation stone laid of Electrification of Chunar-Chopan Rail Line

The Chunar-Chopan Railway line Electrification work has been sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs 129.66 Crore. There are Six stations on 100 Route kms. Long this section. One traction sub station, one OHE depot & one PSI depot will also be constructed during this project. After completion of project, the Rail operations on the route will be possible with Electric Traction. This will also improve the speed & throughput on the section along with reduction in journey time. In addition, this will also be an effort to ensure environment friendly transport.


Foundation stone laid for Electrification of Utretia - Raebareli - Amethi - Pratapgarh - Jhangai Rail Section


Lucknow-Raebareli- Amethi-Varanasi Division is the Trunk Route of Northern Railway Track. There is a non-electrified track of 214 km between Utretia-Janghai Station because of which operation of the electrical engine is not possible in this section. Apart from the degradation of environment most of the trains running on Lucknow-Varanasi- Allahabad Track gets delayed because of the rail traction done on these stations. During the year 2015-16, a project of Rs.253 crores for the electrification of the abovementioned 214 km long track was sanctioned. In this project, three traction sub-depots (132KV/25KV), 3 maintenance depot, 13 switch station and three tower wagon sheds will be constructed. This work will be completed by RVNL and the target for completion of this project is May, 2019.



Commencement of work of Doubling cum Electrification of Utratia- Alamnagar bypass at Lucknow (18.06 km)

The work has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 133 Cr.

Presently, there are two routes between Alamnagar and Utratia, One is via Lucknow and this is second route bypassing Lucknow Railway Station. There is severe congestion between Alamnagar - Utratia route via Lucknow. At present, Alamnagar Utratia via Transport Nagar line is mainly used for goods traffic to reduce congestion at Lucknow.

The doubling will provide convenient and better transport infrastructure to the route and thereby remove the transport difficulties and boost the punctuality of goods trains. Also this will reduce the congestion on Utretia - Lucknow route which is presently too busy.

8 major bridges and 53 minor bridges will have to be constructed for this doubling work.


Dedication of Electronic Interlocking at Aligarh Jn.

The electronic interlocking and major yard remodeling works along with construction of an island platform, an additional platform, widening of platform no 1,3 and 4, increasing of length of platform no 4, long stabling line, new engine siding and removal of 4 Diamond crossing to improve safety were completed with an approximate expenditure of Rs 28 Crores. Under the yard remodeling and electronic interlocking works, the speed restriction over yard was removed along with converting Down Main Line to Loop Line, Up Main Line to Down Main line and Up Loop Line to Up Main Line to streamline the train operations.

While replacing Old lever frames with modern electronic interlocking, 06 calling on signals and 43 extra shunt Signals were also installed. This is an important step towards execution of Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu’s “Mission Raftaar” of Indian Railways.


Foundation stone laid of Doubling cum Electrification of Roza - Sitapur Cantt - Burhwal (180.77 km)

The work has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 1295.42 crore. The areas served by this route are densely populated & there has been persistent unfulfilled demand of additional trains for the local & metropolitans cities.

The project cover four major districts of Uttar Pradesh namely Barabanki, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri & Shahjahanpur. No land acquisition is involved in this doubling work and the scope of the work includes expansion of 25 stations, extension of 12 major bridges, 210 minor bridges, 126 level crossing gates, earthwork of about 16 lakh cum and electrification of proposed double line.

Agencies for Earthwork, Bridges etc for 100 km length have been finalized.The doubling work along with electrification is expected to be completed in 4 years by April 2021.


Foundation stone laid of Mathura-Jhansi Third line including Electrification (274.2 km)

The project to construct 274 KM long Mathura-Jhansi 3rd Railway line on very busy Palwal –Bina section of North Central Railway has been sanctioned with an estimated cost of Rs 3850 Crore. The proposed third line will reduce congestion on busy route of Delhi-Chennai, increase in sectional speed and will lead to economic development of the area. Mathura-Jhansi third line is passing through three major districts of Uttar Pradesh namely Mathura, Agra, Jhansi, 3 district of M.P. i.e. Gwalior, Morena and Datia and Dholpur district of Rajasthan. With alterations to 29 stations, 2 important bridges, 19 major bridges, 278 minor bridges and earthwork of around 58 lakh cubic meter, this is a very important project. The completion of the project will result in seamless operations over the section.


