Year-end Review- 2012
RAILWAYS REVENUE EARNINGS UP BY 19.23 PER
CENT DURING APRIL – N0VEMBER 2012
CARRYING ID PROOF IS NOW
COMPULSORY DURING JOURNEY IN TRAINS IN ANY RESERVED CLASSES
RAILWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON
FAST TRACK
DEVELOPMENT OF
RAIL CORRIDORS IN CHHATISGARH
FORMAL MOU FOR SETTING UP RAILWAY STATIONS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
SIGNED
TWO MOUs SIGNED WITH MINISTRY OF STEEL
TRAIN COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM TRIAL BEGINS
FOG RELATED INFORMATION THROUGH WEBSITE
BIDDING PROCESS FOR MUMBAI ELEVATED RAIL CORRIDOR (ERC) PROJECT SET
IN MOTION
RULES FRAMED FOR ENSURING CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE IN RAILWAY
PREMISES- VIOLATORS TO PAY FINE UPTO RS. 500/-
POLICY ANNOUNCED FOR RAIL-CONNECTIVITY AND CAPACITY AUGMENTATION
PROJECTS
BANIHAL-QAZIGUND SECTION COMPLETED AND TRIAL RUNS STARTED
RAILWAYS AND TOURISM SIGN MOU ON CLEAN INDIA CAMPAIGN
TRAVEL DISTANCE EXTENDED FROM 100 KMS TO
150 KMS UNDER IZZAT SCHEME
TWO MORE AC DOUBLE DECKER TRAINS INTRODUCED
TRAIN RUNNING INFORMATION FACILITY EXPANDED TO COVER ALL TRAINS
A MULTI PRONGED STRATEGY TO PROVIDE FASTER AND SAFER TRAIN JOURNEYS
New
Delhi,
December 31, 2012
Pausa 10, 1934
The year 2012 has been significant for the Railways in
achieving goals and targets with regard to the following:
RAILWAYS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON
FAST TRACK
The year 2012 saw a
big push for the key infrastructure projects of Railways. After a review meeting on infrastructure held
by the Prime Minister in the last week of November 2012, deadline has been set
for such important infrastructure projects like the elevated rail corridor in
Mumbai, setting up of locomotive factories on public private partnership, rail
tariff authority and Dedicated Freight Corridors. A time bound action plan has
since been initiated by the Railway Ministry on these issues.
GROWTH IN REVENUE GENERATION
The total
approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during 1st April to
30th November 2012 were Rs.78868.17 crore compared to Rs. 66150.48
crore during the same period last year, registering an
increase of 19.23 per cent. The total goods earnings have gone up from
Rs. 43891.25 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2011
to Rs. 54487.10 crore during 1st April – 30th November
2012, registering an increase of
24.14 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during 1st April – 30th
November 2012 were Rs. 20423.31 crore
compared to Rs. 18742.83 crore during the same period last year, registering an
increase of 8.97 per cent.
In the calendar year 2012, Indian Railways has achieved scrap sale of Rs. 3903.84 crore till
Nov. 2012. For the corresponding period in 2011 sale achieved by Railway was
3748.68 crore.
The total approximate numbers of passengers booked during 1st April – 30th
November 2012 were 5700.57 million compared to 5517.86 million during the same
period last year, showing an increase of 3.31 per cent.
Indian Railways have carried 647.11 million tonnes of
revenue earning freight traffic
during April-November 2012. The freight carried shows an increase of 29.06
million tonnes over the freight traffic of 618.05 million tonnes actually
carried during the corresponding period last year, registering an increase of
4.70 per cent.
FORMAL MOU FOR SETTING UP RAILWAY STATIONS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
SIGNED
In a path breaking initiative taken by the Ministry of Railways, a
formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in February 2012 for
setting up a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) namely “Indian Railway Stations
Development Corporation Limited” (IRSDL) to take up work of redevelopment of
railway stations along with station maintenance across India in a dedicated
manner as a part of the continuous process of augmenting and improving
amenities at the railway stations. The MoU was signed between the two agencies
of the Ministry of Railways, namely Ircon International Limited (IRCON) and
Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) for formation of this new SPV. Under new
SPV, it is proposed to provide the identified stations with well designed
concourses, high quality waiting spaces, easy access to the platforms,
congestion free platforms, modern ‘State of the art’ Catering facilities,
Hotels and other facilities. The redeveloped stations would have provision for
convenient entry; inter platform transfer and easy access to all the facilities
for the physically disabled persons and senior citizens. The stations would
also be provided with waste disposal facilities to improve hygiene and
cleanliness.
After conducting preliminary studies & holding consultations
with zonal railways, five stations, Bijwasan (Delhi)
Habibganj (Bhopal), Anand Vihar (Delhi), Chandigarh,
Shivaji Nagar (Pune), have been identified for implementation through IRSDC in
the first phase.
