2013-02-26

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Speech of Sh. Pawan Kumar Bansal

introducing the Railway Budget, 2013-14

26th February 2013

1. Madam Speaker, I rise to present before this august House the

Revised Estimates for 2012-13 and a statement of estimated receipts and

expenditure for 2013-14. I do so with mixed feelings crossing my mind.

While I have a feeling of a colossus today, it is only ephemeral and is

instantaneously overtaken by a sense of humility. Democracy gives

wings to the wingless, cautioning us all the while, that howsoever high

or wide our flight may be, we must remain connected to the ground.

For giving me this opportunity, I am grateful to the Hon’ble Prime

Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and the UPA Chairperson, Smt. Sonia

Gandhi and pay my homage to the sacred memory of Sh. Rajiv Gandhi

who introduced me to the portals of this highest Temple of Indian

democracy.

2. Madam Speaker, as I proceed, my thought goes to a particularly

severe cold spell during the recent winter, when it was snowing heavily

in Kashmir valley, and suspension of road and air services had brought

life to a grinding halt. Photographs in Newspapers showing a train

covered with snow emerging from a similar white background, carrying

passengers travelling over the recently commissioned Qazigund -

Baramulla section instilled in me a sense of immense pride.

I recall here the inspirational words of Christine Weatherly:

When you travel on the railway,

And the line goes up a hill,

Just listen to the engine

As it pulls you with a will.

Though it goes very slowly

It sings this little song

“I think I can, I think I can,”

And so it goes along.

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3. That is the strength of this organization, supported by

determination, commitment and dedication to duty demonstrated by

each member of the 14 lakh strong Rail Parivar.

4. Indian Railways is a vital organisation, playing an unparalleled

role in integrating the nation. From Baramulla in the north to

Kanyakumari in the south, Dwarka in the West to Ledo in the East,

trains of Bhartiya Rail always on the move, carrying people and

material, creating opportunities and fostering development is a single

most important catalyst in the growth story of our great Nation. Madam,

I have hardly completed four months with Railways but it is a great

feeling indeed to find myself identifying with the stupendous task

assigned by the people of India to the railways.

5. In these few months, I have been overwhelmed by demands for

new projects, new trains, and varied suggestions for improving the

services, reflecting aspirations of the people of India. While Railways

undoubtedly contribute significantly to the growth, progress and

development of the country and is a powerful vehicle for mainstreaming

remotest corners of the nation, the growth of Railways itself is

inextricably linked with the overall growth of the country.

Dilemmas & Concerns

6. I wish to share with this august House some of the concerns that

Railways are faced with today.

7. IR must remain financially sustainable so that resources generated

can be ploughed back for efficient upkeep, operation and maintenance

of the system itself for the benefit of the rail users. Major segments of its

business, freight as well as passenger need, therefore, to be based on

sound economic principles and provide value for money to all

customers. This august House is aware that growth of this crucial

transport sector has not always conformed to these principles. Steep

increase in input costs had to be met primarily through adjustment in

freight rates. As a result, the ability of the railways to generate enough

resources to meet its operational expenditure as well as investment in

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crucial planned activities such as enhancing safety, throughput capacity,

users’ amenities etc. suffered.

8. The number of passenger trains has increased from 8897 in 2001-02

to 12335 in 2011-12. Yet, the losses on these operations continue to

mount, increasing from Rs 4,955 crore in 2001-02 to Rs 22,500 crore in

2011-12 and is estimated to be Rs 24,600 crore in 2012-13. This has also

resulted in deterioration of services extended to our esteemed

passengers.

9. Mounting scarcity of resources continues to stare us in the face.

Thin spread of funds has only compounded the problem. In fact, I find

that many of the projects which would help railways in debottlenecking

and decongesting its over-saturated network are not getting funded in a

time bound manner. During the XI Plan, Railways could meet the target

of new lines and electrification but fell short of the targets for doubling

and gauge conversion, achieving only 2758 km and 5321 km

respectively. Considering the vastness of our country, and taking into

account large areas still aspiring for rail connectivity, the targets need to

be much higher and the rail network has to be expanded at a much

faster rate than has been possible till now.

10. Planning Commission has tentatively pegged the Railways’ 12th

Plan at Rs 5.19 lakh crore with a Gross Budgetary Support of Rs 1.94

lakh crore, internal resources of Rs 1.05 lakh crore, and market

borrowing of Rs 1.20 lakh crore, with another Rs 1 lakh crore expected to

be raised through public private partnership route. The internal resource

target, which is 1.6 times that of XI Plan, also appears a tall order as we

could allocate only Rs 10,000 crore in the first year of the 12th Plan. The

onerous task of raising the balance amount of Rs 95,000 crore in the next

four years calls for a paradigm shift in our approach to tariff and nontariff

segments of earnings.

Safety & Security

11. The railway family is deeply grieved over the most unfortunate

and tragic incident which occurred at Allahabad station during the

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ongoing holy Kumbh. I am particularly pained that such an incident

happened despite the most meticulous planning and efforts put in by

the railways to take care of the comforts, safety and other requirements

of the pilgrims. While monetary support provided to the victims’

families does not provide balm for the pain and misery caused, the

incident has shaken us and we would strive to build in a higher level of

contingency margin in our future planning.

12. Madam Speaker, rail passengers deserve safe and comfortable

travel. Safety is a necessary mandate for running trains. With the

untiring endeavour of the railway family to address human failure and

technical deficiencies, there has been a significant reduction in the

incidence of rail accidents. Even though the volume of passenger and

freight traffic increased manifold, the number of consequential train

accidents per million train kilometre has decreased from 0.41 in 2003-04

to 0.13 at the end of 2011-12. The target of bringing this figure to 0.17 by

2012-13, stipulated under the Corporate Safety Plan introduced since

2003 was surpassed in the year 2011-12 itself. We will strive to work

towards a zero accident situation.

13. The Committees headed by Dr. Anil Kakodkar and Sh. Sam

Pitroda have laid down a roadmap for improving safety and bringing

about modernisation of Railways. While some of the recommendations

of the two Committees have been taken up for implementation, the rest

are under active consideration of the Ministry.

14. A disquieting issue which weighs my mind down is accidents at

level crossings. 40% of consequential accidents and 60% of fatalities are

accounted for by level crossings. While railways regularly undertake

awareness drives, a permanent solution lies only in eliminating the

crossings. Railway Safety Fund set up to finance safety works at level

crossings has been very useful, but is proving to be inadequate.

Railways’ annual share from the Central Road Fund is only Rs 1,100

crore against a requirement of almost Rs 5,000 crore. Meeting estimated

requirement of nearly Rs 37,000 crore at present day cost for eliminating

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31,846 LCs, out of which 13,530 are unmanned, would only be possible

with enhanced support from the Central Road Fund.

15. Some of the measures taken/proposed to be taken to strengthen

safe operation of trains are:-

i. elimination of 10,797 level crossings during the 12th Plan and

not adding any new LC to the IR system henceforth;

ii. continued thrust on improved Signalling for not only ensuring

much better safety for train operations but also enhancing the

track capacity;

iii. introduction of Train Protection Warning System (TPWS) on

automatic signalling systems;

iv. following successful completion of initial testing, the

indigenously developed Train Collision Avoidance System

(TCAS) is proposed to be put to rigorous trials to validate the

technology under complex operational conditions;

v. upgradation of track structure using 60 kg rails, 260 meter long

welded rail-panels and improved flash butt welding

technology;

vi. induction of Self Propelled Accident Relief Trains (SPART) with

speed potential of 160/200 kmph on trial basis with a view to

putting in place a fast and reliable disaster management system;

vii. progressive induction of crash-worthy LHB coaches having

anti-climb feature;

viii. 17 bridges on IR which have been identified as distressed have

been sanctioned for rehabilitation to be completed over next

one year.

