Indian Economy-News & Updates

[anant_s]

@proud_indian @Ankit Kumar 002
I wish I could answer your question in simple sentences, alas I cannot.
You must be wondering where did these 9000 and 12000 HP values came from?
Wait till this Sunday, when I get back home from a tour.
Right now only thing I can share with you is that Hitachi Loco isn't costly but Alsthom loco is very cheap.

 

[proud_indian]

@proud_indian @Ankit Kumar 002
I wish I could answer your question in simple sentences, alas I cannot.
You must be wondering where did these 9000 and 12000 HP values came from?
Wait till this Sunday, when I get back home from a tour.
Right now only thing I can share with you is that Hitachi Loco isn't costly but Alsthom loco is very cheap.

I will wait for it

Because for a noob like me it raises more questions than it answers.

I suggest you start video blogging on youtube

 

[Śakra]

Does anyone have pictures of the Japanese trains?

 

[Nilgiri]

Updates by Doordarshan on all sorts of issues on IR:

@PARIKRAMA @anant_s @Ankit Kumar 002 @Local_Legend @proud_indian

 

[Agent_47]

Rail academy to award MBA degree to railway officers

In a step towards setting up the country's first Railway university, an MoU will be signed tomorrow between National Academy of Indian Railways (NAIR) here and Maharaja Sayajirao University to award MBA degrees to rail employees in various fields like accounts and personnel.

NAIR, the apex training institute for imparting training to railway officers, has been selected for upgradation as a full-fledged Railway University as part of efforts to enhance the skills of railway officers.



It is envisioned that Railway University, when set up, would act as an affiliating University. Five other premier Central Training Institutes of the Railways at Pune, Nasik, Jamalpur,Secunderabad and Lucknow, which train officers of various specific disciplines in the Railways, would be affiliated as constituent colleges.

As a measure of enhancing professional management education in the railway field to the Probationary Officers, it was decided that NAIR shall tie-up with Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara for awarding MBA degree in specific Railway fields to Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS), Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) and Indian Railway Store Service (IRSS) officers, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

The MoU will be signed by Union Minister Suresh Prabhu and Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani here. This was ratified earlier by the academic council and Senate of MS University.

Railway probationary officers who are currently trained at NAIR, will study and obtain MBA degree from the University with specialisation in respective fields such as Finance, Human Resource Management, Production and Operations Management and Marketing Management.

The tie-up also enables MS University to select students at their end for MBA along with Railway officers. These students will also be awarded MBA degree in respective disciplines.

He said this will also serve the requirements of railway-related infrastructural construction contractors, suppliers, Metros and Port Railways.

They can also seek employment in Railways, by appearing in exam conducted by UPSC, he said.

The programme starts with the first batch of IRSS joining NAIR in August 2016.

Other initiatives for railway related education and research as a railway budget initiative, four Centres of Railway Research (CRR) were to be set up in premier educational institutions of India.
Memorandum of Understandings have since been signed

between Ministry of Railways and University of Mumbai on April 18, 2015, IITs Kanpur, Madras and Roorkee on December 22, 2015. One Centre for Railway Research is also in existence at IIT Kharagpur.

The areas of research are also earmarked for these different CRRs based on the core competencies of the different institutes. It is expected that these Centres for Railway Research would contribute immensely towards providing solutions for utilisation of Railways assets in a more cost-effective manner and its various processes towards complete customer satisfaction.

To expand the areas of research further, Indian Railways have also set up the Malviya Chair at IIT BHU, Varanasi for development of proper materials for use by Indian Railways and a 'Chair on Sustainable Mobility' has also been set up at TERI University, New Delhi.

The assigned areas of the CRRs include civil infrastructure of high speed rail, bridges and structures, track management system, environmental engineering, and rail wheel dynamics at IIT Roorkee.

Geo-tech engineering, advanced fuel efficient systems, fire safety management, advanced electronics, high speed rolling stock design, advanced signalling and fog vision at IIT Kanpur are among other assigned areas of the CRRs.

IIT Madras will have structural health monitoring of railway infrastructure, intelligent transportation, computer vision and imaging, reliability engineering and energy management.

RDSO, the research arm of the Indian Railways is coordinating with all the CRRs and chairs.

