Indian Economy-News & Updates

Hindustani78 · Feb 1, 2018

Ministry of Railways
01-February, 2018 17:09 IST
New Railways in New India Budget

New India Budget to transform Railways into a modern, safe, green, affordable and comfortable mode of transport Drastically scaling up investments by almost three times to Rs 1,48,528 cr. in 2018-19 (BE) as against Rs 53,989 cr. in 2013-14 Highest priority to safety - total expenditure planned on safety activities including is Rs. 73,065 cr in 2018-19 (BE)

Railways to electrify the entire network

600 Stations are to be developed with world class facilities. Escalators to be provided at all stations with passenger footfall above 25,000. Stations and trains will be provided with wi-fi facility for information and entertainment; CCTV cameras across all stations and trains for security

Improved suburban services to Mumbai with 90 kms line doubling of around Rs. 11,000 cr & 150 kms additional lines worth Rs. 40,000 cr for enhancing transportation in Mumbai with expansion of suburban railway system

160 kms suburban network worth Rs. 17,000 cr in Bengaluruto help reduce congestion there and save commuting time of passengers

Rail University at Vadodara to be set up

Operating ratio of 2018-19 (BE) is estimated at 92.8% as against 96% in 2017-18 (RE)

Total Revenue receipts in 2018-19 (BE) are estimated to increase by 7% to Rs. 2,01,090 cr.

Total Revenue expenditure in 2018-19 BE is estimated to increase by 4% to Rs. 1,88,100 cr.

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Arun Jaitley, in his speech for General Budget 2018-19 has laid out a roadmap for Indian Railways, which is in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of New India by 2022. In the past four years, Government has taken several decisions to transform Railways into a modern, safe, green, affordable and comfortable mode of transport.

Subsequent to the presentation of the Budget in Parliament today, The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal informed that Government is drastically scaling up investments by almost three times to Rs 1,46,500 cr. in 2018-19 as against Rs 53,989 cr. in 2013-14to reduce accumulated backlog in capacity creation.Shri Goyal pointed out that this is 22% higher than 2017-18 (RE), and includes budgetary support of Rs. 53,060 cr; internal resources of Rs. 11,500 cr; IRFC to raise Rs. 28,500 cr; Institutional Finance (LIC) to support with Rs. 26,440 cr; and investment through PPP of Rs. 27,000 cr. Briefing the mediapersons, the Minister explained that Government has provided Rs.19,40Cr towards reimbursement of losses on operation of strategic lines and Rs 88Cr towards reimbursement of operational cost of e ticketing to IRCTC.

Physical Achievements and Initiatives

Shri Goyal also emphasized that in this Budget 2018-19, Government has accorded highest priority to safety in line with its philosophy of every life is precious. The total expenditure planned on safety activities including Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) is Rs. 68,725 cr in RE 2017-18 and Rs. 73,065 cr in BE 2018-19. The RRSK will comprise Rs. 5,000 cr from Capital (Budgetary Support), Rs. 10,000 cr from Railway Safety Fund received as Railways’ share from Central Road fund & Rs. 5,000 cr from Railways’ revenue. Apart from elimination of Unmanned Level Crossings on all busy routes and shift to production of safer LHB coaches, there is focus on track renewal with the highest ever outlay ever.

Track renewal works
RE 2017-18
BE 2018-19
Increase %

Target (Route Kms)
3,600
3,900
8.3%

Outlay (Rs. in cr)
9,305
11,450
23.0%

The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal said Indian Railways is powering India by being the main transporter of coal. Soon the power sector will give added energy to railways, which will electrify the entire network within the next 5 years. This will lead to an estimated saving of Rs. 10,000 cr per annum, help in reducing carbon emissions and promote sustainable development, besides increasing India’s energy security by saving foreign exchange on imported fuels.

The Minister also informed that 600 Stations are to be developed with world class facilities. Escalators will be provided at all stations with passenger footfall above 25,000. All railway stations and trains will be provided with wi-fi facility for information and entertainment. This will also enable people in rural areas, including women and youth, to access the internet and enhance their knowledge and skills. To enhance safety and security of passengers, Indian Railways will set up CCTV cameras across all stations and trains to enhance security.

Considering that Railways is one of the safest, economical and sustainable modes of transport, Shri Goyal said Railways will focus on providing improved suburban services to metros like Mumbai with90 kms line doubling of around Rs. 11,000 cr. In addition, 150 kilometers of additional suburban network is being planned Rs. 40,000 crore for enhancing transportation in Mumbai with expansion of suburban railway system. Railways will also build 160 kms suburban network worth Rs. 17,000 cr in Bengaluru to help reduce congestion there and save commuting time of passengers.

In the General Budget 2018-19, Government has also approved settingup of India’s first Rail and Transportation University in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Railways has ambitiously increased targets in capacity building to ease the network and ensure highest standards of safety, speed and service for customers.

2017-18 (RE)
2018-19 (BE)
Increase %

New lines (RKMs)
402
1,000
148.8%

Gauge conversion (RKMs)
574
1,000
74.2%

Doubling (RKMs)
945
2,100
122.0%

Wagons(vehicle units)
7,120
12,000
68.5%

Financial and operating performance

Replying to queries regarding operating ratio, Minister said as of 2018-19 (BE) Operating Ratio is estimated at 92.8% as against 96% in 2017-18 (RE). The excess of revenue over expenditure is Rs. 12,990 cr in 2018-19 (BE).

Total Revenue receipts in 2018-19 (BE) are estimated to increase by 7% to Rs. 2,01,090 cr. Gross Traffic Receipts are also estimated to increase by 7% to Rs. 2,00,840 cr. Sundry other earnings are estimated to increase by 49% to Rs. 20,790 cr.

Total Revenue expenditure in 2018-19 (BE) is estimated to increase by 4% to Rs. 1,88,100 cr. Major components include Ordinary Working Expenses (Rs. 1,38,000 cr.), appropriation to DRF (Rs. 500 cr.) and appropriation to Pension Fund from Revenue (Rs. 47,500 cr.).

It was also noted that there is focus on freight earnings with estimated increase of 51MT in 2018-19 (BE) over 2017-18 (RE). 2017-18 has seen a reversal of the trend of low growth in freight loading over the previous 2 years. Incremental loading in April-January 2018 is 45 MT over the same period last year. There has been incremental loading of 6 MT in January itself. This highlights move towards sustainable railway operations.

Hindustani78 · Feb 2, 2018

Ministry of Railways

02-February, 2018 19:18 IST
Issuance of Passenger Reservation Tickets through Post Offices

Indian Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Department of Posts for setting up of Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters at Post Offices. PRS counters at Post offices are opened based on technical and commercial feasibility where there are no Railway Reservation Counters in nearby areas. At present, PRS counters have been provided in about 280 post offices across the country. The State wise number of the Post Offices in which Passenger Reservation System counters are available is given below:-

STATE-WISE PRS COMMISSIONED AT POST OFFICES AS PER DATAWAREHOUSE ARE GIVEN BELOW

S.No.
STATE

1
ANDHRA PRADESH
24

2
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
03

3
ASSAM
10

4
BIHAR
07

5
CHHATISGARH
07

6
DELHI
03

7
GOA
01

8
GUJARAT
18

9
HARYANA
03

10
HIMACHAL PRADESH
00

11
JAMMU KASHMIR
02

12
JHARKHAND
09

13
KARNATAKA
44

14
KERALA
04

15
MADHYA PRADESH
06

16
MAHARASHTRA
36

17
MANIPUR
02

18
MEGHALAYA
02

19
MIZORAM
01

20
NAGALAND
00

21
ODISHA
11

22
PUDUCHERRY
00

23
PUNJAB
12

24
RAJASTHAN
7

25
SIKKIM
00

26
TAMILNADU
15

27
TELANGANA
24

28
TRIPURA
00

29
UTTAR PRADESH
23

30
UTTARAKHAND
08

31
WEST BENGAL
03

Online booking of reserved tickets on www.irctc.co.in has become very popular and about 65% of total reserved tickets are now booked online. The provision of PRS at post offices is a continuous activity based on the requirement and feasibility.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today

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Ministry of Railways
02-February, 2018 19:17 IST

Action Plan for Modernization of Railways

It is the continual endeavor of Indian Railways (IR) to take measures for modernisation of railway passenger coaches, strengthening and upgradation of security infrastructure and stations and improvement of catering facilities. Following steps have been taken/ are being taken for the same: -

Modernisation of railway passenger coaches and speed:

Large scale proliferation of Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches:

IR has decided to proliferate LHB coaches, which are technologically superior and have better riding and aesthetics. The Production Units of IR would be producing only LHB coaches from the year 2018-19 onwards.

Improvements in EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) / MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) rakes:

One air conditioned EMU rake with 3 phase Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) based propulsion has been introduced on 25.12.2017 in Western Railway. Electrics for production of 6 more air conditioned EMU rakes are also being procured.
Passenger Information System (PIS) has been provided in newly manufactured Alternating Current / Direct Current (AC/DC) and Air Conditioned (AC) EMU stock for Mumbai area.