16. Madam, accidents caused due to fire, even though very infrequent,

have been a major cause for concern. Some of the measures taken

include:-

i. provision of Comprehensive Fire and Smoke Detection System

on pilot basis;

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ii. provision of portable fire extinguishers in Guard-cum-Brake

Vans, AC Coaches and Pantry Cars in all trains;

iii. enhanced use of fire retardant furnishing materials in coaches;

iv. social awareness campaigns for observance of safe practices.

17. With a view to provide long term perspective and focussed

attention for enhancing safety, I propose to initiate an exercise of making

Corporate Safety Plan for a ten year period (2014-24).

18. The Railway family is deeply grieved by some incidents of death

of elephants on railway tracks passing through forest areas. Several

measures have been initiated in consultation with Ministry of

Environment & Forests, which I am confident will substantially reduce

such accidents and safeguard the lives of these gentle giants.

19. To strengthen the security of rail passengers, especially women

passengers, Railways have already created four companies of women

RPF personnel and another eight would be set up. Recruitment to RPF

is being conducted with 10% vacancies reserved for women. The

presence of women RPF personnel will be further strengthened with the

field units.

20. Many trains are being escorted by Government Railway Police and

Railway Protection Force in sensitive sections. Further, the Ladies

Special local trains in Metropolitan Cities are being escorted by lady RPF

Staff. Security helpline numbers have been made available on several

zonal railways to facilitate passengers in reporting any untoward

incidence for immediate intervention.

Passenger Amenities

21. The widespread disappointment of the travelling public with the

state of cleanliness and hygiene at stations and trains, bedrolls and

catering has often been highlighted in this august House. As a frequent

rail-traveller, I have experienced this personally. Resource constraint

cannot be a reason for sub-standard services and efforts need to be

directed for providing reasonable quality of facilities to rail-users. I am

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committed to bring about a marked change in the level of passenger

amenities. It is my firm belief that Railways’ efforts towards introducing

new trains, or extending the run or frequency of existing trains should

not be at the cost of amenities for passengers and safety. Some of the

measures taken/proposed to be taken for improving passengers’ travel

experience are as follows :-

i. Identification of 104 stations, serving a population of more than

one million or those serving places of religious/tourist

importance for immediate attention to all aspects related to

cleanliness;

ii. progressive extension of bio-toilets on trains;

iii. provision of concrete aprons on platforms with mechanised

cleaning facilities. 200 stations have already been covered;

iv. extension of On Board Housekeeping Scheme (OBHS) and

Clean Trains Stations (CTSs) to more stations and trains;

v. extension of Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS), Automatic

Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), Coin-operated Ticket

Vending Machines (CO-TVMs) and scheme of Jan-Sadharan

Ticket Booking Sevaks (JTBSs);

vi. setting up of six more Rail Neer bottling plants at Vijayawada,

Nagpur, Lalitpur, Bilaspur, Jaipur and Ahmedabad;

vii. launching of a pilot project on select trains to facilitate

passengers to contact on-board staff through SMS/phone

call/e-mail for prompt response for coach cleanliness and also

to provide real time feedback;

viii. setting up of 8-10 more mechanized laundries for quality

washing of linen;

ix. provision of announcement facility and electronic display

boards in trains for disseminating information to on-board

passengers about approaching stations, train running, arrival

platform, etc.;

x. providing free Wi-Fi facility on several trains to cater to the

increasing aspirations and requirement of our youth and other

valued customers;

xi. upgrading another 60 stations as Adarsh Stations in addition to

980 already selected;

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xii. associate voluntary organisations for providing first aid

services etc. at railway stations.

NCR Stations

22. I recognize need for special attention to stations in National

Capital Region. Development of directional terminals began some years

back with opening of Anand Vihar station. Studies for terminal at

Bijwasan will be taken up during the year. Further, to augment

infrastructure and revamp the facilities at Delhi, New Delhi and Hazrat

Nizamuddin, works costing Rs 100 crore have been taken up.

‘Anubhuti’

23. With increasing popularity of Shatabdi and Rajdhani trains, there

is also a demand for higher travel comfort. Responding to this need, to

begin with, IR will introduce one such coach in select trains which will

provide an excellent ambience and latest modern facilities and services.

Such coaches will be named ‘Anubhuti’ with commensurate fare

structure.

Amenities for Differently-abled Passengers

24. Madam Speaker, India is a signatory to the UN Convention on the

rights of the disabled. We are conscious of our responsibility under the

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). To facilitate the boarding of

trains and exit from the stations for the differently-abled and the elderly,

the steps proposed include provision of 179 escalators and 400 lifts at A-

1 and other major stations, affixing Braille stickers indicating the layout

of coaches including toilets, provision of wheel chairs and battery

operated vehicles at more stations and making coaches wheel-chair

friendly.

25. In order to provide an employment avenue to the disabled people,

I propose to reserve a specified number of JTBS for them, keeping in

view the fact that the PCOs at stations have become largely redundant

after the mobile revolution in India.

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IT Initiatives for passenger benefits

26. To harness technology in myriad forms for bringing about

improvement in the lives of our people was the visionary plan of Sh.

Rajiv Gandhi. He was the trailblazer of the IT revolution in the country.

It has helped IR and crores of passengers in many ways. Today, I look

forward expectantly to the use of Aadhar scheme by IR. The database

generated, can be extensively and efficiently used by railways not only

to render more user friendly services such as booking of tickets,

validation of genuine passengers with GPS enabled handheld gadgets in

trains, but also to provide a better interface with its employees in regard

to their salaries, pension, allowances etc. I have had some discussion on

potential applications of Aadhar with Shri Nandan Nilekani. I plan to

roll out a more efficient and people sensitive Railway Services system.

Some of the measures initiated or afoot are:-

i. extending availability of the facility of internet ticketing from

0030 hours to 2330 hours;

ii. making e-ticketing possible through mobile phones;

iii. as a follow up to overwhelming response to IR website and

Integrated Train Enquiry Service under “139”, a project of SMS

Alerts to passengers providing updates on reservation status is

being rolled out shortly;

iv. covering larger number of trains under Real Time Information

System (RTIS), whereby rail-users will be able to access

information through nominated websites and mobile phones.

Ticket Reservation

27. I often get to hear that congestion at the IRCTC website causes

inordinate delay in accessing the system for e-ticketing. By the end of

this calendar year, we will put in place a Next Generation e-ticketing

system which will bring about a paradigm shift in internet rail ticketing

by significantly improving the end user experience in respect of ease of

use, response time as well as capacity. The system shall be able to

support 7200 tickets per minute as against 2000 tickets per minute today.

It will support 1,20,000 simultaneous users at any point in time against

the present capacity of 40,000 users with capability to easily scale up as

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demand increases in future. The system will make use of advanced

fraud control and security management tools thereby further improving

fairness and transparency in disbursal of tickets.