CARRYING ID PROOF MADE
COMPULSORY DURING TRAIN JOURNEYS IN ANY RESERVED CLASS
As a major initiative
to further facilitate the travel of bonafide and legitimate passengers and to
reduce the scope for misuse of reserved ticketing system by unscrupulous
elements/middlemen, the Ministry of Railways has now made it compulsory to
carry prescribed original proof of identity cards during train travel on all
reserved classes of tickets. Those
travelling without an original identify proof shall be treated as without
ticket and charged accordingly. This new change of policy is aimed at
facilitating the travel of bonafide and genuine passengers and simultaneously
checking the scope for travel on transferred tickets. It is also considered that this policy
provision shall also be useful from the security point of view.
SIGNING TWO MOUs WITH
MINISTRY OF STEEL
Indian Railways signed this year two MoUs signifying
new innovative financial funding for development of infrastructure projects in
the country. Railways signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NMDC
Ltd., a navratan Pubic Undertaking Sector under the administrative
control of the Ministry of Steel for doubling the 150 kms
Laddalpur-Kirandul section of the Kottavalsa – Kirindul line of the
east cost Railway to augment the evacuation capacity of NMDC to meet the
increased demand for iron ore of the Indian steel industry.
Indian Railways also signed an MoU with another PSU of
Ministry of Steel namely, RINL, for setting up a forged
wheel factory at Rae Barely in Uttar Pradesh. This factory, the biggest
such plant in India
will manufacture one lakh wheels every year.
MUMBAI ELEVATED RAILCORIDOR
(ERC) PROJECT
Mumbai has
one of the most crowded and overloaded suburban systems in the world. Concerned
about the capacity constraint on the Corridor, Ministry of Railways has decided to augment the
system capacity and has accordingly envisioned a two track elevated Corridor
along Churchgate-Virra section. This new
Elevated Rail Corridor (ERC) will
be between Oval Maidan and Virar of Western Railway in Mumbai
area. The indicative cost of 63.27 km-long
ERC project is approximately Rs. 21,000 crore. Under this corridor, 26 stations are proposed, out of which 5 stations would be
underground, 19 elevated and 2 at grade.
ERC is proposed to be built through
Public-Private Partnership on Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT)
basis. The bidding process for selection
of a private entity as the bidder to whom the Project may be awarded has been
set in motion with first prebid conference being held in November 2012.
Moreover, the Ministry
of Railways continued talks with Government of Maharashtra for signing state
support agreement, which is crucial for the success of the project.
POLICY FOR RAIL-CONNECTIVITY AND CAPACITY AUGMENTATION
PROJECTS
In a major policy initiative to attract
private capital for accelerated construction of fixed Rail infrastructure,
Ministry of Railways has formulated an investor-friendly policy
framework for private participation in rail connectivity and capacity
augmentation projects.
The policy contains five models, namely, Non-Government Railway, Joint Venture
with equity participation by Railways, capacity augmentation through funding by
customers, BOT and BOT annuity. The latter two (BOT and BOT annuity) will
follow the existing appraisal and approval procedure laid down by Ministry of
Finance through PPP-AC route.
Model agreements will be prepared for all these models. First-mile and
last-mile and inter-connecting lines for the entire freight commodity basket
would be covered under the policy. The policy would provide much-needed impetus
to building of critical missing in railway network and evacuation from ports,
mines, big industrial units and plants.
This will give a boost to industrial development of the country and
significantly enhance freight traffic of railways.
BANIHAL-QAZIGUND
SECTION COMPLETED AND TRIAL RUNS STARTED
The Indian Railway has achieved one more
milestone in transportation sector with the completion of Banihal-Qazigund
section of ambitious and challenging Udhampur-Baramullah-Srinagar Rail link
Project. Trials by running trains have started in the section by Railways with
the arrival of first Track Tamping machine at Banihal on 24th
December 2012 from Qazigund. All the major works have been completed and
finishing touch is being given. This section will be ready for opening shortly The
17.729 km long section consists of only one tunnel of 11.215 km
length known as Pir Panjal Tunnel, which is the longest
transportation tunnel in India
and second longest in Asia. This tunnel was
big engineering marvel and breakthrough accomplished by IRCON International
Ltd., a PSU under the Ministry of Railways which is executing the
Dharam-Qazigund-Baramullah section of this challenging J&K rail project.
Opening of Banihal-Qazigund railway section
will be a turning point not only in the history of Jammu & Kashmir State
only, but for the Indian history. A lot of problems are being faced by
passengers travelling between Banihal and Qazigund due to closure of Jawahar
Tunnel in winter season owing to heavy snow fall. All these problems will be
reduced to a large extent by running of train services between
Banihal-Qazigund. Moreover the distance between Banihal and Qazigund will
also be reduced from 35 Km road length to 17.729 Kms railway line. It will be a
cheaper, faster and dependable mode of transport.
ADARSH STATION
& MFCs
The scheme of Adarsh
stations has been introduced from the year 2009. Adarsh Stations are provided with basic
facilities such as drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services, waiting
rooms and dormitories especially for lady passengers, better signage, etc. A total of 976 stations have been identified
as Adarsh Stations and against which 616
stations have been developed so far.
Work at 69 stations has been
completed during 2012-13 so far. Work at
another 229 stations is targeted for completion in 2012-13.