Speed of train coaches:

IR has decided to proliferate LHB coaches, which coaches are fit to run at a speed of 160 kmph for AC coaches and 130 kmph for non-AC coaches.
Semi high speed Gatimaan Express between Delhi and Agra is running at a maximum speed of 160 kmph.
One rake of LHB coach for Tejas Express running between Mumbai and Goa has been designed for a maximum speed of 200 kmph.
A SpecialRajdhani Express (No. 09004/09003) between HazratNizamuddin and Bandra Terminus has been introduced on 16.10.2017with a composition of 18 LHB coaches. It is hauled by 2 electric locos to provide greater acceleration which has resulted in the run time of about 13 hours 50 minutes.

Manufacture of electric train set coaches:

141 Electric Train set coaches in 2018-19 and 11 in 2019-20 have been included in the Production Programme. The train sets will be semi high speed with distributed power, with quicker acceleration and contemporary passenger amenities.

Mid-Life-Rehabilitation (MLR) of coaches:

MLR work of Broad Gauge (BG) non-AC & AC coaches is carried out in three workshops, namely Parel (Central Railway), Jhansi (North Central Railway) and Bhopal (West Central Railway). The work includes complete overhauling of interiors of coaches. Considering the present scenario, around 1000 coaches per annum are likely to be given MLR during the next three years.

Model Rake Coaches:

IR has planned to improve the interior of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design coaches. New interiors with more pleasing colours, aesthetically designed fittings, panelling, improved toilets, etc. will be provided in the existing coaches by refurbishing them during MLR. Work in 700 such Model rake coaches is being progressively carried out, out of which more than 100 Model rake coaches have already been turned out. Work of refurbishment of 3,000 ICF type coaches each has been given to ICF/Chennai and Central Organisation for Modernisation of Workshops (COFMOW)/New Delhi for awarding centralized tenders. Modern Coach Factory/Rae Bareli floated an Expression of Interest (EOI) for world class interiors of LHB coaches on 16.01.2018 and plans to begin manufacture of such coaches in 2018-19.

New coaches and train services with better amenities:

Various premium services like Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya and coaches like DeenDayalu and Anubhuti, which have improved passenger amenities, have been introduced in service. More such coaches / services shall be introduced in the coming years. Utkrisht Double Decker Air-conditioned Yatri (UDAY) trains have been conceptualized as double-decker rakes with improved amentities and shall be inducted from 2018-19 onwards.
IR has launched Project Swarn with the objective of significantly improving the passenger experience. In total, 14 Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi trains will be covered.
2 rakes of Shan-e-Bhopal Express (Train No.12155/12156) have been upgraded at division level. Upgradation of 66 trains (140rakes) in divisions on lines of Shan-e-Bhopal Express shall be taken up from 2018-19 onwards.

Safety and Security of railway passengers and stations:

Safety and security in Railway coaches:

Proliferation of LHB type coaches, which have better safety features, as compared to the conventional ICF type coaches.
Improving fire retardancy in coaches by providing fire retardant furnishing materials in coaches.
Progressive fitment of Double Acting AC compartment doors in select existing AC coaches and in all new manufacture AC coaches to enable passengers to quickly evacuate from in the event of emergency.
Progressive fitment of Automatic plug type doors in select existing coaches to prevent accidental falling of passengers from running trains.
Progressive fitment of fire suppression and detection system in existing and all new manufacture Power Cars and Pantry Cars.
Provision of fire extinguishers in all AC coaches, Second class-cum-guard and luggage van and Pantry cars. Progressive fitment of fire extinguishers in balance existing non-AC coaches and all new manufacture non-AC coaches.
Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Mainline coaches/EMU/MEMU and Metro coaches are being provided in a phased manner to improve security of passengers.

Safety and security in Railway stations:

Provision of CCTV cameras has been made over 394 railway stations. Installation of CCTV cameras is also under progress over 983 stations with allocation of budget under Nirbhaya Fund.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) Security helpline 182, installed to assist Railway Passengers especially women in distress, is planned to be upgraded by making it automated. This Information Technology (IT) enabled upgraded system shall make the distress response efficient by introducing features like automated phone call system, acknowledgement through SMS, computerized registration of complaint and further processing, voice recording, monitoring of call attending and optimum call capacity utilization.
Networking of Posts and Security Control Rooms of the RPF is under progress for faster dissemination of data/feedback/Complaints. Pilot project has successfully been completed over Western and Central Railways and Roll-out phase is under progress.
Other measures initiated to ensure security of passengers, in coordination with Government Railway Police (GRP), include escorting of 4,700 mail/express trains (2,500 by RPF and 2,200 by GRP), regular drives against antisocial elements under the provisions of the Railways Act, regular coordination meetings with State Police to ensure proper registration and investigation of crime by GRP, etc.

Catering facilities:

To improve the standard of food being provided to passengers, new Catering Policy has been issued on 27th February, 2017 wherein inter-alia Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been mandated to carry out the unbundling by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution. In order to upgrade quality of food preparation, IRCTC is to set up new kitchens and upgrade existing ones. Further steps being taken to ensure that good quality and hygienic food is served to the passengers inter-alia include:

Optional catering service has been introduced as a pilot project, on 32 Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains under the management of IRCTC with effect from 01.08.2017 for an initial period of 180 days.
Introduction of station based E-Catering for widening the range of options available to passengers for ordering food of their choice.
Pilot for introduction of precooked food (‘ready to eat’ meals) in the range of options available to passengers.
Operation of centralized Catering Service Monitoring Cell (CSMC) (toll free number 1800-111-321) for prompt redressal of passenger grievances relating to the catering activities and real time assistance to travelling public.
Operation of all India Helpline (No.138) for rail-users to lodge complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services
A Twitter handle @ IRCATERING has also been made operational to cater to the complaints/suggestions with regard to catering services.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri RajenGohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today

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Ministry of Railways
02-February, 2018 19:16 IST
Station Redevelopment Programme of Railways

The Union Cabinet approved Railways’ proposal for redevelopment of ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations (total about 400 stations) on ‘as is where is’ basis, by inviting open bids from interested parties with their designs and business ideas duly providing for amenities and other requirements of the Railways including permitting commercial development of real estate by Zonal Railways.

Accordingly, station redevelopment program by Zonal Railways was launched on 08.02.2017. Following 23 stations were taken up for bidding in first phase: -

S. No.
Name of Station

State
S. No.

Name of station
State

1
LokmanyaTilak (T)
Maharashtra

2
Pune
Maharashtra

3
Thane
Maharashtra

4
Mumbai Central
Maharashtra

5
Bandra Terminus
Maharashtra

6
Borivali
Maharashtra

7
Howrah
West Bengal

8
Visakhapatnam
Andhra Pradesh

9
Kanpur Central
Uttar Pradesh

10
Allahabad
Uttar Pradesh

11
Kamakhya
Assam

12
Udaipur City
Rajasthan

13
Faridabad
Haryana

14
Jammu Tawi
Jammu & Kashmir

15
Secunderabad
Andhra Pradesh

16
Vijayawada
Andhra Pradesh

17
Ranchi
Jharkhand

18
Chennai Central
Tamil Nadu

19
Kozhikode
Kerala

20
Yashwantpur
Karnataka

21
Bangalore Cantt
Karnataka

22
Indore
Madhya Pradesh

23
Bhopal
Madhya Pradesh

In the first phase of redevelopment for 23 stations, bids only for Jammu Tawi and Kozhikode Railway Stations have been received and are under evaluation. The other stations did not receive any bid.

A dedicated organization viz. Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd. (IRSDC) was set up in the year 2012 for the purpose of station redevelopment on Indian Railways. Six stations viz., AnandVihar, Bijwasan, Chandigarh, Habibganj (Bhopal), Shivaji Nagar (Pune) and Gandhinagar have been entrusted to Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Ltd. (IRSDC) for redevelopment.

An MOU has been signed by Ministry of Railways with Ministry of Urban Development for integrated planning for station redevelopment projects in cities identified as SMART cities in association with Smart City authorities. Ten (10) stations i.e; Tirupati, Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Nellore, Madgaon, Lucknow, Gomtinagar, Kota, Thane New, Ernakulam Jn. and Puducherry have been taken up for redevelopment under this scheme, jointly by Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) & National Building Construction Company (NBCC).

Rail Land Development Authority has been entrusted to redevelop Safdarjung Station in New Delhi along with IRCON.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri RajenGohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today

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Ministry of Railways
02-February, 2018 19:14 IST

Measures for Safety In Railways

Safety is accorded the highest priority by Indian Railways and all possible steps are undertaken on a continual basis to prevent accidents and to enhance safety. These include timely replacement of over-aged assets, adoption of suitable technologies for upgradation and maintenance of track, rolling stock, signalling and interlocking systems, safety drives, greater emphasis on training of officials and safety inspections at regular intervals to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. Preventive and predictive maintenance of the Railway assets is undertaken to ensure safe train operation. Safety devices/systems being used to prevent accidents include Electronic Interlocking, track circuiting, provision of Block Proving Axle Counters, Colour Light LED Signals, Train Protection and Warning System, Vigilance Control Device, Fog Pass Device, usage of 52 kg/60 kg, 90 or higher UTS rails and Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers, use of Ultrasonic Flaw Detection of rails and welds at predefined periodicity to detect internal flaws in rails/welds. Electronic monitoring of track geometry is carried out to detect defects and plan maintenance. Steel Channel Sleepers on girder bridges is being used while carrying out primary track renewals. Further, it has been decided to lay Thick webs switches, Weldable Cast Maganese Steel crossings on identified routes. Progressive use of Linke Hofmann Busch Coaches, use of Centre Buffer Couplers with Integral Coach Factory Coaches, etc. Railway tracks are replaced on age cum condition basis through track renewal works which is an ongoing process. Other measures include training of loco pilots and other safety category staff, improvement of their working conditions including proper rest and periodic medical examination etc. Besides, patrolling of tracks, footplate inspections and safety reviews at various levels, etc. are regularly conducted to continuously monitor and improve safety aspects of the Indian Railways.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
02-February, 2018 19:13 IST
Development/Upgradation of Railway Stations

Development/upgradation of passenger amenities at stations in Indian Railways is undertaken under various schemes. At present, stations are undertaken for development under Adarsh Station Scheme and 1253 stations have been identified under this Scheme. Out of 1253 stations, 1046 railway stations have been developed so far and the remaining stations are planned to be developed by 2017-18. Upgradation of stations is a continuous and on-going process and works in this regard are undertaken depending upon need, volume of the passenger traffic and inter-se priority subject to availability of funds.