28. Some measures taken to curb malpractices in reserved tickets

including Tatkal are:-

i. mandatory carrying of ID cards by passengers with reserved

tickets;

ii. rigorous drive leading to prosecution of more than 1800 touts in

the current year;

iii. in case of tatkal, reduction of advance reservation period to one

day, issue of tickets only on production of ID proof at PRS

counters, issue of only one tatkal ticket per train per day to web

service agents;

iv. denial of access to agents to internet booking between 0800 to 1000

hrs.

Catering

29. Madam Speaker, I believe rail travel must be inextricably linked

with good quality, hygienic and affordable food, catering to all classes of

passengers. For effective quality control, arrangements are being tied up

with food testing laboratories in addition to third party audit. State-ofthe-

art base kitchens are proposed to be set up in railway premises for

better monitoring of quality of meals. ISO certification will now be

insisted upon for all base-kitchens.

30. A Centralised Catering Services Monitoring Cell with a Toll free

number – 1800 111 321 has started functioning w.e.f. 18th January, 2013

to facilitate redressal of complaints/suggestions on realtime basis.

Rail Tourism

31. Railways form a popular mode of travel, both for domestic and

foreign tourists. To make the experience of tourists more pleasant, the

following steps are envisaged:-

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i. following popularity of Executive Lounge at New Delhi, setting

up of such facility at seven more stations namely, Bilaspur,

Visakhapatnam, Patna, Nagpur, Agra, Jaipur and Bengaluru;

ii. launching a multi-modal travel package with cooperation of

State Government of Jammu & Kashmir enabling passengers to

travel from Jammu through Udhampur, Qazigund to Srinagar and

Baramulla on a common rail-bus ticket;

iii. with the commissioning of railway line up to Katra very soon,

feasibility of issuing ‘yatra parchis’ to pilgrims travelling by rail at

the time of booking of the railway ticket is being explored in

coordination with Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

32. The role of Indian Railways in unification of the country during

the freedom struggle is historical. I propose to run an educational

tourist train called ‘Azadi Express’ to enable our youth to travel to

important places connected with the freedom movement. The train will

be made attractive and affordable through concessional fares.

Freight

33. Freight traffic has been the mainstay of internal resource

generation on the Indian Railways. I am happy to inform this august

House that this year the Indian Railways is set to achieve the milestone

of entering the one Billion Tonne Select Club, joining Chinese, Russian

and US Railways. This year the originating freight loading is estimated

to be 1007 MT, about 38 MT over 2011-12.

34. The initiatives taken to become a major heavy-haul carrier include

running of long-haul trains which has enabled us to join another select

club of Railways, which run freight trains of more than 10,000 tonnes

load. As a part of this initiative, 49 long loops, that could hold 1.5 km

long trains, have been sanctioned this year, besides large scale induction

of Distributed Power Systems to mitigate capacity constraints and

improve wagon utilisation.

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Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC)

35. Land acquisition for nearly 2,800 km of the eastern and western

freight corridors is almost complete. The first major civil construction

contract on the 343 km Kanpur-Khurja section of the eastern corridor has

already been awarded and by the end of 2013-14, construction contract

to cover up to 1,500 km on the two corridors would be awarded and the

work started. Preliminary Engineering-cum-Traffic Studies (PETS) have

been taken up on four future Dedicated Freight Corridors.

Projects of national importance

36. Madam Speaker, security of the nation is paramount, and our

brave soldiers make immense sacrifices to safeguard our frontiers.

Providing need based rail connectivity to border areas is uppermost on

Railways’ agenda. The national project of Udhampur-Srinagar-

Baramulla and other projects of strategic importance will be taken up on

top priority. For the first time the State of Arunachal has been brought

into the rail network and we shall commission the Harmuti-Naharlagun

line this year. Also I am happy to inform that works on the new line

railway project to connect state of Manipur are in full swing. We are also

fast tracking the gauge conversion works on Lumding-Silchar and

Rangia-Murkongselek. I am fully conscious of the difficult task of the

Finance Minister but hope that he will find ways to provide necessary

funds for important rail connectivity projects.

37. In view of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committees

and demands from various Border States, I will pursue for approval of

certain projects identified as being of national importance viz. Bilaspur-

Manali-Leh, Jammu-Poonch via Aknoor, Tanakpur-Bageshwar and

Parsuramkund-Rupai. I also propose to take up a new line between

Firozpur and Patti for providing direct rail link between border areas of

Firozpur and Amritsar/Atari.

Public Private Partnerships

38. An ambitious target of Rs one lakh crore has been set to attract

investments through PPP route during the 12th Plan. This is a

challenging area for IR considering the capital intensive, long gestation

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nature of rail infrastructure projects and limited success achieved so far.

Elevated Rail Corridor in Mumbai, parts of the DFC, redevelopment of

stations, power generation/energy saving projects, freight terminals are

areas proposed for private investment during the 12th Plan period.

Cooperation of state governments is also being sought to provide

momentum to these initiatives.

39. A target of Rs 1,000 crore each is proposed to be fixed for Rail

Land Development Authority and IR Station Development Corporation

in 2013-14.

40. The recently revamped participative policy enabling partnership

with ports, large mines, industry and investors addresses the specific

concerns of private investors. The models seek to create a win-win

situation by ensuring payback of investment mainly through freight

apportionment. An investment of up to Rs 9,000 crore is expected under

these projects including Rs 3,800 crore for port connectivity projects, Rs

4,000 crore for coal mine connectivity and Rs 800 crore for iron ore mines

connectivity improvements.

FOBs Across Stations

41. Some of the Hon’ble Members have requested for construction of

foot-over bridges across stations. While this does not form part of the

existing scheme of things, I assure the august House that Railways

would be happy to become partners in such projects with the state

governments. Accordingly, a scheme for funding construction of FOBs

across stations is being firmed up.

Rail-Based Industries

42. To meet the increasing demand, reduce dependence on imports

and to generate employment opportunities, following new

manufacturing/maintenance facilities are proposed to be set up:-

i. a new Forged Wheel Factory at Rae Bareli for which an MoU has

been signed with Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL);

ii. a Greenfield Mainline Electrical Multiple Units (MEMU)

manufacturing facility at Bhilwara, Rajasthan in collaboration

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with state government and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited

(BHEL);

iii. a coach manufacturing unit in Sonepat district, Haryana in

collaboration with the state government;

iv. midlife rehabilitation (MLR) Workshop at Kurnool, Andhra

Pradesh in collaboration with the state government;

v. conversion of Bikaner and Pratapgarh workshops to undertake

POH of BG wagons;

vi. a workshop for repair and rehabilitation of motorised bogies at

Misrod, Madhya Pradesh;

vii. a new wagon maintenance workshop in Kalahandi district,

Odisha;

viii. a modern signalling equipment facility at Chandigarh through

PPP route.

43. As regards setting up of new coach factories at Palakkad and

Kolar, and a wagon factory in Ganjam district of Odisha, we are in

consultation with respective state governments. I am hopeful of early

commencement of work.

Railways’ PSUs & Production Units

44. Madam, I take pride in informing the House that all the 11 Public

Sector Undertakings of the Railways performed very well and paid

highest ever dividend. They were successful in securing several

important contracts in other countries for constructions/rehabilitation of

railway lines and supply of rolling stock, a testimony of their

professional strength. The dividend paid in 2011-12 was 14.3% higher

than in the previous fiscal.