A new concept of development
of Multi Functional Complexes (MFCs)
with budget hotels was introduced to provide rail users facilities like
food plaza, ATM, Variety Store, Books
& Chemist shops, Parking etc. So
far, a total of 196 stations have been identified for MFCs. Construction of 37 MFC buildings has been
completed.
DEDICATED
FREIGHT CORRIDORS
Indian Railways’ ambitious project of ‘Dedicated
Freight Corridor’ (DFC) continued its implementation momentum during this
year. There has been progress on both
the corridors namely 1499 km long Western DFC from Jawahar Lal
Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai to Dadri/Tughlakabad (Near Delhi) and 1839 km long Eastern
DFC from Ludhiana (Punjab)
to Dankuni (Near Kolkata). Land acquisition
is progressing well and as on November.2012, out of total land of 10703 hectares
to be acquired for both corridors, 7768 hectares i.e. 73% has been
acquired. Initial funding agreements
for Western DFC through JICA and part of Eastern DFC (Ludhiana-Khurja-Kanpur-Mughalsarai)
through World Bank have already been formalized while remaining
Dankuni-Sonnagar section of Eastern DFC is proposed to be implemented through
PPP and Mughalsarai-Sonnagar section of Eastern DFC in being implemented
through own resources of the Ministry of Railways.
In case of Eastern
DFC, tender for Civil Works for Khurja-Kanpur section has been opened
and is shortly going to be awarded. 66
Km Durgawati-Karwandia section of this corridor is targeted for commissioning
in December 2013. Construction work of formation, bridges and laying of track is
in progress.
In case of Western DFC,
pre-qualification for Civil Contract for 625 km, Rewari – Palanpur section of
phase 1 has been completed. Construction
work of 54 major and important bridges in Vaiterna-Bharuch section of this
corridor is in progress and 5 major
bridges have been completed.
MOU ON CLEAN INDIA
CAMPAIGN
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on ‘Campaign Clean India’ was signed between
the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Railways. Under the MOU, the two
Ministries will work together towards a sustained sensitization campaign to
train travelers and service providers under the Capacity Building
for Service Providers scheme of Ministry of Tourism and for consultations and
discussions with the stake holders including the travel trade to evolve
strategies for the up-keep and cleanliness of the stations and coaches. The Ministry of Railways will encourage the
Hotels and Travel Trade Associations, the Companies and the Corporate Houses to
adopt Railway Stations in furtherance of Campaign Clean India. The Minister of
Tourism will undertake branding of long distance trains running on important
routes in different of the country, whereby one side would depict important
tourism sites of the country and the other side would carry Campaign Clean
India message on mutually agreed routes and terms.
NEW PRODUCTION UNITS
Indian Railways
commissioned the Diesel Component
Factory at Dankuni on
28th May 2012. The factory was inaugurated by flagging of the first
engine block manufactured from Dankuni. Rail Coach Factory
at Rae Bareli commenced its
manufacturing activities. This factory is manufacturing superior LHB type
coaches which will help Indian Railways to mitigate coach shortage. It has
manufactured 51 coaches up to November 2012 by sourcing shells from Rail Coach
Factory, Kapurthala. The foundation stone was laid on 21st February
2012 for the construction of the state-of-the-art Coach Factory at Palakkad in Kerala.
The foundation
stone for the commencement of work for the Ancillary
Unit of CLW has been laid on 28th May, 2012.
A Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) is
being commissioned at Haldia.
In the first phase the plant will produce one rake (of 8 coaches) every month,
while in the second phase, the infrastructure of this Plant of Haldia will be
augmented through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode to roll out 50 rakes of
DMU annually.
Rail Wheel Plant of Bela (near Patna) has started casting wheels
successfully.
AIR
CONDITIONED DOUBLE DECKER
Indigenously
designed, developed and manufactured Air conditioned double decker train
was introduced for the first time between Howrah
and Dhanbad. Now this year, an improved design of such train has been developed and its services between
Jaipur and Delhi
and Ahemdabad and Mumbai have been introduced. Such services are also planned
between Habibganj-Indore and Chennai-Bangalore in near future. AC double decker
train with improved passenger friendly design is having capacity of 120
passengers per coach and are becoming popular among passengers.
EFFORTS OF RAILWAYS ON
ENERGY CONSERVATION, ALTERNATE ENERGY SOURCES AND GREEN ENERGY
Indian Railways
continued its efforts on energy conservation, on exploring alternate energy
sources and on adopting green energy initiatives. Indian Railways has started use of energy efficient new generation electric
locomotives and Electrical Multiple Units (EMUs) with 3 phase regenerative
braking features, head on generation systems for eliminating use of DG sets in
trains. Integral Coach Factory (ICF) will be manufacturing 72 AC EMU rakes
equipped with three phase propulsion equipment. First batch of two prototype
rakes is likely to be manufactured by 31.03.2012.