Centre for Railway Research, Mumbai University shall carry out research related to heavy haul technology, high-speed technologies, energy efficient traction power supply systems and track research.

The CRR will in due course also offer degree programme, post graduate programmes and PhD programme in research areas related to Railways and will also involve students in research projects and offer course electives related to Railway technology.

Mumbai University's academic council has recently approved a undergraduate course in Railway Engineering for the current academic year at the Railway Research Centre at their Ratnagiri sub-campus.

http://www.business-standard.com/ar...egree-to-railway-officers-116081600574_1.html

 

[Śakra]

Delhi Metro is light years

Light-year is a unit of distance not time. Delhi metro isn't >9.461e+15m away from other metros in India. It is, however, decades ahead of them in development.

 

[anant_s]

Light-year is a unit of distance not time. Delhi metro isn't >9.461e+15m away from other metros in India. It is, however, decades ahead of them in development.

It's a figure of speech. But @Abingdonboy is right, DMRC is really a leading light in Urban transport sector not only in India but elsewhere in world too. They have been proactive in adopting new technology, completing projects and earning profits. Hopefully other Indian metro projects will have a similar future.

 

[Local_Legend]

Railways plans to reduce its energy bill by Rs 4800 crore

In a bid to reduce its energy bill, Railways is now planning import crude oil directly and start procuring power from the generators.

According to a PTI report, the diesel procurement policy has been reviewed and it has been decided to import crude oil directly and get it refined at oil marketing companies back home.


With this move, a part of a larger reform, Railways has also floated a tender for selection of a consultant to identify alternate procurement strategies which will enable to transporter to procure diesel at market linked prices.


As of today, Indian Railways consumes around 2.8 billion litres diesel annually at a cost of Rs 18,000 crore, which turns out to be around 18 per cent of its working expenses. The price of fuel is governed by a rate contract which is decided via an open tender by the Railway Board.


In the current scenario, zonal railways place their respective diesel orders with the oil marketing companies per their annual contract and oil depots maintain minimum 7 days of inventory, the cost of which is borne by the Railways.

An official claimed that the new method of procuring fuel will help save at least 10 per cent on the current fuel bill. Accordingly, railways has sought Petroleum Ministry’s permission to import crude oil directly.

“We are discussing the issue of procurement of crude and booking refinery capacity to process our crude as a service as only 40-50 per cent of crude converts to diesel. So an arrangement with the refiner to buy back the remaining products of crude processing needs to be put in place,” he told PTI.

Railways is also planning to save approximately Rs 3,000 crore in sourcing electricity by proposing to procure power through a competitive bidding process, a move that will allow it to get get favourable tariff from generating companies, power exchanges, and bilateral agreements.

Railways, which procures power from distribution companies, spends about Rs 12,300 crore a year to purchase 17.5 billion units of electricity.

Besides, railways have also rolled out plans to set up 1,000 MW solar power plants over the next five years at railway-owned lands and rooftops of railway buildings. The plan will be implemented with support from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy.

http://localpress.co.in/2016/08/railways-plans-reduce-energy-bill-rs-4800-crore/


Taking selfies or playing cards on the train could get you jailed for five years

Clicking that perfect selfie while your train speeds past some spectacular landscape could be a memorable moment but it is certainly not a good idea if it has the risk of putting you behind bars for five years.

Similarly, for those who find playing cards a favourite time pass on their journeys, it's time to give up the habit for they may end up paying a hefty penalty. Identifying these acts as major nuisance, Indian Railways are proposing to make these offences punishable with jail term of a hefty penalty.

SELFIES NOW PUNISHABLE

For this, railway authorities are proposing amendment in the Railway Act so that violators can be dealt with strictly. In recent times a number of deaths have been reported while people trying to click selfies. It was noticed that the victims either fell down the moving train or were run over by approaching trains while taking a selfie.

As per the proposal, violators can be booked for endangering public life or causing nuisance on railway premises.

Railway Protection Force (RPF), which is responsible for safety of passengers and railway property, is proposing amendments in existing laws that do not have specific provisions to deal with such activities. Official sources said the violators can be booked under sections 147 and 153 of the Railway Act that deal with trespassing and causing threat to public life.