45. Madam, Railways’ Production Units have contributed immensely

to the growth of the organization by ensuring regular supply of rolling

stock using improved technology. All of them achieved the production

targets in 2011-12.

Scrap Disposal

46. Railways have been annually disposing of scrap which not only

generates revenue but also helps in de-cluttering the work space. I

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intend to institute a special drive during the year to take up disposal of

scrap lying in stores depots, workshops, along the tracks and at

construction sites. A target of Rs 4,500 crore has been set for 2013-14.

Green Energy Initiatives

47. Railways remain firmly committed to protecting the environment

and promoting sustainable development and use of energy efficient

technologies. Some of the new steps that have been taken or are

proposed to be taken include:-

i. setting up of Railway Energy Management Company (REMC) to

harness potential of solar and wind energy;

ii. setting up of 75 MW windmill plants and energizing 1000 level

crossings with solar power;

iii. deployment of new generation energy efficient electric

locomotives and electrical multiple units (EMUs) saving about 60

crore units in 2011-12. Railways has also won the National

Energy Conservation Award;

iv. encourage more usage of agro-based and recycled paper and ban

use of plastic in catering.

Staff

48. The tradition of healthy and harmonious industrial relation across

length and breadth of Indian Railways was ensured during the year by

active participation of labour unions and officers’ associations in

decision making process at all levels of the management. This strong

tradition continues to nurture the vast organization and help in

discharging its national duty.

49. Madam, our 14 lakh employees constitute our most valuable asset.

I feel extremely humbled as head of this mammoth organization which

has given so much to the nation and touches the life of each one of us.

Some of the measures I propose to take for their welfare are:--

i. concerted efforts to fill up approximately 1.52 lakh vacancies this

year. It is a measure of popularity of railways as an employer that

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a staggering 2.2 crore applications were received. For the first time,

Railway recruitment examinations were held at more than 60 cities

across the country. In the process, a backlog of about 47,000

vacancies earmarked for weaker sections and physically

challenged is likely to get cleared.

ii. construction of staff quarters has been hampered by funding

constraints. Encouraged by the success of Ministry of Urban

Development in constructing quarters through PPP mode, I

propose to adopt the same in the railways. Yet, I have enhanced

the fund allocation under staff quarters by 50% over previous year

to provide Rs 300 crore;

iii. provision of hostel facilities for single women railway employees

at all Divisional headquarters;

iv. extending the treatment facility in case of medical emergency to

RELHS beneficiaries to all cities where hospitals are empanelled

either with CGHS or with Railways;

v. condition of barracks would be improved to provide better living

conditions to personnel of RPF;

vi. Considering the stress faced by loco-pilots particularly in harsh

climatic conditions, it is proposed to provide water closets and air

condition the locomotive cabs.

Skill Development

50. With a view to contributing to the national skill development

programme of the Government, Ministry of Railways would impart

skills to the youth in railway related trades in 25 locations spread across

the length and breadth of the country. These locations are: Agartala,

Alwar, Ankleshwar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Dimapur, Imphal,

Jagdalpur, Jais, Katihar, Kazipet, Kollam, Koraput, Lumding,

Mangalore, Murshidabad, Nagpur, Naharlagun, Pathankot, Ranchi,

Ratlam, Shimla, Sirsa, Srinagar and Tiruchchirappalli.

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51. I propose to set up a multi-disciplinary training institute at

Nagpur for imparting training in rail related electronics technologies.

52. Madam Speaker, Kautilya counselled, “All undertakings depend

upon finance. Hence foremost attention shall be paid to the treasury”.

The officers of Indian Railways responsible for professional

management of finances and accounts have to be endowed with

structured and professional training in contemporary areas and

equipped with necessary skills on a regular basis. This will enable them

to face emerging challenges and tap opportunities for strengthening the

finances of the organization. With this in view, I am happy to announce

the setting up of an exclusive Centralized Training Institute at

Secunderabad – Indian Railways Institute of Financial Management

(IRIFM).

53. Railways is a fascinating organization. In order to motivate

students to study and undertake research on IR related issues at M.Phil

& Ph.D levels, I propose to institute 5 fellowships in national

universities. The fellowship will carry an appropriate stipend. I also

propose to set up a Chair at TERI to promote railway related research to

reduce our carbon footprint

Sports

54. Madam, Railways continued to excel in sports. In the London

Summer Olympics in 2012, Sushil Kumar won second consecutive medal

in Olympics. In the current year, Railways teams have already won 9

National Championships and the Railway Sports Promotion Board has

rightfully been awarded the ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar – 2012’.

55. It has been decided that recipients of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

Award and Dhyan Chand Award shall be provided facility of

Complimentary Card passes valid for travel by 1st Class/2nd AC. Also,

Complimentary Card passes being issued to Olympic Medalists &

Dronacharya Awardees shall be valid for travel in Rajdhani/Shatabdi

trains, as in the case of Arjuna Awardees. Travel by Duronto trains shall

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also be permitted on all Card passes issued to sportspersons who have

the facility of travel by Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains.

Saluting the Brave

56. Our brave and valiant soldiers make immense sacrifices to defend

our borders. As a humble token of IR’s gratitude, I have decided to

extend the facility of Complimentary Card Pass valid in 1st Class/2AC to

the parents of posthumous unmarried awardees of Maha Vir Chakra,

Vir Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, President’s Police Medal for

Gallantry and Police Medal for Gallantry.

57. I also wish to announce that police gallantry awardees shall now

be granted one Complimentary Pass every year for travel along with one

companion in 2 AC in Rajdhani/Shatabdi trains.

58. Presently freedom fighters are required to renew their passes

every year. This causes inconvenience to many of them in an advanced

age. I have, therefore, decided to raise this requirement of renewal to

three years.

Rail Heritage

59. Mountain Railways of India are the World Heritage Sites placing

India in an exclusive club of nations that include only Switzerland and

Austria. We are truly proud of this and are committed to take measures

to preserve them in good shape and health.

60. National Rail Museum, New Delhi is a premier institution holding

a large number of priceless rail exhibits. It showcases Indian Railways’

history and its evolution. The Museum has come to acquire a prominent

place on the Delhi tourist map. To provide a memorable experience to

the visitors especially the children, a revamp plan will be rolled out in

2013-14.

Enforcing Strict Financial Discipline

61. Madam Speaker, apt is the saying, “Money saved is money

earned”. Austerity and economy in expenditure will be observed by the

19

Railways rigorously and no wastages will be permitted. I would like to

inform the august House of some measures taken or proposed to be

taken for enforcing strict financial discipline:-

i. Taking note of the fact that progress on works approved in

successive Railway Budgets and through Supplementary

Demands for Grants in the last few years had been slow,

primarily on account of resource constraints, it was recognised

that this defeats the very purpose of taking vote on out-of-turn

basis rather than in the regular budget. Consequently, for the

first time in the last 25 years, railways did not present any

supplementary demands for grants either in Monsoon Session or

Winter Session of Parliament in 2012.

ii. The Railways were compelled to seek a special loan of Rs 3,000

crore from the Ministry of Finance during 2011-12. I am happy to

report that the entire loan amount along with interest has been

repaid in the current financial year.

iii. For the first time, 347 ongoing projects have been identified as

priority projects, and provided committed funding. We intend to

ensure funding of these projects at required level during the 12th

Plan so as to complete them in a time bound manner. It is

important that railways start reaping benefits on their

investments at the earliest. The thin spread of scarce resources

can be overcome only in this manner. I trust that the House will

appreciate this compulsion and support our proposal.

iv. For practical and realistic targets, it would require a judicious

mix of strategies, including liberal funding of last mile projects

and operationally important projects including the Dedicated

Freight Corridors.

v. To create a corpus for meeting IR’s committed liabilities for debt

servicing of JICA and World Bank loans taken for the DFC

Project, it is proposed to set up a new Debt Service Fund.

vi. Targets for eliminating inefficiencies in the maintenance of

rolling stock and fuel consumption are being made more

stringent.