State-wise number of stations identified to be developed under the scheme is as under:-

State
No. of Stations identified

Andhra Pradesh
44

Madhya Pradesh
44

Assam
28

Maharashtra
110

Bihar
59

Nagaland
01

Chhattisgarh
17

Odisha
47

Delhi
04

Puducherry
02

Goa
02

Punjab
32

Gujarat
32

Rajasthan
40

Haryana
16

Telangana
25

Himachal Pradesh
02

Tamil Nadu
48

Jammu & Kashmir
05

Tripura
01

Jharkhand
30

Uttar Pradesh
152

Karnataka
44

Uttarakhand
08

Kerala
77

West Bengal
383

Works of development of Railway Stations are generally funded under Plan head – ‘Passenger Amenities’. This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri RajenGohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today

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Ministry of Railways02-February, 2018 19:12 IST
App based cabs at Railway Stations

App-Based Cabs have been given permission on railway stations in Delhi. The details are as follows:

Zonal Railway
Northern Railway(Delhi Division)

No of stations
5

No of locations
6

New Delhi
Ajmeri gate side
Paharganj side

Delhi
Ist Entry

AnandVihar
Main side

Delhi Sarai Rohilla
Main Side

Nizamuddin
Ist Entry

Tenure
3 years

Average earning per annum
₹ 14,20,76,250/-

Remarks
For three years (Approximate earning ₹ 42.00 cr)

APP- BASED CABS -ZONE WISE POSITION (31.01.2018)

ZONAL RAILWAYS
NO OF STNS/LOCATION
AVERAGE EARNING Per Annum.(in ₹ cr)
TENURE
REMARKS

Central Railway
5
00.90
3 years
2 Pune, 1 Nashik, 1 Solapur, 1 CST Mumbai

Eastern Railway
7
01.15
3 years
3 at Howrah, 1 Sealdah, 1 Kolkata Terminal, 1 Dumdum Jn, 1 Dumdum Cantt

East Central Railway
0
0
3 years
1 Rajinder Nagar, 1 Danapur, 1 Pataliputra –All under process

East Coast Railway
2
02.41
1 year
1 Vishakapatnam, 1 Bhubneshwar

Northern Railway
10
14.00
3 years
2 New Delhi , 1 Delhi, 1 AnandVihar, 1 Delhi Saria Rohilla, 1 Nizamuddin, 2 Lucknow,
1 Varanasi, 1 Ludhiana

North Central Railway
0
0
0
No locations

North Eastern Railway
0
0
0
7 under finalization. Tender opening on 15.02.2018 for Bareilly, Mathura, Gorakhpur, Badshahnagar, Manduadhi

Northeast Frontier Railway
0
0
0
No locations

North West Railway
6
00.30
3 months
2 Jaipur, 1 Ajmer, 1 Udaipur City, 1 Jodhpur,
1 Bikaner

Southern Railway
8
00.75
3 months
3 Coimbatore, 1 Salem, 1 Podanur,
1 Thiruchirappalli , 2 Mangalore, 5 more locations are being processed for long term tenders (Chennai, Erode, Ooty, Coonoor, Mettaupalayam)

South Central Railway
5
2.76
3 years
2 Secunderabad, 1 Hyderabad, 1 Kacheguda,
1 Guntur

South Eastern Railway
0
0
0
6 stations identified and tendering process initiated. Tata, Rourkela, Kharagpur, Shalimar, Santragachi, Ranchi

South East Central Railway
1
00.02
3 months
1 plus 3 stations identified and tendering process initiated

South West Railway
22
17.00
3 years
5 Bangalore, 4 Yeshvantpur,
1 Krisnrajpuram, 2 Bangalore Cantt,
1 Kenigiri, 1Banaswadi, 1 Yelayanka,
1 Malleswaram, 1 Baiyyaplnhalli,
2 Whitefield, 1 Hebbal

Western Railway
6
04.00
6 months
Mumbai Central, Bandra, Surat, Borivalli, Indore, Ahmedabad

West Central Railway
0
0
0
0

TOTAL
72
-
-
72 plus 24 locations under finalisation

Under the General conditions of contract, the licensee shall be responsible to comply with the law of the land relating to the contract. The pricing of rides depends on the current demand and supply. Every State has its own regulations for cab service providers. The integrated app of the Railway will provide App Based Cabs as well as ticketing from one singular app

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri RajenGohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today

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Ministry of Railways
02-February, 2018 19:08 IST
Making Railways Disabled Friendly

In order to provide better accessibility to Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), short term facilities as detailed below have been planned at all stations, beginning with ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations:-

• Standard ramp for barrier free entry

• Earmarking at least two parking lots

• Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to building

• Signages of appropriate visibility

• At least one toilet (on the ground floor)

• At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

• ‘May I help you’ Booth

In addition, long term facilities, as detailed below, have also been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ category stations:-

• Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer

• Engraving on edges of platform

In order to facilitate easy movement of elderly, sick and Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and for smooth access to platforms at major railway stations, escalators have been planned at all ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘C’ category stations with footfall of 25,000 and above and stations of tourist importance. These escalators shall be provided progressively at all such stations.

So far, 456 escalators at 170 stations and 298 lifts at 132 stations have been provided. Further, work is in progress for about 320 nos. of escalators at 129 stations and 338 nos. of lifts at 102 stations. Additionally 372 escalators have been sanctioned for Mumbai Sub-urban sections in current Financial Year (2017-18) on Out-of-Turn basis. In addition, proposal to install additional lifts and escalators on stations covering ‘A-1’, ‘A’ and important ‘C’ category stations are being planned.

Availability of Wheelchairs on Platforms:Instructions already exist for provision of Wheelchair at stations. This facility is provided, duly escorted by coolies (on payment) as per present practice. Zonal Railways have also been instructed to provide one wheelchair per platform and in case of island platforms one wheelchair per two platforms at all ‘A-1’ and ‘A’ category stations.

Battery Operated Cars (BOCs): Zonal Railways have been authorized to introduce Battery Operated Cars at major railway stations for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), elderly and ailing passengers on ‘first come first served’ basis through sponsorship from individuals, NGOs, Trusts, Charitable institutions, Corporate and PSUs/Corporate Houses under their Corporate Social Responsibility free of charge to passenger or to the Railway. 110 Battery Operated Cars have already been provided at 63 major railway stations. Further, instructions have also been issued to Zonal Railways to invite Expression of Interest for providing the facility of Battery Operated Car service on payment basis initially at all ‘A-1’ category stations keeping in view the financial sustainability of the service. This facility can be availed by passengers on ‘first come first served’ basis; preference shall however be given to Senior Citizens, Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), pregnant women and medically sick passengers.

Yatri Mitra Sewa: ‘Yatri Mitra Sewa’ is being provided at major stations for enabling passengers to book wheelchair services cum Porter services etc. The responsibility of providing Yatri Mitra Sewa is entrusted to IRCTC who may provide this service ‘Free of cost’ through some NGOs, PSUs etc. under CSR or on payment basis. This service can be booked on IRCTC e-ticketing website and 139 (IVRS and SMS) or through a mobile.

Indian Railways have manufactured more than 3,700 SLRD/SRD coaches (SLRD-Second Class Cum Luggage Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment, SRD- Second Class Cum Guard Van & Disabled friendly compartment) which have a suitably designed compartment and toilet adapted to the needs of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)/wheelchair borne passengers. In SLRD/SRD coaches, wider entrance door, wider berths, wider compartments, larger lavatory and lavatory doors etc. have been provided. Inside the toilets, additional grab rails on the side walls for support, wash basin and mirror at lower height have been provided. It is endeavored to have at least one such Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design coach in each Mail/Express train running with ICF coaches. Further, the fully air conditioned (WRRMDAC) Garib Rath trains have been provided with an Air conditioned Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) friendly compartment in the power cars. For assistance to visually impaired travelers, Integrated Braille signages, i.e. signages superimposed with Braille scripts, are being provided in the newly manufactured coaches. Further, retrofitment of the same in existing coaches has also been taken up in a phased manner.