Commencement of work of doubling between Raebareli and Amethi Stations (60 km)

The work has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 359 Cr. Raebareli - Pratapgarh via Amethi section forms a very vital link of trunk B route extending from Mughal Sarai at one end and Amritsar on the other and passes through Varanasi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad and Saharanpur (all in the state of Uttar Pradesh), Ambala in the state of Haryana and up to Amritsar (in the state of Punjab).

One of the major operational constraints of the above route is that Utretia- Rai Bareli- Amethi-Pratapgarh-Janghai section is a single line non- electrified section which severely restricts the smooth flow of traffic. The line capacity utilization of this section has reached a saturation point, and as such, it is not able to shoulder any further growth of rail traffic. In these circumstances, it is necessary to make Raebareli-Amethi a double line section, so that the increase in the line capacity of this section would enable it to handle the increase in traffic on the route. 6 major and 155 minor bridges are going to be constructed for this doubling work and this is going to be an electrified line.


Commissioning of Etawah- Karhal-Mainpuri new line

57.5 km long Etawah- Mainpuri new line which is getting commissioned today was sanctioned in 1997-98. The Cost of this project is around Rs. 323 Cr. Both Etawah and Mainpuri are two important district head quarters in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Now Mainpuri is directly connected with Etawah and further with Guna through the BG link of Guna - Etawah new line and as a result the area will get a direct Rail link with Madhya Pradesh and will help in overall development of this area.

Etawah-Mainpuri new line takes off from Etawah station situated on Kanpur-Tundla section and joins Shikohabad-Farrukhabad line at Mainpuri station. This line traverses through the district of Etawah and Mainpuri of Uttar Pradesh. This line passes through three subdivisions of Etawah district i.e. Etawah Sadar, Saifai, Jaswant nagar and two subdivisions of Mainpuri district i.e. Karhal and Mainpuri Sadar of Uttar Pradesh.

The section is having 2 existing stations (Etawah & Mainpuri) and 01 new crossing station Karhal with 4 halt stations namely Baidpura, Saifai, Bujhia & Kiratpur. Construction of 8 Major Bridges, 68 Minor Bridges and one ROB at National Highway had to be completed for this railway line.



Extension of existing Train No 71909/71910 Agra Cantt-Etawah DEMU Train upto Mainpuri Via Newly Constructed Etawah-Karhal-Mainpuri Broad Gauge Section

The extension of the train will link Agra Cantt and Mainpuri via Etawah, Karhal through newly constructed Etawah - Karhal - Mainpuri Broad Gauge section. There will be no change in timings of the train between Agra Cantt. and Etawah. The timings and stoppages of 71909/71910 Agra Cantt.-Etawah DEMU over the extended portion will be as under:-

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain at the felicitation ceremony of the outstanding Railway Sportspersons 2016, in New Delhi on December 28, 2016. The Member Traffic, Railway Board, Shri Mohd. Jamshed is also seen.
s2016122896274.jpg

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain at the felicitation ceremony of the outstanding Railway Sportspersons 2016, in New Delhi on December 28, 2016. The Member Traffic, Railway Board, Shri Mohd. Jamshed is also seen.
s2016122896275.jpg

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain at the felicitation ceremony of the outstanding Railway Sportspersons 2016, in New Delhi on December 28, 2016. The Member Traffic, Railway Board, Shri Mohd. Jamshed is also seen.
s2016122896276.jpg
 