20

62. I can assure the august House that the measures taken will help

the railways to close the current fiscal with positive fund balances as

against deficit closure during the last two successive years. However,

the road ahead is long with many a winding turn. The fund balances

need to be rebuilt to a reasonable level of at least Rs. 30,000 crore by the

end of 12th Plan after meeting the internal resource target of Rs 1.05 lakh

crore for plan expenditure.

Review of Financial Performance, 2012-13

63. Railways’ freight performance is based on a derived demand.

There has been a slower growth in freight loading than expected at the

beginning of the year and accordingly Railways had no option but to

scale down the budget target of 1025 MT to 1007 MT, though it still

reflects an increase of 38 MT over 2011-12. The freight earnings target

has also been adjusted to Rs 85,976 cr from the BE of Rs 89,339 cr, a

reduction of Rs 3,383 cr. Considering the partial rollback of passenger

fare increase, mitigated somewhat by the subsequent fare adjustment in

January 2013, the revised passenger earnings target is proposed at Rs

32,500 cr, i.e. a reduction of Rs 3,573 cr over BE, 2012-13.

64. I am keeping the Gross Traffic Receipts at Rs 1,25,680 cr in the

Revised Estimates as against the BE of Rs 1,32,552 cr.

65. Despite increase in costs and revision of energy charges, the

provision under Ordinary Working Expenses has been retained at BG

level of Rs 84,400 cr in RE. With increase in appropriation to Pension

Fund from Rs 18,500 cr to Rs 20,000 cr, necessitated by increase in

pensionary benefits and number of pensioners, the net revenue is

estimated to reduce by Rs 6,484 cr. The plan investment during the year

has also been adjusted from Rs 60,100 cr to Rs 52,265 cr.

66. I am happy to report to the august House that as a result of our

consistent efforts at maintaining strict financial discipline during the

year, the Operating Ratio is estimated at 88.8%. This is a source of great

satisfaction as the operating ratio has consistently been over 90% since

21

1997-98. The only exception was during the three years from 2005-06 to

2007-08, the period immediately preceding implementation of VI Pay

Commission recommendations.

67. I take this opportunity to thank the Railway Convention

Committee for lowering the rate of dividend from 5% to 4% thus

providing a relief of about Rs 715 cr. I also thank the hon’ble Finance

Minister for his understanding and consideration but I do believe that

one day Railways shall find ways to contribute to its infrastructural

projects.

A bird sitting on a tree has no fear of falling, not because of the strength of the

branch but because of faith in its own wings.

Budget Estimates 2013-14

68. Madam, I shall now deal with the Budget Estimates for 2013-14.

69. With the current estimates of growth of national GDP, I have kept

a target of 1047 MT of revenue earning originating traffic during 2013-

14, which is about 40 MT more than the current year. The freight

earnings target has accordingly been set at Rs 93,554 crore, a growth of

9%. The number of passengers is expected to increase by 5.2% and the

earnings target has been kept at Rs 42,210 cr.

70. Factoring in the impact of expected growth of 11% and 10% in

Other Coaching and Sundry earnings respectively, the Gross Traffic

Receipts are expected to be Rs 1,43,742 cr, an increase of Rs 18,062 cr

over the Revised Estimates of 2012-13. Ordinary Working Expenses have

been fixed at Rs 96,500 cr i.e. 14% higher than the current year and

appropriation to the Pension Fund at Rs 22,000 cr. Based on the likely

requirement of plan resources for renewals and replacement of railways’

assets, the appropriation to Depreciation Reserve Fund has been kept at

Rs 7,500 cr.

71. The ‘Excess’ left after payment of Dividend calculated at 4% would

be appropriated to Development Fund (Rs 3,550 cr), Capital Fund (Rs

22

5,434 cr) and newly created Debt Service Fund (Rs 4,163 cr). The

Operating Ratio is expected to improve to 87.8% from the Revised

Estimate of 88.8%. Consequently, we will close the year 2013-14 with a

balance of Rs 12,506 cr in the Railway Funds.

Annual Plan 2013-14

72. Madam Speaker, the Annual Plan, 2013-14 has to be integrated

with the broad objectives and targets set for the 12th Plan. Yet, we must

be realistic in setting targets in the Annual Plan 2013-14, even if it means

that Railways would be faced with a stiffer challenge of enhancing

investment during the remaining three years of the 12th Plan. A plan

investment of Rs 63,363 crore is proposed for 2013-14. The Plan is

proposed to be financed through GBS of Rs 26,000 cr, Railway’s Share in

Road Safety Fund of Rs 2,000 cr, internal resources of Rs 14,260 cr,

market borrowings of Rs 15,103 cr and an expected mobilization of Rs

6,000 cr through the PPP route. The thrust of the plan is on doubling of

tracks, safety and passenger and staff welfare for which I have increased

the outlay from about Rs 11,410 cr in 2012-13 to Rs 13,220 cr, an increase

of 16%.

73. I would also like to thank the Minister for Rural Development for

agreeing to the request of railways to partner in some of the railway

related activities under MGNREGA.

Passenger Fares

74. Madam Speaker, looking to the key role played by the Railways in

meeting transportation needs of the people, any rise in passenger fares is

not and should not be viewed as a measure for profit generation. If the

fares remain at a level far below the cost of operations, the railways are

bound to find it hard to provide safe, clean and comfortable journey to

the travelling public. A modest annual increase of 5 to 6% in the fares

over a period of say ten years can provide about Rs one lakh crore by

way of additional resources, which can substantially finance internal

generation component of throw-forward of about Rs 75,000 crore and

give additional benefits to the travelling public by way of improvement

in services.

23

75. It is only a financially strong organization that can deliver better

services and discharge its social responsibility effectively. The UPA

Government is sensitive to the needs of the people and it was after wide

consultation and deliberations, that some revision was effected in fares

from 22nd January, 2013. The revision is expected to realise additional Rs

6,600 cr in 2013-14.

Fuel Adjustment Component (FAC)

76. However, subsequent increase in the rates of HSD oil in January

2013 itself has added Rs. 3,300 crore to the fuel bill of Railways, taking

away a substantial portion of the additional resources targeted. Besides,

electricity tariffs are also revised periodically. The increase in fuel bill

during 2013-14 on account of these revisions in 2012-13 alone would be

more than Rs 5,100 crore. In the light of deregulation of the HSD oil,

Railways’ finances need to be rationally insulated and to this end a

mechanism to neutralize the impact of fuel prices on operating expenses

is required to be put in place. In the Budget 2012-13, my learned

predecessor had proposed to segregate fuel component in tariffs as FAC.

As then suggested, I propose that this component be dynamic in nature

and change in either direction with the change in fuel cost, say twice a

year. It is proposed to implement the FAC-linked revision in only

freight tariff from 1st April, 2013. As regards passenger fares, since these

were revised only in January this year, I do not intend to pass on the

additional burden to them now and railways will absorb the impact of

Rs 850 cr on this account.