To
improve efficiency and to explore alternate sources of energy, Indian Railways
have already taken a large number of steps & measures which include Solar projects for addition of another 4.69 MWp by providing solar PV
modules at 200 stations, 21 administrative buildings and 1000 level crossing
gates have been initiated as green energy initiative with assistance from
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
So far Indian Railways has harnessed 10.5 MW of wind
energy and about 4.5 MW of solar energy at LC gates, way side Railway
stations, street lights, solar water heaters at training institutes/running
rooms/hospitals/rest houses/canteens/base kitchens etc.
The project of
providing of CFL in Railway colonies has been awarded Special Jury award at
UIC conference in Venice.
HIGHEST EVER 11 NATIONAL CONSERVATION AWARDS FOR RAILWAYS
Continued efforts and constant persuasion by Railway
Board and energy conservation initiatives by Zonal Railways have resulted into
bagging highest ever 11 National Energy Conservation Awards by the Indian Railways
out of total awards of 87 from 773 applications during 2012, which were awarded
by the President of India during National Energy Conservation Day on 14th
December 2012.
ENHANCING SAFETY – TPWS AND TCAS
Indian Railways continued its thrust on enhancing safety. Train Protection & Warning System
(TPWS) was extended on pilot basis on main line
operations on Hazrat Nizamuddin – Agra Section of Northern/North Central
Railway (200 Route Kilometres) where work is under progress. Based upon experience gained from ACD &
TPWS systems, Indian Railways has now taken up development of Train
Collision Avoidance System (TCAS). TCAS shall be a fusion of
functionalities of TPWS & ACD and shall prevent Signal Passing at Danger as
well as Collisions. After invitation of Expression of Interest, six Indian
firms have been shortlisted. One of the firm has developed the Prototype which underwent
field trials in Oct’2012 over South
Central Railway.
SIGNALlNG & TELECOM SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT
To increase efficiency and enhance safety in train operations,
modern signaling system with Route Relay/Panel/ Electronic Interlocking with
Multi Aspect Colour Light Signaling (MACLS) has been provided at 252 more stations this year.
To increase line
capacity and reduce headway, Automatic Block Signaling has been provided on 169
Route Kms increasing the total Route Kms with Automatic Block Signaling to 2376
RKM.
Mobile Train Radio Communication system
for communication among train Driver, Guard, Station Master, Control Office
& field maintenance staff during run of the train has been commissioned on
1725 route kilometres and work is in progress in 1000 route kilometres which is
expected to be commissioned shortly.
OPTICAL FIBRE CABLE COMMISSIONED
During the 2012 calendar year, 2915 Rkm OFC Cable has
been commissioned taking total to 42,915 Rkm. and 4500 Rkm Quad cable
has been commissioned taking total to
48100 Rkm.
All the zonal exchanges and
divisional change have been connected on the newly established Next
Generation Network (NGN) of Railways.
V-Sat terminal in 41 Accident Relief
Train (ART’s) for data & voice communication have already been installed
and the work is underway to cover more ARTs.
On-board internet facility in running trains is under trial.
ELECTRIC
LOCOMOTIVE ASSEMBLY AND ANCILLARY UNIT OF CLW AT DANKUNI
In order to ramp up production of
6000 HP new generation locomotives from a level of 50 in 2009-10 to complete
switch over to 3 phase locos, an Electric Loco Assembly and Ancillary Unit of
CLW at Dankuni has been envisaged. The construction work at Dankuni Unit
entrusted to a Railway PSU Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) commenced in October, 2012. The unit will be recipient of latest Japanese
technology 3-Phase 9000 HP electric locomotives under JICA
Loan.
5500 HORSE POWER DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE
Diesel Locomotive Works/Varanasi in association with Research Design
and Standard Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow
has designed a 5500 HP Diesel locomotive fort freight services with
state-of-the-art technology. This locomotive is capable of delivering 1000 HP
more power vis-à-vis the current High Horse Power Diesel locomotives. A
prototype WDG5 loco has been manufactured and is currently under safety trials.
Series production of this type of locomotives has been planned and will
commence after completion of the ongoing validation process.
PASSENGER AMENITIES - IMPROVED TICKETING SYSTEM
Passenger Reservation System (PRS) facility has been made available at around 2987 locations by
year-end by adding around 160 new locations during the year. Under the Mushkil
Aasaan scheme (Mobile ticketing vans), four Mobile
ticketing vans were functioning before the commencement of the year i.e. one
each at Delhi,
Kolkata, Vapi and Jaipur, one more such van has been introduced at Anand from
June 2012. Further locations are being finalized for the introduction of
such vans.
Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) facility has been extended to approximately 460 new
locations/stations during the year, increasing the total number of locations
with UTS facility to 5551.
Automatic
Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) have been introduced in suburban
tickets and platform tickets. About 250 ATVMs were commissioned during the year
taking the total tally of installed ATVMs to 808 on Indian Railways.
It has been decided to set up AC Executive
lounges at important stations to provide value added services at a
charge, offering facilities such as wi-fi internet, buffet services, wash and change
concierge services for pre-departure and post-arrival assistance to passengers.