The expenditure on development of Passenger Amenities works including those for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) at Railway Stations is generally funded under Plan Head – ‘Passenger Amenities’.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Railways
02-February, 2018 19:07 IST
Initiatives Taken By Railways

Speeding up of trains is a constant endeavour and continuous process in Indian Railways (IR) and is dependent on constant optimization of the investments made by Railways in modernization of technology, high powered locos, modern coaches and better tracks. During the year 2017-18, 48 trains have been speeded up to the category of superfast trains with average speed of 55 kmph and above.

As on 01.04.2017, 25367 route kilometer of railway routes are commissioned on electric traction (electrified). Further, 1733 route kilometer have been commissioned on electric traction till December 2017 during the year 2017-18 against the target of 4000 route kilometer.

It has been planned to complete the work of fitment of Bio toilets in passenger coaches by the end of the year 2018-19.

Regarding improving the look and feel of coaches, it has been decided to progressively convert all conventional coaches to LHB coaches and the following steps are being taken:

Various premium services like Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya and coaches like DeenDayalu and Anubhuti, which have improved passenger amenities, have been introduced in service.
IR has launched Project Swarn with the objective of significantly improving the passenger experience. In total, 14 Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi trains will be covered. The work is already underway at various divisions of IR.
Two rakes of Shan-e-Bhopal Express (Train No. 12155/12156) have been upgraded at division level. Upgradation of 66 trains (140 rakes) in divisions on lines of Shan-e-Bhopal Express shall be taken up from the year 2018-19 onwards.
IR has planned to improve the interior of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design coaches. New interiors with better facilities will be provided in the existing coaches byrefurbishing them during Mid Life Rehabilitation (MLR). Work in 700 such Model rake coaches is being progressively carried out, out of which more than 100 Model rake coaches have already been turned out.

This Press Release is based on the information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri RajenGohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

Kapwercs · Feb 3, 2018

https://m.rediff.com/business/inter...to-set-up-their-own-railway-line/20180202.htm
Piyush Goyal: 'Private sector may be allowed to set up their own railway line'
February 02, 2018 09:53 IST

'Our focus will be on introducing new technologies to improve passenger comfort.'

As Indian Railways undergoes a major transformation, the Union Budget has unveiled its largest ever capital expenditure plan, with Rs 73,065 crore earmarked for
Against this backdrop, Minister of RailwaysPiyush Goyal, below, spoke with the media about his privatisation plan, safety road map and innovation strategy. Shine Jacob reports:

This year the gross budgetary support to the Railways has been cut compared to last year -- from Rs 55,000 crore to Rs 53,000 crore. Do you think railway expenses could be met with that?

Money is not a constraint for any of our projects, including safety works.

I want to ensure the safety of travellers.

I have been saying that we are changing the rules of the game.

For example, earlier we used to start work even when land was not in our hands.

Now, we are planning things like elevated tracks, for which land is not required. Similarly, we are revamping things like signalling, which are in our control.

You have set a revenue target of Rs 2 lakh crore. Is that realistic?

Of course. We are looking at more effective utilisation of our time and tracks.

I have been meeting consultants in this regard to rewrite the existing time-table, which itself will unlock a lot of capacity.

Now, 12,000 passenger trains and 8,000 freight trains are all handled manually.

We will bring in more technology for effective usage of this capacity. We are going to lower tariff with improved efficiency.

Are you worried about over-weightage of certain commodities like coal in your freight basket? What is the road map ahead?

I am working on some new schemes in this regard.

For instance, the private sector might be allowed to set up their own line.

We need more private involvement in the sector.

You mentioned overhauling of signals. Please give us more details about the project.

Once the system of trains talking to each other is in place, we will not require the traditional signalling model between tracks.

Every train will know where the next train is, which means that trains will run at a difference of six to seven minutes.

India is going to follow the signalling rules of the world.

The European Train Control System that we are going to introduce is available only on 60,000 km across the world.

At one go, we are going to invite tender for 60,000 km and that would be awarded to one party, so that our cost of implementation is less.

You mentioned introduction of new technologies. Can you elaborate?

Our focus will be on introducing new technologies to improve passenger comfort.

We are planning to introduce closed-circuit television and wi-fi facility on every train and in every station.

We are going to make track checking more efficient with the use of spur cars.

For track inspection, we will introduce ultrasonic technologies.

Indian Railways today indicated that the Rs 17,000 crore-Bengaluru suburban railway project will be set up through a unique model through partnerships with the state, the private sector and through asset monetisation.

A new 160 km suburban network is planned in the city to help reduce congestion and reduce commuting time of passengers.

We will look for a change in the transit-oriented policy for this and make it a 50:50 joint venture with the state.

What is your overall assessment of Budget 2018-19?

I haven't seen any government with its term-end coming up unveiling such a fiscally prudent Budget.

In case of the Railways, out of the Rs 73,000 crore given for safety, track renewal target has been set at 4,300 km.

We want our organisation and stakeholders to be at comfort.

Hindustani78 · Feb 6, 2018

Ministry of Railways
05-February, 2018 18:08 IST
Shri A.K Prasad Assumes Charge as the New Financial Commissioner, Railway Board

Shri A.K.Prasad has been appointed as new Financial Commissioner (Railways), Railway Board and ex-officio Secretary to Government of India vice Shri B.N.Mohapatra, who superannuated on 31st January, 2018. Shri A.K.Prasad has since assumed charge as the new Financial Commissioner (Railways), with effect from 1st February 2018. Shri Prasad is an officer of Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) of 1981 batch. He has done his Masters in Economics from Delhi School of Economics in the year 1980.

Prior to this assignment, Shri Prasad was Additional Member/Finance in Railway Board. In his distinguished career, Shri Prasad has earlier headed the Finance and Accounts wing as Principal Finance Adviser in Northern Railway, North Western Railway, North Central Railway etc. He has also worked as Divisional Railway Manager, Solapur and on deputation as Financial Adviser NDMC and has wide experience of rail management and general administration.

*****

Ministry of Railways
05-February, 2018 11:55 IST
Indian Railways adopts General Conditions of Contract for Services”

New system will ease registration process for bidders, promote competitiveness and help Railways to save more on cost : Piyush Goyal

In another first, Indian Railways have introduced new General Conditions or Contracts (GCC) for Services to define the terms & conditions for contractors engaged in service contracts for non-operational areas such as Housekeeping, Facilities Management, Consultancy etc., as distinct from Works. Under the leadership of Union Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal the Ministry of Railways is committed to bringing transparency & accountability in the system to make it more efficient and beneficial for the people.

The new policy of General Conditions of Contract for Services introduces for first time the concepts of Digital Labour Management System, stepped Performance Guarantee in place of Security Deposit, access to liquidity as a qualifying criteria and specific provisions violation of which will lead to disqualification of bidders. Pointing out the advantages of the new method, Shri Goyal said “the new contract system will ease the registration process for bidders, promote competitiveness and help Railways to save more on cost”.

Railways had recently issued Standard Bid Document (SBD) for Housekeeping. During the development of SBD, given the diverse nature of Works and Services, and the problems in managing service contracts using a GCC for Works, a need was felt to formulate a simplified, outcome focused GCC catering specifically to Services to improve contract management, delivery of services and to reduce government litigation.

The digital management labour system mandates contractor to maintain a data base of all workers including their attendance data and salary details. It also states that a contractor bidding for a service will be disqualified if penalty has been levied three times in last two years for violation of labour laws.

The concept of stepped performance guarantee, while reducing the financial burden on the contractor due to security deposit, puts a premium on service delivery by having a provision of confiscation of part performance guarantee in case of unsatisfactory delivery of outcome during the contract.

Service contracts are characterized by regular requirement of funds; therefore, access to liquidity has been included as a qualifying criterion.

Apart from labour laws, non-performance in previous contracts will also lead to bidders being disqualified in future. This is expected to put a premium on good performance.

A committee of Executive Directors of Railway Board was formed with a mandate for simplification and improvement of service contracts with a view to improve the quality of services and service contract management. The recommendation of the Committee after approval of concerned directorates and approval of Railway Board was adopted as “The general conditions of contract for services on 02.01.2018”. The new GCC is a result of wide ranging consultations, profound erudition and of immensely valuable contribution of various directorates of Railway Board.

Railways are expecting a quantum improvement in outcomes of the Service contracts, particularly Housekeeping, once SBD and GCC get implemented along with enhanced empowering of the field organisation.

Hindustani78 · Feb 6, 2018

The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik and the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain witnessing the signing ceremony of an MoU between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Railways for comprehensive Introduction of Ayush System in 5 Hospitals of Ministry of Railways, in New Delhi on February 06, 2018. The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani, the Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik and the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain witnessing the signing ceremony of an MoU between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Railways for comprehensive Introduction of Ayush System in 5 Hospitals of Ministry of Railways, in New Delhi on February 06, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha is also seen.

The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha addressing at the signing ceremony of an MoU between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Railways for comprehensive Introduction of Ayush System in 5 Hospitals of Ministry of Railways, in New Delhi on February 06, 2018. The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani and the Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha are also seen.

The Minister of State for AYUSH (Independent Charge), Shri Shripad Yesso Naik addressing at the signing ceremony of an MoU between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Railways for comprehensive Introduction of Ayush System in 5 Hospitals of Ministry of Railways, in New Delhi on February 06, 2018. The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani are also seen.