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http://indianexpress.com/article/in...ce-in-january-to-improve-functioning-4450529/
Indian Railways’ roundtable to take place in January to improve functioning
After the three-day brainstorming session at Rail Vikash Shivir here, railways is slated to hold a roundtable early next month with stakeholders from various fields for discussion on latest technology infusion in its production units and to ensure cyber security among others. Best practices in human resources management and leveraging enterprise resource planning are to be taken up in the roundtable discussion, said a senior Railway Ministry official.Rail Vikash Shivir was an internal meeting where only railway employees participated whereas roundtable discussion will involve stakeholders from various fields, including wagon and coach manufacturers, steel makers, real estate and energy sector, the official said. Railways is organising roundtable to have a productive discussion on ways and means to further improve various aspects of railways and seek suggestions from reputed organisations.

Better energy management, proliferation of solar and wind power and speedy electrification are also in the roundtable agenda. Ideas generated from Rail Vikash Shivir and concrete suggestions from roundtable will be merged together for effective plan implementation, he said.

Since sustainability in railways is a big emerging issue, roundtable will also focus on energy conservation, water management, sanitation and solid waste management.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/indian-railways-increase-rac-berths-january-2017-710323
Indian Railways to increase RAC seats from January 2017
Rail passengers in India can look forward to better days (achche din) from next year when the new rules on reservation against cancellation (RAC) come into effect; bookings from January 16, 2017 to be precise. The world's fourth-largest rail network will enhance RAC seats in both sleeper class (SL) and air-conditioned (3AC,2AC) coaches.

This will be the second passenger-friendly move announced in the recent past, the first being a slew of incentives for those booking tickets online, as part of the government's drive to encourage digital economy.

A few days ago, the Indian Railways came out with another rule that would reduce fare under certain circumstances for those travelling in Rajdhani /Duronto /Shatabdi trains.

http://www.news18.com/news/tech/ind...rench-security-system-for-trains-1326220.html
Indian Railways Launches French Security System For Trains
The Indian Railways on Wednesday launched a Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) provided by French firm Thales on the 68-km-long Basin Bridge-Arakkonam section in southern India, said a Thales official.

The TPWS-equipped section was inaugurated by Akhil Agrawal, Director General (Signal & Telecommunication), Railway Board, at Ambattur station, Chennai, a press release from the company said.

Global technology major Thales' European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 solution is known in India as TPWS.

Also read: Trainman And Ola Team up to Boost Mobility For Indian Railway Travelers

In September 2014, Southern Railway had awarded this signalling contract to Thales.

As part of the contract, Thales supplied ETCS Level 1 solution and was also responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of track-side equipment, the release added.

With the completion of this project, Thales brings to India the advanced signalling system that has been deployed in Europe.

Raviprakash Karcherla, Director in Charge of Ground Transportation for Thales in India, said: "As passenger safety and train security are of utmost importance, we are proud to have brought the advanced and capable train protection system to India's railway networks through this project.

Also read: Railways Waives Off Service Tax For Booking Online Tickets

"We look forward to further supporting the Indian Railways in its ongoing modernisation plan and contribute to the development of railway infrastructure in the country."

Karcherla was further quoted as saying: "This project is intended at optimising train security and passenger safety while enabling trains to run faster, leading to shorter travel times and increased line capacity through the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) capability."

Thales is one of the principal suppliers of train signalling technology and the worldwide leader in the supply of ETCS solutions with 16,000 km of ETCS line or 30 per cent of the global market share.
 
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Ministry of Railways
29-December, 2016 19:18 IST
Railway Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu Reviews Safety Performance




Concerned with the recent spate of train accidents, the Minister of Railways, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu held a number of meetings to review the safety performance of Indian Railways.



After the unfortunate railway accident of Train No. 19321 in November 2016, under the direction of the Railway Minister it was decided that Indian Railways would completely switch over to the production of LHB coaches which are designed with better safety features like anti-climbing and anti-telescoping. An action plan has also been chalked out for retro-fitting of the existing 45,000 ICF designed coaches with better safety features over the next 3 to 4 years. The Railway Minister reviewed the production plan and gave directions for expeditious implementation.