77. There are a number of charges which have not been revised for last

several years. These charges are in the form of compensation for cost

actually incurred by railways in rendering relevant services. I propose

to effect marginal increase in some of these. These include

supplementary charge for superfast trains, reservation fee, clerkage

charge, cancellation charge and tatkal charge. However, I propose to

abolish the concept of enhanced reservation fee with a view to simplify

the fee structure, having already discontinued development charge in

January this year.

24

Rail Tariff Authority

78. Madam, my predecessor had mentioned the need for setting up of

an independent Rail Tariff Authority while presenting the budget for

2012-13. A proposal in this regard has been formulated and is at interministerial

consultation stage.

Infrastructure Expansion

79. In 2010-11 and 2011-12, Railways completed 709 km and 727 km

respectively of new lines. However, during 2012-13, emphasis was laid

on capacity enhancement works like doubling, traffic facilities etc. The

target of 700 km of new lines in the current year had to be scaled down

to 470 km due to inadequate resources. The sections which have either

been completed or are planned to be completed during 2012-13 are listed

at Annexure 1.

80. The target of 800 km for gauge conversion fixed for 2012-13 has

also been scaled down to 575 km. The sections which have either been

completed or are slated to be completed during 2012-13 are listed at

Annexure 2.

81. I am happy to report that that the target of 700 km of doubling

will be marginally exceeded during 2012-13. Sections which have either

been completed or are scheduled for completion during 2012-13 are

listed at Annexure 3.

82. Railways will complete electrification of 1200 route km. The

sections which have been completed or are likely to be completed in

2012-13 are listed at Annexure 4.

Metropolitan Transport Project

83. Construction of metro system in Kolkata from Dum Dum to

Noapara is scheduled to be completed by March, 2013. Works on the

MUTP Phase II, announced in the last budget, are also progressing

satisfactorily. I am happy to inform the august House that the first AC

EMU rake will be introduced on Mumbai suburban network in 2013-14.

25

The construction of East-West Corridor in Kolkata which is underway,

will be taken forward.

84. In order to meet the growing demand, 72 additional services in

Mumbai and 18 in Kolkata are being introduced. Besides, rake length is

being increased from 9 cars to 12 cars for 80 services in Kolkata and 30

services in Chennai.

Targets for 2013-14

85. A target to complete 500 km of new lines has been set for 2013-14.

A list of sections proposed to be completed during the year is given in

Annexure 5.

86. It is targeted to convert 450 km of MG/NG lines to broad gauge

during 2013-14. The sections are given in Annexure 6.

87. The target for Doubling has been increased to 750 km for 2013-14.

The sections proposed to be completed in 2013-14 are given in Annexure

7.

88. I also wish to announce resumption of work on new line projects

of Chickmagalur - Sakleshpur and Bengaluru - Satyamangalam, which

were pending for want of resources and other mandatory clearances,

after State Government of Karnataka agreed to give land free of cost and

bear 50% of the cost.

89. As we have seen, trains to various religious destinations are

always overcrowded. To facilitate pilgrims’ journeys, I have decided to

add more trains to these places. Amongst the five Sikh Takhts, it is only

Takht Shri Damdama Sahib at Talwandi Sabo which is not connected by

a rail link. I, therefore, propose to take up construction of railway line

from Rama Mandi to Maur Mandi via Talwandi Sabo to provide this

link.

26

New Projects

90. I propose to take up following new projects in 2013-14:

New Lines

1. Bhupdeopur-Raigarh (Mand Colliery) (through PPP);

2. Gevra Road-Pendra Road (through PPP)

3. Jaisalmer (Thiyat Hamira)-Sanu;

4. Karaikal-Peralam;

5. Rewari-Rohtak new line extension up to Makrauli;

6. Sultanpur to Kadipur;

7. Thanjavur-Pattukkottai.

Gauge conversion of Mavli-Bari Sadri section.

Doubling

1. Alwar-Bandikui;

2. Chennai Central-Basin Bridge Junction (5th & 6th lines);

3. Danea-Ranchi Road;

4. Dapper-Chandigarh;

5. Garhwa Road-Ramna;

6. Hajipur-Ramdayalu;

7. Jarangdih- Danea;

8. Palanpur- Samakhiali (through PPP);

9. Rae Bareli – Amethi;

10. Vatva-Ahmedabad (3rd line).

Electrification

1. Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Rewari – Palanpur – Ahmedabad

including Kalol-Gandhinagar-Khodiyar and Alwar-Bandikui-

Jaipur-Phulera

2. Jakhal-Hisar

3. Jakhal-Dhuri-Ludhiana

4. Rajpura-Dhuri-Lehra Mohabhat

5. Singapur Road-Damanjodi

91. I have been receiving representations from Hon’ble Members,

State Governments and other public representatives in large numbers

27

for construction of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling, and

electrification and also for surveys. I have been pondering over them for

the last one month. They are all genuine and reflect the growing need

and demand of the most preferred mode of transport of the people in

the country. I would sincerely wish to take up all those projects but am

severely constrained for the reasons submitted earlier. Given this

conspectus, despite the resource crunch, I propose to take up 22 projects

of new lines and one gauge conversion project on socio-economic

consideration and one doubling project after obtaining necessary

approvals/clearances. These are:

New Lines

1. Ajmer-Kota (Nasirabad-Jalindri)

2. Anandnagar-Ghugli via Maharajganj

3. Barwadih-Chirmiri

4. Chickballapur-Gowribidanur.

5. Chickballapur-Puttapurthy-Sri Satya Sai Nilayam

6. Chola-Bulandshahar

7. Cumbum-Proddatur

8. Delhi-Sohna-Nuh-Firozpur Jhirka-Alwar

9. Dimapur - Tizit

10. Faizabad-Lalganj via Akbarganj, Maharajganj and Rae Bareli

11. Firozpur-Patti

12. Gadag-Wadi

13. Hissar-Sirsa via Agroha & Fatehabad

14. Kapilvastu-Basti via Bansi

15. Kondapalli-Kothagudem

16. Manuguru-Ramagundam

17. Pirpainti-Jasidih

18. Pushkar-Merta

19. Raipur-Jharsuguda

20. Srinivasapura-Madanapalli

21. Sriperambudur-Guduvanchery with spur to Irun, Kattukotti-

Avadi.

22. Yamuna Nagar-Chandigarh via Sadhaura, Narayangarh

28

Gauge Conversion

23. Nagpur-Nagbhir

Doubling

24. New Bongaigaon to Kamakhya via Rangia

92. To meet the persistent demand of the people of Uttarakhand for a

direct connectivity between Rishikesh and Doiwala, as also to avoid an

alignment passing through a reserve forest with large elephant

population, I propose to meet this requirement through provision of a

bye pass line at Raiwala which will establish this direct link.