BOOKING
TICKET THROUGH MOBILE PHONE
To bring further convenience to the rail users, Indian Railways through
Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation
(IRCTC), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railway, is offering the
service of booking e-ticket over the mobile phone. After initial registration
and downloading of suitable software on the mobile handset with internet
facility, it is quite easy for the mobile users to book a reserve ticket
through their own mobile. After booking, the passenger l receives a reservation
message with full details of the ticket including PNR, Train No, date of
journey, class etc. This virtual message is treated at par with the print-out
of the e-ticket.
INTRODUCTION OF BIO-TOILETS
With a commitment to provide hygienic environment to
its passengers and staff, Indian Railways, along with Defence Research &
Development Organization (DRDO) have developed Environment Friendly Bio-toilets
for its passenger coaches. In these bio-toilets, the human waste is treated by
bacteria, which is benign to the humans.
This bacteria converts human waste into water and gases (methane and
CO2). The gases escape to atmosphere and treated waste water is discharged
after chlorination. Human waste thus does not fall on the tracks.
Eight trains are running with 436 bio-toilets and in
the year 2012-13, 2500 more bio-toilets are planned to be introduced. A
complete switch-over to bio-toilets in new coaches has been planned by 2016-17
and the Indian Railway has targeted elimination of direct discharge passenger
coach toilet systems by the end of the Thirteenth Five Year Plan i.e., 2021-22.
TRAVEL
DISTANCE EXTENDED FROM 100 KMS TO 150 KMS UNDER IZZAT SCHEME
The travel distance from l00 kilometres has been
extended to 150 kilometres under IZZAT scheme. There is no change in other
terms and conditions. This extension of travel distance from 100 kms to 150 kms
is admissible on IZZAT Monthly Season Tickets (MST) purchased on and after June
1, 2012.
IZZAT is a
scheme of uniformly priced MST of Rs. 25/- inclusive of all surcharges issued
up to distance of 100 Kms to persons working in unorganised sector with monthly
income not exceeding Rs. 1500/-. This
distance has now been increased from 100 km to 150 km.
COMPLIMENTARY RAILWAY CARD PASS
FACILITY/CONCESSION EXTENDED
Continuing
with its social measures, Indian Railways has decided that the civilian recipients of gallantry
awards of Chakra series (namely Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir
Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra) will also be provided 1st
/2nd Class AC Complimentary Card passes on the lines as admissible
to Defence awardees. The procedure and
other conditions for issue of such Card Passes to civilian Chakra awardees
remain the same as applicable to Defence awardees.
Complimentary
Card Passes issued to sportspersons who are Arjuna Awardees have
now been made valid for travel in 1st Class/2nd AC
in Rajdhani trains and Chair Car (CC) in Shatabdi trains besides being valid
for travel in 1st Class/2nd AC in other mail/express
trains (except Duronto trains) over All Indian Railways (except Metro
Railway/Kolkata) as per the existing provision.
Concession is also given in train fares to patients suffering' from Sickle Cell Anaemia/Aplastic Anaemia,
when travelling for treatment/periodical check-up to the Government recognized
hospitals, and return after treatment/periodical check-up. The element of
concession will be 50 per cent in the basic fares of Sleeper, AC Chair Car, AC
3-tier and AC 2-tier classes.
IMPROVEMENT IN CATERING
SERVICES
Supervision and monitoring of catering services both
in trains and at stations has been strengthened, as a result of this the number
of complaint cases has reduced by 4.82 % (approx.) during the Calendar Year (up
to October, 2012) as compared to the corresponding period of last year. About
26860 inspections have been carried out during January, 2012 to October , 20 12
by Zonal Railways for ensuring quality in catering. In order to make catering
services effective, a Standard Bid Documents (SBDs) have been
prepared for award of tenders for various catering services over Indian
Railways.
MODERN METHODS FOR
CLEANING COACHES, RUNNING TRAINS & STATIONS
Indian Railways
continued to strengthen its modern methodologies for cleaning which included
intensive mechanized cleaning of coaches in the coaching depots, On-board
Housekeeping Scheme (OBHS) for running trains and mechanized cleaning under
Clean Train Station scheme. In
addition, fifty locations have been identified to set
up Mechanized laundries for improving the quality of washing of bed rolls.
TRAIN RUNNING INFORMATION FACILITY EXPANDED TO COVER
ALL TRAINS
To provide accurate
train running information to the public, the Indian Railways has expanded the
train running information facility. Now the information on the running of all
trains is available at www.trainenquiry.com. Similarly this facility is available through
SMS on 139. Earlier, train running information of only selected 36 important
trains (Shatabdi, Rajdhani & Duronto) were available at website www.simran.in and
through SMS on 9415139139.
A MULTI PRONGED STRATEGY FOR
FASTER AND SAFER TRAIN JOURNEYS
Indian Railways is adopting a multi pronged strategy
to provide a safer, faster, cleaner, and comfortable passenger trains. Firstly, seven corridors have been
identified for conducting pre-feasibility studies for running high speed trains
(popularly referred as Bullet trains)
at speeds above 350 kmph. These corridors will be set up through PPP route. Initially,
Mumbai- Ahemdabad corridor has been taken up for which pre-feasibility has been
completed. Secondly, a study is also being done on Delhi-Mumbai route with
Japanese help to raise the speed of passenger trains from 160 kmph to 200 kmph
being referred to as Semi-High Speed.