A task force of railway officers was constituted on 6th December, 2016 to recommend short-term, medium-term and long-term measures for improving the safety performance. This task force submitted, its report today and the Railway Board today itself reviewed the report.



During the meetings held today Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu has requested experts from Japan and Korea to visit India and to recommend suitable technological solutions. A cooperation agreement was signed between the RTRI (Railway Technological Research Institute of Japan) and RDSO and with Korean Rail Research Institute on the behest of the Railway Minister for cooperation in the field of railway safety. It is expected that these teams would arrive soon.



Railway Minister also had detailed meetings with railway experts throughout the day on the subject and interacted with them. Some useful suggestions were received and he directed for immediate implementation. Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu also interacted with Dr. Anil Kakodkar, a noted Nuclear Scientist and a safety expert on the matter.



He also had detailed discussion with all the Members of the Railway Board who are involved in safe running of trains. He directed that safety was paramount and cannot be compromised.



Later he addressed all the General Managers of the zonal railways, through video conference, he stated that the General Managers need to live up to the expectations required from them and he candidly warned the officials to be ready for consequences for any lapse. He mentioned that delegation cannot work without responsibility. He also mentioned that responsibility would now to be fixed at higher levels for any lapses.



Minister of Railways also requested Shri Vinod Rai, retired CAG to help in revamping the safety organization structure and also systemic improvements which are needed to improve the safety performance.



He has directed that all railway installations should be inspected over the next one week to identify and rectify the shortcomings. He also directed that the report of this exercise with actionable points should be sent to the Railway Board within the prescribed time. It has also been directed that all Mail / Express trains would have at least one officer or senior subordinate travelling during night hours on locomotives for comprehensive inspection over next 10 days. This will be in addition to the existing schedule and inspection at various levels.



Minister of Railways also directed that there was an urgent need to go back to the basics and insisted that training programmes should be launched immediately to enhance the skill sets of the employees who are dealing with train operations. He directed the Board to relook at the codes and manuals for updating and safety protocols. The Railway Minister also directed to involve railway PSUs like RVNL, RITES, etc., to offer technological solutions and safety related inputs on the network. He has also directed for independent audit of the safety installations.



He has also directed the Railway Board to fast track the procurement of safety equipments and machines.



***
 
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
30-December, 2016 16:50 IST
Sugar mills produce about 66 Lakh MT of sugar so far

Sugar production expected to be about 22.5 million MT by the end of the season



During the current Sugar Season 2016-17, the sugar mills of the country have commenced the crushing operation smoothly and have produced about 66 Lakh MT of sugar so far. The sugar production is expected to be about 22.5 million MT by the end of the season. With a carryover stock of 7.71 million MT, the total availability of sugar is sufficient to meet the estimated domestic requirement of about 25 mMT. The stock position at the close of the current sugar season (Sept. 2017) is likely to be 5.21 mMT which will be carried forward for the next sugar season 2017-18.

Further, the sugar production in the next sugar season (2017-18) is expected to be good and is likely to start early and therefore there will be no shortage of domestically produced sugar in India. By November 2017, another 2 mMT would be available from early crushing. The government has taken necessary steps to maintain sufficient stocks in the country and keep the sugar prices under control.

*****
 
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Republic of India
31-December, 2016 14:35 IST
Cabinet Decisions: Since 06.01.2016

05.07.2016


Cabinet approves creation of one post of Chief Works Manager in the Mechanical Department on Eastern Railway

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the creation of one revenue charged Senior Administrative Grade (SAG) post of Chief Works Manager (CWM) in the Mechanical Department of Diesel Component Factory, Dankuni on Eastern Railway.
 
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HY30TRAINJAGITYAL


http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...et-long-awaited-rail-link/article16960706.ece

NIZAMABAD: The 25-year-old dream of the people of the district became a reality with the railway line between Jagityal-Morthad being commissioned on Thursday.

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the DEMU train service through remote video link from the Rail Bhavan in New Delhi and among those who graced the programme included Union Minister of State for Labour Bandaru Dattatreya and Nizamabad Member of Parliament Kalvakuntla Kavitha.