Surveys

93. I propose to undertake following surveys during 2013-14:

New Lines

1. Aloor-Nagarcoil-Chettikulam

2. Ambikapur-Garhwa

3. Amb-Kangra via Nadaun

4. Anand-Borsad

5. Anantnag and Pahalgam via Tral

6. Astha-Bhopal

7. Azamgarh - Mubarakpur

8. Baddi and Bilaspur

9. Balaghat - Bharveli-Ukwa

10. Bijapur- Kirandul

11. Bangriposi-Gorumahishani (Updating)

12. Dadri-Jharli via Jhajjar

13. Dadri-Sikandarabad-Bulandshahar-Jahangirabad-

Anoopshahar-Narora

14. Dhansura-Talod

15. Dharamshala-Palampur

16. Dhuri-Bye pass to avoid reversal of traffic

17. Dornakal-Miryalguda

18. Farrukhabad- Gola - Gokarnnath via Shahjahanpur

(Updating)

19. Gajsinghpur-Sadulpur via Padampur , Goluwala ,

Rawatsar , Taranagar , Dadrewa

20. Haldaur-Dhampur via Nathore

29

21. Hisar- Fatehabad

22. Jaisingh Nagar - Shahdol

23. Jashipur - Jajpur Road

24. Jilahi and Tikri Bye pass line

25. Kaniyoor-Kottikulam

26. Kapadvanj-Timba

27. Karaikkudi-Dindigul

28. Karaikkudi-Madurai (updating)

29. Kirandul-Sukma

30. Lunkaransar - Sardarsahar

31. Malkapur-Chikali

32. Mancherail - Adilabad via Utnoor

33. Modasa-Meghraj-Banswara

34. Morappur-Dharmapuri (updating)

35. Narwana-Uklana

36. Nirakarpur and Tapanga new bye-pass line

37. Padrauna-Kushinagar-Gorakhpur

38. Pandharpur - Vijapur via Mangalwedha

39. Panisagar-Simanapur

40. Patharkandi-Kanmum

41. Pipar Road - Bhopalgarh -Asop - Shankwas- Mundawa

Nagore

42. Rajpipla-Kevadiya Colony

43. Rajpura-Bye pass to avoid reversal

44. Dudhwa -Chandan Chouki abandoned rail line

restoration

45. Sairang-Hbichhuah as extension to Bhairabi-Sairang

46. Saja-Bhatapara

47. Saswad-Jejuri

48. Siddipet-Akkanapet

49. Sikarapai-Jagsalpatri-Junagarh

50. Sri Anandpur Sahib-Chamkaur Sahib- -Ludhiana

51. Srinagar-Kargil-Leh

52. Surjagarh-Bijapur via Bhopalpattnam

53. Suwasra-Mandsour via Sitamau

54. Thanjavur-Ariyalur (Updating)

55. Tirunelveli-Sankarankoil via

Pettai,Pudur,SendamaramVeerasigmamani

56. Titlagarh- Junagarh

57. Tumkur-Maddur-Malevalli

30

58. Vasai Road- Bye pass line between Naigoan and Diva

(Juchandra)

59. Washim-Mahur-Adilabad

Gauge Conversion

1. Ahmedabad-Bahucharaji

2. Bhadran-Bochasan-Petlad-Nadiad

3. Gadhada-Jasdan

4. Mailani – Bahraich

5. Surendranagar-Dhrangdhara

Doubling

1. Bathinda -Abohar-Sriganganagar

2. Chittaurgarh- Mhow

3. Dharmavaram-Pakala

4. Daund-Manmad (Updating)

5. Firozpur-Bathinda

6. Haridwar-Dehradun

7. Jakhal-Dhuri-Ludhiana

8. Kalyan- Karjat 3rd line

9. Kandla-Palanpur

10. Khairar-Manikpur

11. Mahasamund-Baghbahra-Titlagarh

12. Mahboobnagar-Gooty

13. Najibabad-Kotdwar

14. Parbhani-Manmad

15. Purulia-Kotshila

16. Rajkot-Veraval

17. Rajpura- Bathinda via Dhuri

18. Satna-Rewa

19. Secunderabad-Mudkhed-Adilabad

20. Shamli-Tapri

21. Shoranur-Mangalore 3rd line

22. Suratgarh-Bathinda

23. Tirupati - Katpadi

24. Tumkur-Arsikere

25. Varanasi-Ballia

31

94. I also propose to carryout traffic survey for Patiala-Jakhal new line

and a traffic survey for Kanpur area in connection with Panki-

Mandhana new line project.

New Train Services

95. A detailed exercise has been carried out to assess availability of

track capacity, terminal facilities and maintenance infrastructure. Within

the available resources, it has been possible to provide the following

new train services:

Express trains

96. I propose to introduce following new express trains:

1. Ahmedabad – Jodhpur Express (Weekly) Via Samdari, Bhildi

2. Ajni (Nagpur) – Lokmanya Tilak (T) Express (Weekly) Via

Hingoli

3. Amritsar – Lalkuan Express (Weekly) Via Chandigarh

4. Bandra Terminus – Ramnagar Express (Weekly) Via Nagda,

Mathura, Kanpur, Lucknow, Rampur

5. Bandra Terminus – Jaisalmer Express (Weekly) Via Marwar,

Jodhpur

6. Bandra Terminus – Hisar Express (Weekly) Via Ahmedabad,

Palanpur, Marwar, Jodhpur, Degana

7. Bandra Terminus – Haridwar Express (Weekly) Via Valsad

8. Bangalore – Mangalore Express (Weekly)

9. Bathinda – Jammu Tawi Express (Weekly) Via Patiala, Rajpura

10. Bhubaneswar – Hazrat Nizamuddin Express (Weekly) Via

Sambalpur

11. Bikaner – Chennai AC Express (Weekly) Via Jaipur, Sawai

Madhopur, Nagda, Bhopal, Nagpur

12. Chandigarh –Amritsar Intercity Express (Daily) Via Sahibzada

Ajitsingh Nagar (Mohali), Ludhiana

13. Chennai – Karaikudi Express (Weekly)

14. Chennai – Palani Express (Daily) Via Jolarpettai, Salem, Karur,

Namakkal

32

15. Chennai Egmore – Thanjavur Express (Daily) Via Villupuram,

Mayiladuthurai

16. Chennai – Nagarsol (For Sai Nagar Shirdi) Express (Weekly)

Via Renigunta, Dhone, Kacheguda

17. Chennai – Velankanni Link Express (Daily) Via Villupuram,

Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur

18. Coimbatore – Mannargudi Express (Daily) Via

Tiruchchirappalli, Thanjavur, Nidamangalam

19. Coimbatore – Rameswaram Express (Weekly)

20. Delhi – Firozpur Intercity Express (Daily) Via Bathinda

21. Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Sikar Express (Bi-weekly) after gauge