Thirdly, Indian Railways is working on the concept of acquiring Electrical Multiple Units (EMU) Train sets
for intercity journeys for operating speed ranging from 130-160 km/hour. With high pick-up and increased acceleration
& deceleration characteristic, these proposed modern distributed powered
EMU train sets will provide faster and safer movement and will substantially
reduce run time.
FOG RELATED INFORMATION THROUGH WEBSITE
In another step to provide relief to passengers
who will be hit by fog and affected by train delays, the Centre for Railway
Information Systems (CRIS), of Ministry
of Railways, has launched its mini-site
for fog-related information in collaboration with railyatri.in. The
website, can be accessed at http://events.trainenquiry.com/fog. It will provide information related to fog
report on routes over the last 24 hours, current-time list of trains affected
by fog, cancellations and diversions and trains rescheduled from origin. All
four sets of information will inform people about the delay in trains due to
fog in a bid to let them plan their journey better. The website will be updated every 2 to 10
minutes so that the passengers can get the latest information on the status of
their trains. Northern Railway has started a new Enquiry No. 011-23747110 for
train status. Moreover, five digit train number can also be sent on mobile
number 9717631813 through SMS to get latest status. This is in addition to 139
Enquity Number.
RULES FRAMED FOR ENSURING
CLEANLINESS & HYGIENE IN
RAILWAY PREMISES –
VIOLATERS TO PAY FINE UPTO RS. 500/-
The Ministry of
Railways has issued a notification containing rules on prohibition of
activities affecting cleanliness and hygiene in the Railway premises alongwith
penalties for contravention of these rules.
Under these notified rules, no person
shall (i) throw or deposit litter in any occupied or unoccupied Railway
premises or the carriage except in authorised places; (ii) cook, bathe, spit,
urinate, defecate, feed animal or birds, repair or wash vehicles, washing
utensils or clothes or any other objects or keep any type of storage in any
Railway premises except in such facilities or conveniences specifically
provided for any of these purposes; (iii) paste or put up any poster or write
or draw anything or matter in any compartment or carriage of the Railways or
any premises thereof, without any lawful authority; (iv) indulge in defacing
Railway property.
Authorised Vendors/hawkers will make
necessary arrangement to keep the container or waste basket for collecting
litter and proper disposal of its contents.
Whosoever contravenes any of the
provisions of these rules or fails to comply with such provisions shall be
punished with a fine which shall not
exceed five hundred rupees.
POLICIES TO FACILITATE
PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN TERMINALS AND RAKES
(1)
Liberalized Wagon Investment Scheme (LWIS) : LWIS allows investment by End users (viz. producers, manufacturers
and consumers of goods) in Special Purpose Wagons (SPW) and High Capacity
Wagons (HCW). The policy was issued on
15.04.2008.
With a view to
make the scheme more liberal and customer-friendly, the Liberalized Wagon
Investment Scheme (LWIS) has been reviewed and policy guidelines on Revised
Liberalized Wagon Investment Scheme (LWIS) have been issued on 02.01.2012.
So far, approval for procurement of 52 rakes by 10 firms, having an
approximate value of 1218 crores has
been accorded to various customers by Ministry of Railways. Out of which, 14 rakes have been procured/
inducted and are running on the system.
(2) Wagon Leasing Scheme
(WLS) : This Scheme has been launched to introduce the concept of leasing of
railway wagons on IR. The scheme aims at induction of rakes through PPP route
with the private sector for High Capacity Wagons and Special Purpose Wagons and
wagons for container movement. WLS can
lease wagons to Automobile Freight Train Operators, Liberalized Wagon
Investment Scheme, Special Freight Train Operators and Container Train
Operators. The policy has been issued on 15.04.2008. M/s. GATX and have been registered as Wagon Leasing Company
under the policy on 18.05.2012 and M/s
Touax Texmaco Railcar Leasing Pvt.
registered on 20.09.12 under the policy.
(3)
Automobile Freight Train Operator Scheme (AFTO)
: To
increase Indian Raiwlays’ market share in transportation of automobile i.e.
two/three-wheelers, cars and tractors etc. by inviting private participation, a
new scheme namely Automobile Freight Train Operator Scheme AFTO has been issued
on 19.07.2010. The policy is however, under modification
with a view to make it further investor friendly.
M/s Maruti Suzuki and M/s APL Logistics Vascor Automotive Ltd. have
applied to participate under the scheme this year.
(4)
Special Freight Train Operator Scheme (SFTO) : To increase Rail share in the commodities like fertilizers,
molasses, edible oil, caustic soda, chemicals, petrochemicals, alumina, bulk
cement and fly ash etc., a new scheme
namely Special Freight Train Operator Scheme (SFTO) has been launched , to
attract private investment in special purpose wagons required for
transportation of these commodities. Policy has been issued on 31.05.2010.
Approval has been given this year to M/s Fourcee for procurement of
3 rakes (tank wagons) for Caustic Soda. These rakes will run on East Coast
Railway. Policy is under mo0dification to make it further attractive for
investors.