Former MLA and BJP senior leader Yendala Lakshminarayana, party district president Palle Ganga Reddy, Railway Board Chairperson Uma Sahadev and member Pudari Aruna travelled in the train from Jagityal to Morthad. The BJP and the TRS activists received the train while shouting slogans of Jai Telangana at the Morthad railway station around 2.50 p.m.

There was a festive atmosphere all around as the new railway station was decorated and surroundings were illuminated. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Lakshminarayana said that the long cherished dream was realized as the BJP-led NDA Government took a special interest to complete it by allocating Rs.140 crore at once. The train left for Jagityal after one hour.
 
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QUALITY FIRST: Tribal women working at the GCC chilli processing plant at Yellandu in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. | Photo Credit: G_N_RAO


Sudimalla, a small village near the coal town of Yellendu, emerged as a major hub of chilli and turmeric processing in the State over the last two years.

The Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC)’s state-of-the-art processing plant in the village has earned the village a distinctive image as a leading producer of chilli and turmeric powder, the two essential ingredients in all Indian culinary preparations.

Big strides

The processing plant equipped with sophisticated machinery has made significant strides by supplying about 1,500 quintals of chilli powder and around 300 quintals of turmeric powder to the tribal welfare residential educational institutions including Ashram schools across the State last year, sources said.
The plant supplies its produce to ITDA educational institutions in Bhadrachalam, Utnoor, Mannanur and Yeturunagaram.

The processing unit procures fine quality chilli from the producers mainly the tribal farmers in Charla and other parts of Bhadrachalam Agency. Most of the turmeric comes from Nizamabad district, which is the largest producer of the crop in the State.

No cold storage

However, the processing unit continues to grapple with lack of cold storage facility to preserve the raw material.

This has made the plant to depend on private cold storage units to store the raw material procured from farmers, sources added.

The fully automatic processing plant at Sudimalla produces best quality chilli and turmeric powder under the brand name ‘Girijan’ under hygienic conditions, said K. Satish, GCC Yellendu Branch Manager.

Quality is the hallmark of our “Girijan” products, he said, adding that plans were afoot to take up production of chilli and turmeric powder on a large-scale soon.
 
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http://indianexpress.com/article/in...-export-sops-on-onions-till-march-31-4455529/
PTI | New Delhi | Published:January 2, 2017 2:26 pm
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It may be noted that 20 per cent of the India’s total onion output is grown during the kharif season. Since the kharif onion cannot be stored, farmers sell off the produce in domestic as well as overseas markets. (Express photo)

To curb steep fall in wholesale onion prices and protect farmers’ interest, the Centre has further extended export sops on onion by three months till March 31 this year. Wholesale prices fell by up to 42 per cent to Rs 7.40 per kg at Lasalgoan (Maharasthra), Asia’s biggest onion market, during last month from an average Rs 12.80 per kg in the year-ago period on expected good production.

Maharashtra, the top onion producer, had demanded the central government to extend export incentive of five per cent to exporters under the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) for both fresh and stored onions, beyond December 31.

In the latest public notice, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said it “hereby extends the MEIS benefit at 5 per cent freight on board (FoB) for ‘onions fresh or chilled’ by further three months till March 31, 2017.”

At present, the arrival of 2016-17 kharif (summer) onion is in the full swing not only in Maharashtra but also in other states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

“Prices are under pressure because of increased arrival of the fresh kharif crop. Looking at the daily arrivals, it looks productivity is higher even though the acreage was lower,” a senior Agriculture Ministry official said.

It may be noted that 20 per cent of the country’s total onion output is grown during the kharif season. Since the kharif onion cannot be stored, farmers sell off the produce in domestic as well as overseas markets.

The arrival of quality onions has boosted exports in the last few weeks. About 13,56,381 tonnes of onions have been shipped abroad in the April-September period of this fiscal.