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain addressing at the signing ceremony of an MoU between Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Railways for comprehensive Introduction of Ayush System in 5 Hospitals of Ministry of Railways, in New Delhi on February 06, 2018. The Minister of State for Communications (I/C) and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha, the Minister of State for Railways, Shri Rajen Gohain, the Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani and the Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH, Shri Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha are also seen.

Hindustani78 · Feb 6, 2018

The Sharavati river winding through the dense forests of the Western Ghats.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...idge-over-sharavati-river/article22662335.ece

The bridge will offer easy access to the mainland for people of Karur and Barangi hoblis
The foundation stone for the construction of the bridge to connect Kalasavalli and Ambaragodlu villages will be laid by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Surface Transport, here on February 19.

The 2.16-km long bridge across the Sharavati backwaters will offer easy access to the mainland for people of Karur and Barangi hoblis, which have been reduced to islands after the reservoir was constructed for the Sharavati Hydro-Power Project.

BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa said in a statement that the Union government has sanctioned ₹600 crore for the construction of the bridge. Besides this, the Centre has provided ₹500 crore for widening of the road connecting NH 206 in Sagar city with Baindur-Ranibennur NH.

Ever since the commissioning of the Sharavati Hydro-Power Project, nearly 20,000 families in the hoblis have been relying on just three ferries provided by the Department of Port and Inland Water Transport to reach the mainland. Over the years, with the rise in popularity of Sigandur, the pilgrim centre in the Sharavati backwater region, the ferries are often overcrowded.

The government in 2008-09 had okayed construction of the bridge at a cost of ₹164.59 crore, and the Karnataka State Road Development Corporation was tasked with the work. It is said that, the project was put in the back-burner later as officials of the Department of Finance said it was economically not viable.

Santhosh, a farmer from Karur told The Hindu that many families in Karur and Barangi hoblis, who had ceded their land for the project, haven’t got proper rehabilitation.

With polls around the corner, the Congress has tried to woo the families by conferring ownership rights over the land where they were rehabilitated. The foundation stone laying ceremony for the bridge planned by the BJP is seen by some as a bid by the party to win over the voters in Sharavati river backwater region.

Hindustani78 · Feb 7, 2018

Ministry of Railways
07-February, 2018 18:29 IST
Revamping Ticketing System in Railways

During recent years the following innovative measures have been taken with a view to facilitating passengers in getting tickets and also to boost up the earnings:-

(i) Introduction of Premium Tatkal Quota

(ii) Running of Special trains including Suvidha trains on higher fares.

(iii) Introduction of Flexi fare in Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains.

(iv) Introduction of new trains like Gatimaan, Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya, Mahamana trains etc., with higher facilities and fares.

(v) Proliferation of e-ticketing system which now constitute around 65% of the total reserved tickets.

(vi) Provision of facility of booking reserved/ unreserved tickets through mobile phones.

(vii) Facility of issuing unreserved tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines.

(viii) Engaging authorised agents like Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra Licensee (YTSKL), Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Sewaks(JTBS), Station Ticket Booking Agents(STBA) & e-ticketing agents for issuing of reserved/unreserved tickets.

(ix) Rationalisation of computerised reservation system by providing facility of automatic preparation of first reservation charts at least four hours before scheduled departure of train and thereafter facility of booking available accommodation online as well as through computerised Passenger Reservation System(PRS) till preparation of second reservation charts.

(x) Revision of Refund Rules, granting of automatic refund on e-tickets in case of cancellation of trains, cancellation of counter tickets online through Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation(IRCTC) as well as through No. 139.

(xi) Facility of booking confirmed accommodation to foreign tourists in Executive Class/1st AC/2nd AC Class in all trains including Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Duronto, Gatimaan etc. through internet upto 365 days in advance.

Further, rationalisation of fare structure as well improvement in ticketing system based on technological advancement is an ongoing and continuous process.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Railways
07-February, 2018 18:27 IST
Income From Freight in Railways

The freight earnings of the Indian Railways for the last three years are as under:

(₹ in crore)

Year
Freight Earnings

2014-15
105791.34

2015-16
109207.65

2016-17
104338.54

The freight earnings of Indian Railways during the current year upto December-2017 are ₹81427.77crore, which reflects an increase of ₹ 6232.61crore (8.29%), when compared to freight earnings of ₹75195.16 crore during corresponding period of the last year.

The details of commodities-wise loading of last three years are as under:-

(in million tonne)

S.No
Freight Loading
Period

Commodity

2014-15
2015-16
2016-17

1
Coal
545.81
551.83
532.83

2
Raw material for Steel Plants
18.28
20.29
22.75

3
Pig Iron and Finished Steel
42.84
44.79
52.41

4
Iron Ore
112.77
116.94
137.55

5
Cement
109.80
105.35
103.29

6
Foodgrains
55.47
45.73
44.86

7
Fertilizers
47.41
52.23
48.34

8
Mineral Oil (POL)
41.10
43.24
42.42

9
Container Service
48.38
45.83
47.35

10
Balance other goods
73.40
75.28
74.35

Total (A)
1095.26
1101.51
1106.15

S.No
Parcel Loading
6.52
6.41
6.11

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
07-February, 2018 18:27 IST
Committee to Review Flexi Fare Scheme

An eight member Committee comprising General Manager/West Central Railway, Principal Financial Advisor/East Central Railway, Executive Director Passenger Marketing, Railway Board, Executive Director Traffic Commercial (Rates), Railway Board, Advisor (Transport)/Niti Aayog, Executive Director/Revenue Management & Marketing Automation/Air India, Director/Revenue/Le Meridian and Professor of Transport Economics/Walchand Hirachand was constituted to review the flexi fare scheme.

The terms of reference of the committee was to examine all options and recommend best option keeping in mind interest of passengers and Railways. The committee was mandated to examine the following issues:

Impact of implementation of flexi fare in its current form with respect to:

(i) Impact on Revenue generated for Railways.

(ii) Impact on Passenger in terms of their choice of railway as means of transport (with increased fare).

(iii) Competitiveness of flexi fare viz-a-viz other means of transport.

(iv) Amendment/modification if any in

Flexibility of rates in peak and lean season/week days and weekend/festival season.
‘Add on’ if any to be provided with flexi fare for better patronage of the scheme like loyalty points/deferred benefits etc.
Any other aspects deemed fit by the committee.

(v) Fare of special trains like Humsafar etc. also to be reviewed.

(vi) Implementability of suggestions.

The Committee has submitted its report on 16.01.2018. Important recommendations are to rationalise the Flexi fare scheme based on the occupancy of the trains and also offer discounted fare in trains having low occupancy. The Report along with recommendations has been put up for consideration of the Board.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Railways
07-February, 2018 18:25 IST
Internet Connectivity in Railways

Wi-Fi facilities have been provided at a total of 374 Railway Stations in various States as per details given below:-

Government has proposed to provide internet facility in moving trains. Indian Railways is planning to build a high speed mobile Broadband Corridor along its track to provide internet facility to passengers.

Details of Stations (State-wise) where Wi-Fi Internet Facility has been provided:-

S.No.
Name of State
Number of Stations Commissioned

1.

Andhra Pradesh

46

2.

Assam

7

3.

Bihar

17

4.

Chhattisgarh

6

5.

Delhi

8

6.

Goa

0

7.

Gujarat

23

8.

Haryana

14

9.

Himachal Pradesh

2

10.

Jammu & Kashmir

1

11.

Jharkhand

5

12.

Karnataka

12

13.

Kerala

5

14.

Madhya Pradesh

27

15.

Maharashtra

47

16.

Nagaland

1

17

Odisha

21

18.

Punjab

8

19.

Rajasthan

17

20.

TamilNadu

22

21.

Telangana

7

22.

Uttar Pradesh

49

23.

Uttarakhand

3

24.

West Bengal

20

25.

Arunachal Pradesh

0

26.

Tripura

5

27.

Meghalaya

0

28.

Mizoram

0

29.

Sikkim

0

30.

UT Chandigarh

1

Total

374

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
07-February, 2018 18:25 IST
Rail Development Authority

Government has approved formation of a Rail Development Authority (RDA) comprising Chairman and three Members. The objective underlying RDA is to get expert advice/make informed decision on:

Pricing of services commensurate with costs.
Suggest measures for enhancement of Non Fare Revenue.
Protection of consumer interests, by ensuring quality of service and cost optimization.
Promoting competition, efficiency and economy.
Encouraging market development and participation of stakeholders in the rail sector and for ensuring a fair deal to the stakeholders and customers.
Creating positive environment for investment.
Promoting efficient allocation of resources in the Sector.
Benchmarking of service standards against international norms and specify and enforce standards with respect to the quality, continuity and reliability of services provided by them.
Providing framework for non-discriminatory open access to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) infrastructure and others in future.
Suggesting measures to absorb new technologies for achieving desired efficiency and performance standards.
Suggesting measures for human resource development to achieve any of its stated objectives.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
07-February, 2018 18:22 IST
Investment for Safety in Railways

The details of the funds allocation/expenditure during last three years on safety related activities are given below:

2014-15
(₹ in crore)
42304

2015-16
(₹ in crore)
45516

2016-17
(₹ in crore)
55918

2017-18
(₹ in crore)
68725

Increase over 2014-15
62.5%

The details of staff strength and vacancy position of safety categories over all Zonal Railways are as under:

As on

Sanctioned Strength
Vacancies
% of Vacancies

01.04.2014

727582
129152
17.75

01.04.2015

737273
124201
16.85

01.04.2016

746676
122763
16.44

01.04.2017

764882
128942
16.86

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Hindustani78 · Feb 8, 2018

Ministry of Railways
08-February, 2018 10:27 IST
Ministry of Railways to take Reformative measures to promote heritage preservation

First of its kind Brainstorming interactive session held with domain experts

The Ministry of Railways have identified several reformative measures to promote heritage preservation. To give focused attention to preserve Indian Railways’ century old rich heritage, the Railway Board recently organized a day-long event of heritage officers of Zonal Railways and Production Units. Chairman, Railway Board Sh Ashwani Lohani presided over the meeting. Welcoming the participants, Secretary, Railway Board Sh Ranjanesh Sahai emphasized the need for heritage preservation in Indian Railways. Sh Sahai mentioned such a brainstorming meeting is a first of its kind happening in Ministry of Railways.