(5)
Private Freight Terminals (PFT)
: To
facilitate rapid development of a network of freight terminals with private
investment to provide efficient and cost effective logistics services with
warehousing solution to end users, a new scheme namely Private Freight Terminal
(PFT) has been launched. Policy has been issued on 31.05.2010 which was
modified and revised this year to attract more investment..
So far 32
proposals have been received, out of which PFTs at Timmapur (SCR), Wardha (CR), Tadali (CR),
Somathane (CR), Pali (NWR) and KRIBHCO Siding Hazira (WR) have been notified.
In principle approval has been given to 14 PFTs by zonal railways.
FREIGHT INCENTIVE SCHEMES
A slew
of freight incentive schemes have been introduced with the objective of
generating additional traffic volume and additional revenue for the Railways.
These schemes which are in operation since 2006, have since been meaningfully
moderated and suitably modified based on experience gained in the interregnum
These schemes have been re-introduced as “The Freight Incentive Schemes and
Transportation Products 2009” . The
schemes have been giving better yield to Railways.
FREIGHT OPERATION INFORMATION SYSTEM
Freight Operation Information System (FOIS) is being extended to
cover the 235 weighbridge locations on Indian Railways. 95 such weighbridge
locations were commissioned during the year increasing the number of such
locations commissioned to 135. The
e-payment facility was further extended to more customers and the percentage of
freight collected through this channel increased to 74.6% from 40% at the end
of the previous year.
Improvement in freight loading performance was achieved with
intensive monitoring of freight terminals through FOIS for effective reduction
in wagon detention.
FREIGHT MAINTENANCE MANAGER (FMM) COMMISSIONED
Wagon maintenance application called Freight
Maintenance Manager (FMM) which entails
maintenance of historical data for wagons and their critical components and the
availability of spare parts at various workshops was commissioned at Dadri and
Dandarikalan in the month of Feb. & March 2012 respectively. Moreover, the pilot project for Locoshed
Management System (LMS) for management of diesel sheds has been
commissioned at Tughlakabad and Lucknow
sheds.
UPGRADING SPEED OF BOXN WAGONS THROUGH IN-HOUSE DESIGN UPGRADATION
An in-house design
of upgraded suspension has been finalized which will be used to convert
existing BOXN type wagons to BOXNHAM wagons at a marginal additional cost. While the existing BOXN wagon is fit to run at 60 kmph in loaded and
80 kmph in empty condition, the converted BOXNHAM wagon has been cleared to run
at 75 kmph with CC+8+2 load and at 100 kmph in empty condition,. This design promises to revolutionize freight
transportation on Indian Railways by bringing about 25% increase in maximum
speed of bulk of goods trains. The first
BOXNHAM rake of 59 wagons has been turned out from Jhansi workshop in May, 2012.
CONTAINER TRAFFIC CHARGES RATIONALISED
Periodic revision in Haulage charges for movement of containers in
privately owned wagons have been carried out and made applicable for
implementation in two phases: w.e.f. 01.12.2012 and the other phase w.e.f.
01.02.2013, respectively. Partial modifications in case of Hub & Spoke
System too has been carried out for implementation w.e.f. 01.01.2013.
DEVELOPMENT OF RAIL CORRIDORS IN CHHATISGARH
Continuing with the Indian Railways and State
Government partnership model, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the
development of rail corridors in Chhatisgarh state was signed. The three rail corridors meant for both
passengers and freight would be developed in northern region of Chhatisgarh
state, approximately 452 kilometres in total length.. These are:- 1) East
Corridor: Bhupdevpur-Gharghoda-Dharamjaygarh up to Korba with spur from
Gharghoda to Donga Mauha to connect mines of Gare-Pelma block, approximately
180 kilometres in length, 2) North Corridor: Surajpur-Parsa-Katghora-Korba,
approximately 150 kilometres in length and 3) East-West Corridor: Gevra Raod to
Pendra Road via Dipka, Katghora, Sindurgarh, approximately 122 kilometres in
length. These corridors will be implemented through specific Special Purpose
Vehicles (SPVs).
DIVIDEND BY RAILWAY PSUs
For the
financial year 2011-12, seven profit making Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
under administrative control of Ministry of Railways have given Rs. 405.78
Crore as dividend to the Ministry which is
approximately 14% more than the dividend paid for the last year. The PSUs are Container Corporation of Indian
Limited (CONCOR), Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC), IRCON
International Limited, Railtel Corporation of India Limited (RCIL), Indian
Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
(RVNL) and RITES.
RAILTEL BECOMES MINI-RATNA
A PSU of Ministry of Raiwlays namely
Railtel Corporation of India Ltd. has been granted status of mini-Ratna
Category I in May2012.
FILLING UP
OF VACANCIES ON PRIORITY BASIS
Filling up of vacancies is a matter of
priority and is being actively pursued by Railways Recruitment Boards. In 2012,
fourteen written examinations have been held for 271 categories, covering 50515 vacancies. Panels of about
15,838 candidates mainly for safety category posts have been supplied to Zonal
Railways/Production Units during the last 11 months period i.e. 1st
January 2012 to 30th November 2012.