WILL BE BOOKED FOR ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT SUICIDE

To begin with, prosecution against selfie will start in Gujarat and later it will be implemented in other divisions of the railway. However, as a long term measure, existing laws will be amended to deal with the nuisance. The proposal will soon be sent to the Home Ministry for approval.

"The government rail police (GRP) and RPF will be instructed to book individuals taking selfies near a train on the platform, at the compartment exits or on railway tracks. This activity is liable to endanger not only their lives, but also that of others," said a railway ministry official.

An RPF officer said on the condition of anonymity that in some cases, the violators can also be booked for attempt to suicide. "Clicking selfies on railway tracks is clearly an attempt to commit suicide. They will be booked accordingly. They may even be jailed for endangering their lives and that of others," he said.

PLAYING CARDS ILLEGAL

As per the proposal, playing cards inside the train coaches or on railway platforms will also be prohibited. The violators can be booked under section 145 of the Railway Act which deals with drunkenness, causing nuisance and troubling fellow passengers.

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-railways-strict-laws-clicking-selfies/1/743046.html

Trains to run faster after track doubling

• 
  
  
  • Summary: Eight pairs of passengers trains had been augmented with an additional second class coach each. Additional Divisional Railway Manager P.V. Madurai Railway Division had made available Janani Sewa, children’s menu at the catering units, Mr. Sunil Kumar Garg said. Stating that double line between Chennai Egmore and Madurai would help running of additional trains, he said the trains could be speeded up. Similarly, e-catering facility of Indian Railway Catering and Toursim Corporation commenced at Madurai railway station.
    
    
    “Shadow train for Pandian could be possible after the work” Madurai Division of Southern Railway has sought adjustment of timings of trains post completion of track doubling between Dindigul and Villupuram, according to Divisional Railway Manager Sunil Kumar Garg. Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Mr. Garg said the running time of trains between Madurai and Chennai would be reduced by 45 minutes to over one hour on completion of the project that was expected by the fiscal end. Stating that double line between Chennai Egmore and Madurai would help running of additional trains, he said the trains could be speeded up. He said both Madurai and Tiruchi divisions had appealed to the zonal headquarters for reducing the buffer period permitted in the present system of operation of trains in single line. “We do not want the trains to arrive early to their destinations and then wait outside the stations due to the buffer timing,” he said. Senior Divisional Operations Manager R. Senthil Kumar said the adjustment would be in either allowing early arrival of trains at both ends or late departure from the stations, he said. Mr.
    
    Garg said operation of a shadow train for Pandian Superfast Express could be possible after completion of track doubling. “However, new train services will have to terminate at Tambaram that is being readied as the next terminal,” he said. Madurai Railway Division had made available Janani Sewa, children’s menu at the catering units, Mr. Sunil Kumar Garg said. He said hot water, hot milk, milk bottles and baby food supplements would be available at the units for the benefit of the babies travelling on trains. Similarly, e-catering facility of Indian Railway Catering and Toursim Corporation commenced at Madurai railway station. “Train passengers could choose from a variety of food items available on the menu of IRCTC website www.ecatering.irctc.co.in,” he said. People could place orders over the website or by calling over toll-free number1800-1034-139 or send SMS to 139. Passengers need to provide their PNR number at the time of booking and the food would be delivered to the passengers on the train arriving at the railway station, he said. Online booking of retiring rooms would be introduced at Tirunelveli, Tenkasi and Virudhunagar soon, he added. Eight pairs of passengers trains had been augmented with an additional second class coach each. From October 1, Train No.
    
    Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...aster-after-track-doubling/article8999782.ece
    
    
    

Suresh Prabhu announces 4 new categories of trains under PM Modi’s vision

With the aim to provide convenience to passengers union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on Wednesday announced four new categories of trains.

Of these four categories, one for unreserved passengers and three for reserved ones, which will be operational in the next couple of months.


“The reason behind starting new train for unreserved passengers is to ensure that those belonging to the 'Antodya class' (very poor people) can also travel by train," Prabhu said.

The Minister was speaking after a Memorandum of Understanding was inked between city-based National Academy of the Indian Railway (NAIR) and MS University of Baroda in the presence of Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.

“It is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide travelling facility to this (Antodaya) category of people," he added.