On lines of reviving Fairy Queen Steam Locomotive and setting up of Rewari Steam Centre, the Board is now gearing up to launch a special drive to identify various heritage items/artefacts that are currently lying unnoticed at different locations. The Board plans to ensure proper preservation and display of such heritage items; open a logbook of all major events, both at Zonal Railways as well as at National Rail Museum to record the timelines of Railways history; The heritage preservation efforts would include facilitating revival of Steam Locomotives and run regular time-tabled trains on Steam Traction. Upkeep of Hill railways and bringing them to World Standard etc. will also be high on the agenda.

About 40 senior level officers from Zonal Railways and Production Units including several retired Board Members and rail enthusiasts attended the event. An open interactive session was conducted at National Rail Museum. The objective of the session was to create more awareness about the technology and preservation processes of different domains of Heritage of Indian Railways namely Museum Management, Conservation of Built Heritage of buildings, Stations, Bridges etc. including Meter Gauge/Narrow Gauge Sections, Preservation and Digitization of Railway Archives, Management of World Heritage Sites, Collection and preservation of artefacts like equipment, signaling/track items etc., Digital India-Digital Rail Campaign: Digitization and online dissemination of Railway heritage contents to the World etc.

Experts from renowned agencies like INTACH, C-DAC (Ministry of IT), Google Art & Culture, UNESCO, Centre for Heritage Management/ Ahmedabad University etc. were present to explain various details of these areas. The sessions as Enabling Event for railway officers, who are mostly not formally trained in the domain of Heritage Preservation, were widely appreciated by the Railway officers.

Hindustani78 · Feb 9, 2018

Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 16:03 IST
Action Plan for Cleaner Bedding and Better Meals

A policy of zero tolerance towards poor quality of food and bedding is being strictly enforced by Indian Railways. In current financial year, 12 catering contracts have been terminated for complaints or other contractual deficiencies. In case of unsatisfactory work or passenger complaint regarding bed roll, suitable penalty is imposed on the contractor as per contract conditions. Regular inspections are done at various levels to monitor the quality of bedding and catering services.

Some steps taken for providing cleaner bedding are as below :

Washing of bed linen (except blanket) is done after every single use. Blankets are cleaned at least once in two months.
To improve the quality of washing of bed linen, 58 mechanized laundries have been set up in the railways, covering nearly 65 % of linen washing requirement. Most of the remaining linen is also washed in outside mechanised laundries through contracts.
Nominated storage places with facilities like racks and compactors are provided for storage of linen.
Sample checking of washed linen is done before dispatch from laundry.

Regular inspections are carried out by officers and supervisors for compliance to the norms for washing of linen items.

The following steps have been taken for provision of better meals to passengers :

New Catering Policy has been issued in February, 2017, wherein inter-alia, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been mandated to create a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution.
IRCTC is to set up new kitchens and upgrade existing ones.
Optional Catering service has been introduced as a pilot project for 180 days from August, 2017 on 32 Rajdhani /Shatabdi/Duranto trains under the management of IRCTC.
Introduction of station based E-Catering for widening the options of food choice.
Pilot for introduction of pre-cooked food in the range of options available to passengers.
Operation of All India helpline No. 138 for lodging complaints / suggestions pertaining to food and catering services and Operation of Centralized Catering Service Monitoring Cell (CSMC) for prompt redressal of passenger grievances and real time assistance related to catering.
A Twitter handle @ IRCATERING has been made operational for complaints/suggestions pertaining to catering services.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 16:04 IST
Time-Bound Implementation of Electrification Work of Railway Tracks

Indian Railways have prepared an Action Plan to electrify (commission on electric traction) 38000 Route Kilometers in five years (2017-18 to 2021-22) for 100% electrification of its Broad Gauge (BG) rail routes, as given below:-

Year

Route Kilometer planned for commissioning on electric traction.

2017-18

4000

2018-19

6000

2019-20

7000

2020-21

10500

2021-22

10500

Total

38000

For expeditious execution of Railway Electrification projects, it is planned to adopt Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) tendering system having structure of incentive and penalty.

It is expected to achieve recurring saving of ` 13510 crore per annum at current price after switch over of all trains from diesel traction to electric traction.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

****

Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 16:03 IST
Efficient Water Management Policy of Railways

Indian Railways’ Water Policy has been formulated with the objective is to improve water use efficiency by effective demand and supply management, installing water efficient systems and setting up Water Recycling Plants on railway land.

The following steps have been envisaged in the Water Policy for efficient water management:

Upgrading water supply system.
Introduction of Automatic Valves.
Mandatory provision of Solar water heaters.
Rain Water Harvesting (RWH).
Reviving old water bodies on railway land.
Water Recycling Plants on BOOT basis.
Use of water efficient fittings.
Water Audit.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 16:02 IST
Cleanliness and Maintenance of Passenger Rail Coaches

Every endeavour is made to keep the coaches in properly maintained and clean condition. All efforts are made by the Railways to address the complaints.

Some of the major initiatives taken by Indian Railways towards improvement of cleanliness and maintenance of coaches are as follows :

Cleaning of coaches of trains at both ends including mechanized cleaning.
On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) has been provided in more than 970 pairs of trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi and other important long distance Mail/Express trains for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains.
‘Clean My Coach’ service is provided on demand in nearly 950 pairs of important Superfast/Mail/Express long distance trains having On Board Housekeeping Service.
Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme has also been prescribed for limited mechanized cleaning attention to identified trains including cleaning of toilets during their scheduled stoppages enroute at nominated stations.
Regular maintenance and upkeep of all passenger coaches is carried out during laid down maintenance schedules at the Coaching depots and workshops to ensure that they remain in good condition.

Some special measures like running of model rake trains (like Mahamana Express), upgradation of identified Rajdhani / Shatabdi trains to Swarn Standard, running of Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya trains etc. have also been taken to improve travelling experience.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 16:00 IST
Drive Against Entry of Unauthorized Persons in Reserved Coaches of Trains

Drives against entry of unauthorised persons are conducted by Zonal Railways on regular basis on all the trains. During the financial year 2017-18(upto December 2017) 18.18 lakh checks were conducted by Zonal Railways in which approximately
183.36 lakh persons were detected travelling without ticket/ with improper ticket and approximately
` 867.36 crores were realized therefrom.

Following steps are taken by the Railways to keep a check on the entry of unauthorized passengers in reserved coaches of trains:-

Train manning staff keeps the regular watch on the entry of unauthorized passengers in reserved coaches. Any unauthorized person found travelling in reserved coaches is penalized as per provisions of Railway Act.

Regular and surprise checks are conducted by Commercial & Security Departments of the Railway to keep a check on unauthorized entry in reserved coaches as well as to apprehend such passengers for taking further necessary action.

Regular announcements through public address system are made advising unauthorized passengers not to travel in reserved coaches of the trains otherwise they will be penalized and charged under section 155 of Railway Act,1989.

Regular advertisements are also published in leading newspapers for educating passengers not to enter into reserved coaches unauthorisedly.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 15:59 IST
Identification of Railway Stations under Nirbhaya Fund

List of Stations (State-wise) for the provision of Video Surveillance System under Nirbhaya Fund:-

S.No.

Name of State

Number of Stations

1.

Andhra Pradesh

59

2.

Assam

8

3.

Bihar

53

4.

Chhattisgarh

13

5.

Delhi

4

6.

Goa

1

7.

Gujarat

34

8.

Haryana

16

9.

Himachal Pradesh

1

10.

Jammu & Kashmir

1

11.

Jharkhand

14

12.

Karnataka

32

13.

Kerala

24

14.

Madhya Pradesh

41

15.

Maharashtra

128

16.

Odisha

19

17.

Punjab

10

18.

Puducherry

1

19.

Rajasthan

39

20.

Tamilnadu

111

21.

Telangana

19

22.

Uttar Pradesh

76

23.

Uttarakhand

9

24.

West Bengal

269

25.

Tripura

1

Total

983

The system is under implementation. All India Security Helpline 182 has been made functional through 70 Divisional Security Control Rooms (DSCR) of Railway Protection Force (RPF) of respective Zonal Railways. RPF personnel manning the Security Helpline attend calls and particulars obtained from the passenger are swiftly forwarded to concerned RPF /Government Railway Police (GRP) for rendering necessary security related assistance to passengers. Security helpline 182 is planned to be upgraded by making it automated.