conversion

22. Delhi – Hoshiarpur Express (Weekly)

23. Durg – Jaipur Express (Weekly)

24. Gandhidham – Visakhapatnam Express (Weekly) Via

Ahmedabad, Wardha, Ballarshah, Vijaywada

25. Hazrat Nizamuddin – Mumbai AC Express (Weekly) via

Bhopal, Khandwa, Bhusawal

26. Howrah – Chennai AC Express (Bi-weekly) Via Bhadrak,

Duvvada, Gudur

27. Howrah – New Jalpaiguri AC Express (Weekly) Via Malda

Town

28. Hubli – Mumbai Express (Weekly) Via Miraj, Pune

29. Indore – Chandigarh Express (Weekly) Via Dewas, Ujjain,

Guna, Gwalior, Hazrat Nizamuddin

30. Jabalpur – Yesvantpur Express (Weekly)Via Nagpur,

Dharmavaram

31. Jaipur – Lucknow Express (Tri-weekly) Via Bandikui, Mathura,

Kanpur

32. Jaipur-Alwar Express (Daily)

33. Jodhpur –Jaipur Express (Daily) Via Phulera

34. Jodhpur – Kamakhya (Guwahati) Express (Weekly) Via

Degana, Ratangarh

35. Kakinada – Mumbai Express (Bi-weekly)

36. Kalka – Sai Nagar Shirdi Express (Bi-weekly) Via Hazrat

Nizamuddin , Bhopal, Itrasi

33

37. Kamakhya (Guwahati) – Anand VIhar Express (Weekly) Via

Katihar, Barauni, Sitapur Cantt, Moradabad

38. Kamakhya (Guwahati) – Bangalore AC Express (Weekly )

39. Kanpur – Anand Vihar Express (Weekly) Via Farrukhabad

40. Katihar – Howrah Express (Weekly) Via Malda Town

41. Katra – Kalka Express (Bi-weekly) Via Morinda

42. Kolkata – Agra Express (Weekly) Via Amethi, Rae Bareli,

Mathura

43. Kolkata – Sitamarhi Express (Weekly) Via Jhajha, Barauni,

Darbhanga

44. Kota – Jammu Tawi Express (Weekly) Via Mathura, Palwal

45. Kurnool Town – Secunderabad Express (Daily)

46. Lokmanya Tilak (T) – Kochuveli Express (Weekly)

47. Lucknow – Varanasi Express Via Rae-Bareli (6 Days a week)

48. Madgaon – Mangalore Intercity Express (Daily) Via Udupi,

Karwar

49. Mangalore – Kacheguda Express (Weekly) Via Dhone, Gooty,

Renigunta, Coimbatore

50. Mau – Anand Vihar Express (Bi-weekly)

51. Mumbai – Solapur Express (6 Days a week) Via Pune

52. Nagercoil – Bangalore Express (Daily) Via Madurai,

Tiruchchirappalli

53. New Delhi – Katra AC Express (6 Days a week)

54. Nizamabad – Lokmanya Tilak (T) Express (Weekly)

55. Patna – Sasaram Intercity Express (Daily) Via Ara

56. Patliputra (Patna) – Bangalore Express (Weekly) Via Chheoki

57. Puducherry – Kanniyakumari Express (Weekly) Via

Villupuram, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruchchirappalli

58. Puri – Sai Nagar Shirdi Express (Weekly) Via Sambalpur,

Titlagarh, Raipur, Nagpur, Bhusawal

59. Puri –Ajmer Express (Weekly) Via Abu-Road

60. Radhikapur – Anand Vihar Link Express (Daily)

61. Rajendra Nagar Terminus (Patna)– New Tinsukia Express

(Weekly) Via Katihar, Guwahati

62. Tirupati – Puducherry Express (Weekly)

63. Tirupati – Bhubaneswar Express (Weekly) Via Visakhapatnam

34

64. Una / Nangaldam– Hazoor Saheb Nanded Express (Weekly)

Via Anandpur Saheb, Morinda, Chandigarh, Ambala

65. Visakhapatnam – Jodhpur Express (Weekly) Via Titlagarh,

Raipur

66. Visakhapatnam – Kollam Express (Weekly)

67. Yesvantpur – Lucknow Express (Weekly) via Rae Bareli,

Pratapgarh

Passenger Trains

97. I propose to introduce following new passenger trains:

1. Bathinda – Dhuri Passenger (Daily)

2. Bikaner-Ratangarh Passenger (Daily)

3. Bhavnagar – Palitana Passenger (Daily)

4. Bhavnagar – Surendranagar Passenger (Daily)

5. Bareilly – Lalkuan Passenger (Daily)

6. Chhapra –Thawe Passenger (Daily)

7. Loharu – Sikar Passenger (Daily) after gauge conversion

8. Madgaon – Ratnagiri Passenger (Daily)

9. Marikuppam – Bangalore Passenger (Daily)

10. Muzaffarpur – Sitamarhi Passenger (Daily) via Runnisaidpur

11. Nadiad – Modasa Passenger (6 days a week)

12. Nandyal – Kurnool Town passenger (Daily)

13. New Amravati – Narkher Passenger (Daily)

14. Punalur – Kollam Passenger (Daily)

15. Purna – Parli Vaijnath Passenger (Daily)

16. Palani-Tiruchendur Passenger (Daily)

17. Ratangarh - Sardarsahar Passenger (Daily) after gauge

conversion

18. Samastipur- Banmankhi Passenger via Saharsa, Madhepura

(Daily) after gauge conversion

19. Shoranur – Kozhikode Passenger (Daily)

20. Surendranagar – Dharangdhara Passenger (Daily)

21. Suratgarh – Anupgarh Passenger (Daily)

22. Somnath – Rajkot Passenger (Daily)

23. Sitamarhi – Raxaul Passenger (Daily)

35

24. Sriganganagar – Hanumangarh-Sadulpur Passenger (Daily)

after gauge conversion

25. Talguppa – Shimoga Town Passenger (Daily)

26. Thrisur-Guruvayur Passenger (Daily)

MEMU Services

98. I propose to introduce following new MEMU Services:

1. Barabanki – Kanpur

2. Chennai – Tirupati

3. Delhi- Rohtak (Replacement of conventional service by

MEMU)

4. Lucknow – Hardoi

5. Sealdah – Berhampore Court

DEMU Services

99. I propose to introduce following new DEMU Services:

1. Bhatkal – Thokur

2. Delhi – Kurukshetra Via Kaithal

3. Katwa – Jangipur

4. Lucknow – Sultanpur

5. Lucknow – Pratapgarh Via Gauriganj

6. Madgaon – Karwar

7. Rohtak – Rewari

8. Taran Taran – Goindwal Saheb

Extension of Trains

100. The run of following trains is proposed to be extended:

1. 19601/19602 Ajmer-New Jalpaiguri Express to Udaipur

2. 15715/15716 Ajmer-Kishanganj Express to New Jalpaiguri

3. 12403/12404 Allahabad – Mathura Express to Jaipur

4. 17307/17308 Bagalkot-Yesvantpur Express to Mysore

5. 18437/18438 Bhubaneswar – Bhawanipatna Express to

Junagarh

36

6. 18191/18192 Chhapra – Kanpur Anwarganj Express to

Farrukhabad

7. 16127/16128 Chennai-Madurai portion of Chennai-Guruvayur

Express to Tuticorin

8. 12231/12232 Chandigarh-Lucknow Express to Patna (2 days)

9. 12605/12606 Chennai-Tiruchchirappalli Express to Karaikudi

10. 14007/14008 Delhi-Muzaffarpur Express to Raxaul after gauge

conversion

11. 14017/14018 Delhi-Muzaffarpur Express to Raxaul after gauge

conversion

12. 12577/12578 Darbhanga-Bangalore Express to Mysore

13. 14731/14732 Delhi – Bathinda Express to Fazilka

14. 14705/14706 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Sadulpur Express to

Sujangarh (Salasar Express)

15. 15159/15160 Durg- Chhapra Express to Muzaffarpur and

Gondia

16. 12507/12508 Guwahati-Ernakulam Express to

Thiruvananthapuram

17. 17005/17006 Hyderabad-Darbhanga Express to Raxaul after

gauge conversion

18. 17011/17012 Hyderabad- Belampalli Express to Sirpur

Kaghaznagar

19. 1659

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