The government is still assessing onion production figures for the 2016-17 crop year (July-June). Last year, the country’s onion output was higher at 20.99 million tonnes. Maharashtra contributes more than a quarter of the country’s overall output.
 
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India's double first in climate battle
By Roger HarrabinBBC environment analyst
Share
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Image captionThe Tuticorin zero-emissions plant to make soda ash
Two world-leading clean energy projects have opened in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

An industrial plant is capturing the CO2 emissions from a coal boiler and using the CO2 to make valuable chemicals. It is a world first.

And just 100km away is the world's biggest solar farm, making power for 150,000 homes on a 10 sq km site.

The industrial plant appears especially significant as it offers a breakthrough by capturing CO2 without subsidy.

Built at a chemical plant in the port city of Tuticorin, it is projected to save 60,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year by incorporating them into the chemical recipe for soda ash - otherwise known as baking powder.

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Here's how it works:

  1. The plant operates a coal-fired boiler to make steam for its chemical operations.
  2. CO2 emissions from the boiler's chimney are stripped out by a fine mist of a new patented chemical.
  3. A stream of CO2 is fed into the chemicals plant as an ingredient for soda ash - a compound with many uses, including the manufacturing of glass, detergents and sweeteners.
Zero emissions
The owner of the chemicals plant, Ramachadran Gopalan, told a BBC Radio 4 documentary: "I am a businessman. I never thought about saving the planet. I needed a reliable stream of CO2, and this was the best way of getting it."

He says his operation has now almost zero emissions. He hopes soon to install a second coal boiler to make more CO2 to synthesise fertiliser.

The chemical was invented by two young Indian chemists. They failed to raise Indian finance to develop it, but their firm, Carbonclean Solutions, working with the Institute of Chemical Technology at Mumbai and Imperial College in London, got backing from the UK's entrepreneur support scheme.

Their technique uses a form of salt to bond with CO2 molecules in the boiler chimney. The firm says it is more efficient than typical amine compounds used for the purpose.

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Image captionThe plant is projected to save 60,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year
They say it also needs less energy, produces less alkaline waste and allows the use of a cheaper form of steel - all radically reducing the cost of the whole operation.

The firm admits its technology of Carbon Capture and Utilisation won't cure climate change, but says it may provide a useful contribution by gobbling up perhaps 5-10% of the world's emissions from coal.

Lord Oxburgh, former chairman of Shell, and now director and head of the UK government's carbon capture advisory group, told the BBC: "We have to do everything we can to reduce the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels and it is great news that more ways are being found of turning at least some of the CO2 into useful products."

Solar farm
Meanwhile, the nearby giant Kamuthi solar plant offers a marker for India's ambition for a rapid expansion in renewables.

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Image captionThe world's largest solar farm at Kamuthi in southern India
It is truly enormous; from the tall observation tower, the ranks of black panels stretch almost to the horizon.

Prime Minister Modi is offering subsidies for a plan to power 60 million homes with solar by 2022 and aims for 40% of its energy from renewables by 2030.

For large-scale projects, the cost of new solar power in India is now cheaper than coal. But solar doesn't generate 24/7 on an industrial scale, so India has adopted a "more of everything" approach to energy.

The firm behind the solar plant, Adani, is also looking to create Australia's biggest coal mine, which it says will provide power for up to 100 million people in India. Renewables, it says, can't answer India's vast appetite for power to lift people out of poverty.

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Image captionWill India stick to its renewables promises with Donald Trump as US president?
And questions have been raised recently as to whether India will stick to its renewables promises now President-elect Donald Trump may be about to scrap climate targets for the US.

At the recent Marrakech climate conference, China, the EU and many developing countries pledged to forge ahead with emissions-cutting plans regardless of US involvement. But India offered no such guarantee.

Some environmentalists are not too worried: they think economics may drive India's clean energy revolution.

Roger Harrabin presents Climate Change: The Trump Card on BBC Radio 4 at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 3 January.

Follow him on Twitter @rharrabin

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38391034
 
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