Regarding medical facilities, first aid boxes containing essential drugs and dressing materials are provided with the gurads of all passenger carrying trains. In addition, augmented first aid boxes with wide range of medicines, disposable medical material, etc. have been provided with the Train Superintendents/ Guards of Rajdhani/ Shatabdi Express trains and some nominated trains. Front line staffs deployed on trains are also trained in rendering first aid. The Station Masters of all stations have details of doctors, clinics & hospitals, both Government and Private, in the vicinity of the station, so that their services could also be availed in emergencies. Ambulance services of both Railway hospitals and State Government are utilized as and when required.

Security has been identified as one of the priority areas by railways for strengthening and upgradation. 394 railway stations have so far been provided with close circuit television (CCTV) cameras for round the clock surveillance at these stations. All out efforts are being made in coordination with GRPs of respective States to strengthen security over Railways.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 15:59 IST
Coach Mitra Facility in Railways

‘Clean My Coach’ scheme, for any cleaning requirement in the coach, passenger can send a message through mobile (SMS) on a specified mobile number. Alternatively, passenger can also use an android app or webpage for logging the request.

‘Clean My Coach’ service is now being upgraded to ‘Coach Mitra’ facility which is a single window interface to register coach related requirements of passengers such as cleaning, disinfection, linen, train lighting, air conditioning and watering of coaches. ‘Coach Mitra’ facility has been introduced in about 800 pairs of trains.

More than 71,000 service requests were received from April, 2017 to December, 2017. Nearly 90 % of those service requests were attended.

Posters / Stickers are displayed inside the coach near main gate / doorway to make the passengers aware about the facility.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Hindustani78 · Feb 9, 2018

Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 15:42 IST
Highest Priority To Safety In Train Operations: Shri Piyush Goyal

Modern technologies being adopted to lower reliance on human element & improve efficiency of the system No shortage of funds for safety related works: ?73065 cr allocated in BE 2018-19; Additional allocation of 6.3% made 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18 Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) created with a corpus of ?100000 cr

The Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri Piyush Goyal has reiterated that Railways accord highest priority to safety in train operations. Supportive data shows Consequential train accidents have declined from 195 in 2006-07 to 107 in 2015-16 and further to 104 in 2016-17. In the current financial year 2017-18 also, consequential train accidents decreased from 95 to 65 from 01/04/2017 to 31/01/2018 in comparison to corresponding period of the previous year.

A statement showing type-wise number of consequential train accidents during 2006-07 to 2016

17 and the current year 2017-18 is given below:-

Type of Accident
Collision

2006-07
8
2007- 08
8
2008-09
13
2009-10
9
2010-11
5
2011-12
9
2012-13
6
2013-14
4
2014-15
5
2015-16
3
2016-17
5
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
3

Type of Accident
Derailments

2006-07
96
2007- 08
100
2008-09
85
2009-10
80
2010-11
80
2011-12
55
2012-13
49
2013-14
53
2014-15
63
2015-16
65
2016-17
78
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
50

Type of Accident
MLC Accidents

2006-07
7
2007- 08
12
2008-09
7
2009-10
5
2010-11
5
2011-12
7
2012-13
5
2013-14
4
2014-15
6
2015-16
6
2016-17
0
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
1

Type of Accident
Fire in Train
2006-07
4
2007- 08
5
2008-09
3
2009-10
2
2010-11
2
2011-12
4
2012-13
9
2013-14
7
2014-15
6
2015-16
0
2016-17
1
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
0

Type of Accident
Miscella--neous
2006-07
8
2007- 08
4
2008-09
7
2009-10
4
2010-11
1
2011-12
2
2012-13
0
2013-14
3
2014-15
5
2015-16
4
2016-17
0
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
0

Type of Accident
UMLC accidents
2006-07
72
2007- 08
65
2008-09
62
2009-10
65
2010-11
48
2011-12
54
2012-13
53
2013-14
47
2014-15
50
2015-16
29
2016-17
20
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
11

Type of Accident
Total
2006-07
195
2007- 08
194
2008-09
177
2009-10
165
2010-11
141
2011-12
131
2012-13
122
2013-14
118
2014-15
135
2015-16
107
2016-17
104
2017-18 (01/04/17 to 31/01/18)
65

The above figures also include accidents at unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) caused mainly due to negligence of road vehicle users.

Accidents Per Million Train Kilometers, an important index of safety, has come down from 0.23 in 2006-07 to 0.10 in 2015-16 and further to 0.09 in the year 2016-17 despite quantum increase in the volume of traffic carried by Indian Railways over the years. This figure is expected to come down in the current financial year 2017-18 also.

A statement showing broad cause-wise beak-up of consequential train accidents including accidents at unmanned level crossings during 2006-07 to 2016-17 and the current financial year 2017-18 (from 01/04/2017 to 31/01/2018) is given below:

Causes of Accident
Failure of Railway staff
2006-2007
85
2007-2008
88
2008-2009
75
2009-2010
63
2010-2011
56
2011 - 2012
52
2012-2013
46
2013-2014
51
2014-2015
60
2015-2016
55
2016-2017
6
2017-18 (from 01/04/2017 to 31/01/2018)
-

Causes of Accident
Failure of other than Railway staff
2006-2007
84
2007-2008
81
2008-2009
76
2009-2010
75
2010-2011
57
2011 - 2012
63
2012-2013
59
2013-2014
57
2014-2015
58
2015-2016
38
2016-2017
2

Causes of Accident
Failure of equipment
2006-2007
9
2007-2008
9
2008-2009
0
2009-2010
6
2010-2011
5
2011 - 2012
5
2012-2013
6
2013-2014
3
2014-2015
4
2015-2016
2
2016-2017
2

Causes of Accident
Sabotage
2006-2007
8
2007-2008
7
2008-2009
13
2009-2010
14
2010-2011
16
2011 - 2012
6
2012-2013
3
2013-2014
3
2014-2015
3
2015-2016
1
2016-2017
2

Causes of Accident
Combination of factors
2006-2007
1
2007-2008
0
2008-2009
4
2009-2010
1
2010-2011
3
2011 - 2012
1
2012-2013
0
2013-2014
0
2014-2015
0
2015-2016
1
2016-2017
3

Causes of Accident
Incidental
2006-2007
7
2007-2008
8
2008-2009
5
2009-2010
4
2010-2011
4
2011 - 2012
3
2012-2013
7
2013-2014
4
2014-2015
8
2015-2016
9
2016-2017
7

Causes of Accident
Could not be established/Non- Held
2006-2007
1
2007-2008
1
2008-2009
4
2009-2010
2
2010-2011
0
2011 - 2012
1
2012-2013
1
2013-2014
0
2014-2015
2
2015-2016
1
2016-2017
0

Causes of Accident
Under Investigation

2006-2007
0
2007-2008
0
2008-2009
0
2009-2010
0
2010-2011
0
2011 - 2012
0
2012-2013
0
2013-2014
0
2014-2015
0
2015-2016
0
2016-2017

4

Causes of Accident
Grand Total
2006-2007
195
2007-2008
194
2008-2009
177
2009-2010
165
2010-2011
141
2011 - 2012
131
2012-2013
122
2013-2014
118
2014-2015
135
2015-2016
107
2016-2017
10

Modern technologies that lower reliance on human element and improve efficiency of the system are being adopted. Self Propelled Ultrasonic Rail Testing (SPURTZ Car) is under procurement, Trail of Ultrasonic Broken Rail Detection System is underway. TPWS (Train Protection and Warning System) and TCAS (Train Collision Avoidance System) as means of Automatic Train Protection to prevent accidents due to over speeding & passing signal at danger is being adopted. TPWS System is under implementation at 3330 RKMs section on Suburban/High-density Route. It is planned to install the same on Golden quadrilateral and diagonal route by 2023.

There is no shortage of fund for safety related works. Expenditure on safety 2014-15, ₹42304 cr, in 2015-16 ₹45516 cr, 2016-17 ₹55918 cr and RE of 2017-18 is ₹68725 cr and BE of 2018-19 is ₹73065 cr. An additional allocation of 6.3% has been made in the Budget of 2018-19 as compared to 2017-18.

Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) has been created with a corpus of ₹100000 cr for making additional funds available for safety related works.

Various essential items like FoBs, Platforms, pathway, track fittings, running rooms, escalators, etc. have been reclassified as safety works and have been made available for funding under RRSK.
(Unmanned Level Crossings) UMLCs on A, B & C routes have been decided to be closed by MARCH, 2018. Closure of the remaining UMLCs is top priority. In the Gate Mitras are being provided at vulnerable gates. As of November, 2017, all the 4236 numbers of UMLCs gate on Broad Gauge have been provided with Gate Mitra.
For the first time, a global tender for purchase of rails to alleviate shortage of rails for (Total Rail Replacement) TRR and new works is under process.

*******

Hindustani78 · Feb 9, 2018

Ministry of Railways
09-February, 2018 19:25 IST
Crack Down On Long Term Absentee Employees in Indian Railways

Exercise Aimed to Improve Performance of the Organisation & Boost the Morale of Sincere and Diligent Employees

Under the directions of the Union Minister for Railways and Coal Shri PiyushGoyal, Ministry of Railways has launched the exercise to improve performance of the organisationand to boost the morale of sincere & diligent employees.