Five centralized notifications have been issued in 2012 covering 27,038
vacancies in 138 categories.
Examinations against 4 notifications, out of five issued in 2012, have
already been held in this year itself for 26,213 vacancies.
FELICITATION
OF RAILWAY SPORTSPERSONS FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE
Railway sportspersons were felicitated by the Railway
Ministry for their remarkable performance in the London Olympics – 2012. They were presented with a shawl, a memento
and the cheque of the award amount. Sushil Kumar, who won silver medal in
wrestling (66 kg. Free Style) event in London Olympics was given a cash award
of Rs. 75 lakh. Joydeep Karmakar who got
4th position in the final in Shooting (50m Prone) and Ms. Krishna Punia who got 7th position in the final in Discuss Throw were given
Rs. 25 lakh cash award each. Recognizing the commitment and
contribution of coaches, an award of Rs.
1 lakh each for Shri Satpal, Coach of Sushil Kumar, Sh. Sunny Thomas, Coach of
Joydeep Karmakar and Sh. Virender Punia, Coach of Krishna Punia was also given.
In a momentous recognition of the role and contribution of the Indian Railways
in promoting sports in the country, Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) of
Ministry of Railways has bagged “Rashtriya
Khel Protsahan Puraskar”, for the year 2012 which is a part of National
Sports Awards, announced by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
Government of India.
BETTER MEDICAL CARE TO RAILWAY BENEFICIARIES
Ministry of Railways has approved a
cashless medical scheme for retired railway employees called Retired Employees Liberalized Health
Scheme (RELHS). Under this scheme, the beneficiaries can take treatment
in Recognized Private Hospitals in emergencies. The Zonal Railways are in the
process of implementing the scheme. RELHS has been made mandatory for post
March 2009 retirees and open-ended for other retired employees/ eligible
dependents. A full fledged Cardiac
Unit has been commissioned at Jag Jivan Ram Railway Hospital (JRH)
Mumbai. A new Super-specialty Centre at B. R. Singh Hospital IN Eastern Railway
for treatment of cardiac ailments has become fully functional.
RITEs, a Public Sector Undertaking under
the Ministry of Railways, has been engaged as Transaction Advisor and
Consultant for setting up of Medical
Colleges on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode at Chennai, Guwahati,
Kharagpur, Lucknow and Secunderabad.
e-PROCUREMENT
AND e-AUCTION
Indian Railways have implemented e-procurement system
for All Zonal Railways and Production Units. So for 3.5 lakh e-tenders
have been uploaded on central web site www.ireps.gov.in
and more than 17,000 vendors have registered with the site. Electronic
procurement has facilitated vendors and the participating industry to gain free
excess to Railway’s supply tenders and has improved transparency and
competitiveness in tendering process.
Moreover, with the aim of transparency through e-governance, Indian
Railways has started E-auction as one of the mode for disposal of
scrap since March 2012. E-auction has
been started on all Zonal Railways.
STRENGTHENING OF BILATERAL COOPERATION IN RAIL
SECTOR WITH FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Bilateral cooperation in Railway sector with foreign countries is an
ongoing process. India and China, among others, signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) on Technical Cooperation in Railway Sector. Under this MoU, both the countries will
enhance mutual cooperation across various areas of rail technology including
High Speed Rail, Heavy Haulage and Station Development. A MoU was also signed between Indian Railways and Belgium
on bilateral co-operation for the effective development and modernization of
railway sector of both the countries. Another
Memorandum of Understanding was signed betwee. Government of India and Government of Spain on
technical cooperation in the field of Railway sector. Delegation level talks were held separately with Switzerland and Germany on bilateral cooperation in the
railway sector.
ROLLING STOCK PRODUCTION
Indian Railways continue to do well in the rolling stock production.
In the current year (till November, 2012), 416 locomotives have been
manufactured, 2513 coaches have been manufactured and 16426 wagons have been
procured.
IRFC RAISES FUNDS FOR ROLLING STOCK AND RAILWAY
PROJECTS
Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has been mandated to raise
Rs.15,000 crore in 2012-13 (Rs. 14,896
crore to finance rolling stock and Rs. 104 crore for railway projects being
executed by RVNL). Till end of November
2012, IRFC has raised and transferred to Ministry of Railways Rs. 2,652
crore.
Ministry of Finance has approved
issue of tax free bonds by IRFC amounting to Rs. 10,000 crore during the FY 2012-13. Notification in this regard has been issued
by Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance on 06.11.2012. IRFC is in the process of raising funds
through issue of tax free bonds by way of private placement and public
issue.
78 DAY’S
WAGES AS PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS FOR THE YEAR 2011-12
The
Union Cabinet has accepted the proposal of the Ministry of Railways for payment
of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days' wages for the
financial year 2011-12 for all eligible non-gazetted Railway employees. The
financial implication of payment of 78 days' PLB to Railway employees has been
estimated to be Rs.1021.56 crore. The wage calculation ceiling prescribed for
payment of PLB to the eligible non-gazetted railway employees is Rs.3500/- per
month. About 12.37 lakh non-gazetted
Railway employees benefited from the
decision.
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