“The Antyodaya Express, a long-distance, fully unreserved, super-fast train service is to be introduced for the common man and it will operate on dense routes," Prabhu added.

As per the Minister, the Railways will also add two to four 'Deen Dayalu' coaches to some long-distance trains for unreserved travel to enhance the carrying capacity.

“The other trains to be introduced are Humsafar - a fully third AC train. The Tejas category of trains will run at 130 km an hour with local cuisine, Wi-Fi and other amenities on board," Prabhu added.

“The final category is UDAY (Utkrisht Double-Decker Air-conditioned Yatri), which will be overnight trains plying on the busiest routes to increase capacity by 40 per cent," said the Minister.

“It (introduction of four trains) is in an attempt to enhance railway services across the country. The Railway ministry does not want the state Chief Ministers to visit New Delhi on eve of the presentation of Railway Budget for including their state's demand in the Budget," he added.

“Now the Ministry has been approaching all the state governments to join hands with the Railways and jointly float companies to execute projects in their respective states," the BJP leader said.

The special train between Vadodara and Ahmedabad is named as 'Sanklap Express,' Prabhu said.

The train was flagged off on August 14 by Vadodara MP Ranjanben Bhatt and Gujarat Minister Rajendra Trivedi in the presence of senior railway officials.

As part of the MoU, railway probationary officers who are currently trained at NAIR, will study and obtain MBA degree from the University with specialisation in respective fields such as Finance, Human Resource Management, Production and Operations Management and Marketing Management.

http://www.indiatvnews.com/news/ind...ories-of-trains-under-pm-modi-s-vision-344182

 

[raj76]

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण,कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे
हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे
18-08-2016

‪#‎Economy‬:In a bid to boost the use of solarpowered cold storages, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has extended its subsidy scheme to solar refrigeration units as well. Most solar powered items, including solar lamps and solar heating systems, enjoy a 30% subsidy under different MNRE programmes.

‪#‎Finance‬:The Govt expects its tax buoyancy to increase after the GST is rolled out, a sharp contrast to many experts warning of disruptions in tax machinery and slower revenue growth in the initial years of this tax reform.

‪#‎Domestic‬ mutual funds accounts for 4.5% of India’s total market capitalisation, up from 2.9% two years ago. The rise comes amid robust and consistent investor flows into equity schemes, rise in stock prices, and market-beating performance by fund managers.

‪#‎Mera‬ Bharat Mahaan:Sakshi malik scripted history by becoming the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympic medal and only fourth female athlete from the country to climb to the podium at the biggest sporting event.

आप सभी को रक्षा बंधन की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं!

भारत माता की जय

 

[Nilgiri]

Love the constant update feed @raj76

It is much appreciated.

 

[proud_indian]

 

[proud_indian]

 

[Shravan#22580]

Yes, Tag me if you get any more info about the japanese locos.

 

[Echo_419]

Great news, nothing replaces good old fashioned investment in Domestic R&D

Delhi Metro is light years ahead of every other metro in India (as can be expected) and this is a good thing- it is a totally world class metro and has proven to Indians that they are capable of such things and will set the standards for all other metro systems to follow.

Thank god for the DMRC and all those who had the foresight to give it the greenlight, it really has ushered in a paradigm shift in India's infrastructure development.

We Delhites got one thing right

Light-year is a unit of distance not time. Delhi metro isn't >9.461e+15m away from other metros in India. It is, however, decades ahead of them in development.

Figure of speech man

 

[Abingdonboy]

Right now only thing I can share with you is that Hitachi Loco isn't costly but Alsthom loco is very cheap.

In that case, can't the IR simply use the 12,000hp Alstom trains on the Western DFC (as the article points out, this will have to be discussed with the Japanese and the terms of their loan for the Western DFC ammended)?

I understand that the Japanese consortium will bring new tech to India outside of what Alstom is already bringing but if the price isn't right then I don't see how the IR will accept the Japanese offer. It would be good to get another high-tech competitor to Alstom making in India though (other than GE and Bombardier) for the sake of "Skill India".

Light-year is a unit of distance not time. Delhi metro isn't >9.461e+15m away from other metros in India. It is, however, decades ahead of them in development.

You got me there.......