A massive drive to identify long term absentees in various establishments of Railways has been initiated. As a result of the said drive, Railways have detected more than 13 Thousand employees out of about 13 lakhs employees who are on unauthorised absence for a long time. The establishment has initiated disciplinary action under the rules to terminate services of such absentees.

Railways have instructed all the officers and supervisors to weed out these employees from the employees’ rolls after following due process.

*****

Hindustani78 · Feb 13, 2018

Ministry of Railways
13-February, 2018 17:28 IST
Skill India Initiative by Ministry of Railways – Training of Apprentices

Targets training of 30 thousand Apprentices in its 16 Zonal Units and 7 Production Units

As part of Skill India initiative, Ministry of Railways has been contributing in a big way to provide training to Apprentices in various disciplines training in categories like Fitter, Turner, Machinist, Welder, Painter, Carpenter, Electrician, Refrigerator and AC Mechanic, Mechanic (Motor Vehicle/Diesel) etc., since long. Ministry of Railways has kept a target of training of 30 thousand Apprentices in its 16 Zonal Units and 7 Production Units.

For the year 2017-18, about 26,000 training slots for Apprenticeship training have been notified. This is in addition to over 4000 persons already undergoing training in various establishments. An Employment Notification has been issued earlier in the week for recruitment of 62,907 staff in Level 1 pay scale and out of these, apprentices trained in Railway establishments will be given preference to the tune of over 12,000 vacancies which is in line with the recent amendments made in the Apprentices Act, 1961

With a large set up of Workshops and Production Units, Indian Railways has been in the forefront of implementation of the Apprentices Act, 1961. Railway Workshops have been imparting Apprentices. A large number of Apprentices were turned out from these Workshops and Production Units every year who were certified and granted the NCVT (National Council for Vocational Training) Certificate, making them employable for jobs in industry as well as for posts in Railways. In this way, the Indian Railways is contributing to Skill India.

Railway recognizes that skill development of the labour force is an important component of development of Human Resources. It is crucial for the industrial development of the country. Skill training imparted through formal institutions alone is not sufficient to make the labour force fully skilled. This needs to be supplemented by training in the actual work place.

Apprentices’ Training consists of Basic Training and On-the-Job Training/Practical Training at workplace. Basic training is an essential component of apprenticeship training for those who have not undergone any institutional training/skill before taking up on-the-job training/practical training. It counts for 20-30% of overall duration of Apprenticeship Training. The component of on-the-job training is performed and undertaken in the establishment itself.

****

Hindustani78 · Feb 15, 2018

Ministry of Railways
15-February, 2018 18:19 IST
Ministry of Railways Announces one of the World’s Largest Recruitment Drive.

Online Applications are invited around 90,000 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) like Track maintainer, Points man, Helper, Gateman, Porter and Group C Level II categories like Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP), Technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, Carpenter) through Railway Recruitment Boards websites.

Largest Computer based test in the World is scheduled tentatively in April – May 2018.

Educational Qualifications for various posts are class Xth passed & Industrial Training Institute certificate (ITI).

Selection procedure only includes Computer Based Test without Interviews.

Ministry of Railways has announced one of the world’s largest recruitment processes for 89409 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) & Level II Categories. Online applications have been invited for the Group C Level II posts like Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, and Carpenter) and Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts like Track maintainer, Points man, Helper, Gateman, Porter. This recruitment drive is open for candidates who have passed Class Xth & ITI for Group C Level I posts & Class Xth & ITI or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering for Group C Level II posts like Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians and aspire to join Indian Railways.

Ministry of Railways has published a notification no. CEN 01/2018 for Group C Level II Categories posts for the candidates in the age group of 18-28 years who have passed Class X and have an industrial training certificate (ITI) or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering.

The notification no. CEN 02/2018 about Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts for candidates in the age group of 18-31 years and who have passed Class X and have an industrial training certificate (ITI). The notifications have already been uploaded on RRB Websites. The link of the website is as follows:

http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,1244

For Group C level II posts, the monthly salary along with allowances as per the Seventh Pay Commission (level 2) Scale (19,900-63,200) will be given to the selected candidates. For Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts, the monthly salary along with allowances as per the Seventh Pay Commission (level 1) Scale (18,000- 56,900) will be given to the selected candidates. Applications for Group C Level II posts will be accepted till 5th March 2018 & for Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts will be accepted till 12th March 2018.

Free Sleeper Class Railway Pass facility shall be available for SC/ST candidates for Computer Based Aptitude Tests, Physical Efficiency Tests, Document verification during the recruitment stages

IMPORTANT DATES:

Railway Recruitment Group C Level II Notification
February 3, 2018

Start of Railway Recruitment Group C Level II 2018 Online Application
February 3, 2018

Application Closes
March 5, 2018

Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBT) tentatively
April- May, 2018

Railway Recruitment Group C Level I 2018 Notification
February 10, 2018

Start of Railway Recruitment Group C Level I 2018 Online Application
February 10, 2018

Railway Recruitment Group C Level I 2018 Application Form Closes
March 12, 2018

Computer Based Aptitude Test (CBT) tentatively
During April and May, 2018

VACANCY DETAILS FOR GROUP C Level II POSTS

VACANCY DETAILS FOR GROUP C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) POSTS

****

VP/MKV/ENS

Hindustani78 · Feb 16, 2018

Ministry of Railways
16-February, 2018 16:46 IST
Ministry of Railways directs Zonal Railways to discontinue pasting reservation charts on train coaches for 6 months starting from 1st March, 2018.

Ministry of Railways has directed Zonal Railways to discontinue pasting of reservation charts on the reserved coaches of all trains at all erstwhile A1, A & B category stations as a pilot project for 6 months starting from 1st March, 2018.

Physical/digital charts will continue to be displayed at the platform of the train. At those stations where electronic charts display plasma have been installed and the same are functioning properly, physical reservation charts at such platforms can be stopped.

Earlier, pasting of reservation charts on the reserved coaches of all trains was discontinued at New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Mumbai Central, Chennai Central, Howrah and Sealdah Stations of Indian Railways on experimental basis for a period of 3 months.

********

Hindustani78 · Feb 19, 2018

Prime Minister's Office
19-February, 2018 16:02 IST
PM launches railway projects in Mysuru; inaugurates development works at Shravanabelagola

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today dedicated to the nation, the electrification of railway line between Mysuru and KSR Bengaluru. At a function at Mysuru Railway Station, he also flagged off the Palace Queen Humsafar Express between Mysuru and Udaipur.

Earlier the Prime Minister visited Shravanabelagola for the Bahubali Mahamasthakabhisheka Mahotsava 2018. He inaugurated the new steps carved at Vindhyagiri Hill by ASI. He also inaugurated the Bahubali General Hospital.

Addressing the gathering at Shravanabelagola, the Prime Minister said saints and seers from our land have always served society and made a positive difference. The strength of our society is that we have always changed with the times and adapted well to new contexts, the Prime Minister said. It is our duty to provide good quality and affordable healthcare to the poor, he added.

***

Ministry of Railways
19-February, 2018 18:10 IST
Ministry of Railways extends the relaxation in Upper Age Limit for all categories.

Online Applications are invited around 90,000 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) like Track maintainer, Points man, Helper, Gateman, Porter and Group C Level II categories like Assistant Loco Pilots (ALP), Technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, Carpenter) through Railway Recruitment Boards websites. Last date of submission of application would be extended suitably. Option to take exam in regional languages like Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Odiya and others will be available to the candidates.

For the ongoing recruitment of Group C Level I & II posts, Ministry of Railways have decided to extend the relaxation in upper age limit as under:

CEN 01/2018 – Asst. Loco Pilot (ALP) & Technician

(age in years)

Community
Notified
Revised

UR
28
30

OBC
31
33

SC
33
35

ST
33
35

CEN 02/2018 – Level-1 (erstwhile Group D)

(Age in years)

Community
Notified
Revised

UR
31
33

OBC
34
36

SC
36
38

ST
36
38

Formal corrigendum is being issued on official websites of RRBs shortly. Last date of submission of application would be extended suitably. It has also been decided that the questions in regional languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Odiya, Telugu, Bangla and others will be available for candidates to take the exam.

Earlier, Ministry of Railways has announced one of the world’s largest recruitment processes for 89409 posts in Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) & Level II Categories. Online applications have been invited for the Group C Level II posts like Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians (Fitter, Crane Driver, Blacksmith, and Carpenter) and Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts like Track maintainer, Points man, Helper, Gateman, Porter. This recruitment drive is open for candidates who have passed Class Xth & ITI for Group C Level I posts & Class Xth & ITI or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering for Group C Level II posts like Assistant Loco Pilots, Technicians and aspire to join Indian Railways.

Ministry of Railways has published a notification no. CEN 01/2018 for Group C Level II Categories posts for the candidates in the age group of 18-28 years who have passed Class X and have an industrial training certificate (ITI) or diploma in engineering or a graduation in engineering.

The notification no. CEN 02/2018 about Group C Level I (Erstwhile Group D) posts for candidates in the age group of 18-31 years and who have passed Class X and have an industrial training certificate (ITI). The notifications have already been uploaded on RRB Websites. The link of the website is as follows:

http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,1244

***

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