Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 & White Paper presented:unprecedented thrust on safety issues
Year-end Review- 2009
Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 & White Paper presented unprecedented thrust on safety issues
INTRODUCTION OF HISTORIC NON-STOP ‘DURONTO’ TRAINS REVENUE EARNINGS DURING APRIL-NOVEMBER 2009 MORE THAN RS. 55 THOUSAND CRORE, AN INCREASE OF 8.74 PER CENT
IMPLEMENTATION OF DFC PROJECTS TAKES OFF WITH THE SIGNING OF PRELIMINARY SERVICES LOAN AGREEMENTS
AIR-CONDITIONED ‘YUVA’ TRAINS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH
‘ONLY LADIES’ MATRABHUMI LOCAL SPECIALS
PERISHABLE CARGO CENTRES UNDER KISAN VISION PROJECT
AUTO HUBS TO COME UP TO ATTRACT AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC
‘IZZAT’ SCHEME FOR POOR TRAVELLERS LAUNCHED
JANTA MEALS AND JANAHAAR CAFETERIA INTRODUCED
EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING
DREAM OF KASHMIR VALLEY PEOPLE FULFILLED
FOUNDATION FOR FIRST EVER MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COMPLEX LAID
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEM SANCTIONED
NEW CONVENIENT SYSTEM FOR MEDIA TO AVAIL FARE CONCESSION & FARE CONCESSION EXTENDED FOR RAJDHANI/SHATABDI TRAINS
FREE MONTHLY PASS FACILITY EXTENDED TO MADRASA STUDNETS
RAILWAYS SPORT PERSONS MAKE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
The year 2009 has been significant for the Railways in achieving goals and targets with regard to the following:
REVENUE GENERATION
The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during 1st April – 30th November 2009 were Rs. 55586.69 crore compared to Rs. 51117.55 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.74 per cent. The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 34394.97 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2008 to Rs. 37337.46 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2009, an increase of 8.56 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during first eight months of the financial year 2009-10 were Rs. 15597.44 crore compared to Rs. 14440.92 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.01 per cent. Indian Railways have carried 574.38 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during April-November 2009. The freight carried shows an increase of 7.44 per cent over the same period last year. The parcel earnings from April to September 2009 has been Rs. 613.08 crore, registering a growth of 18 per cent as compared to the earnings of last year. The revenue generation through disposal of scrap from January 2009 to November 2009 was Rs. 2512 crore.
INDIAN RAILWAYS’ VISION 2020 & WHITE PAPER
Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 document presented in the Parliament by the Railway Minister aims at massive addition to its route network, segregation of passenger and freight services into separate double-line corridors, raising the speeds of passenger trains from the current 130 kmph to 160-200 kmph on some routes, zero accidents and equipment failures. The vision 2020 also envisages the implementation of atleast four high-speed rail projects to provide bullet train services at 250-350 kmph.
A White Paper indicating the Railway’s present organizational, operational and financial status based on its performance in the last five years was also presented in the Parliament. White Paper will help understand the health of the Indian Railways better so that plans for corrective and constructive action for the future can be drawn.
UNPRECEDENTED THRUST ON SAFETY ISSUES
Unprecedented thrust on safety related issues was given during the year, particularly to enhance Safety at Level Crossings, Interlocking and Manning, provision of Limited Height Subways, Normal Height Subways, Road Under Bridges (RUBs), Road Over Bridges (ROBs), Expenditure on Road Safety Works, Catch Sidings etc, Safety aspects of Signals and their back-up power supply, Enquiry of Fire related Accidents, Monitoring of working of Loco Pilots, etc. As on March 31, 2009, there are total 1337 ROBs/RUBs works at various stage of planning and execution. During 2009-10, 40 ROB/RUB have been completed till November 2009 under various schemes. Indian Railways maintained 34,220 level crossings out of which 17244 had gatekeepers and 16,976 crossings were unmanned. In 2008-09, about 259 unmanned level crossings were provided with gatekeepers. And during 2009-10, total 132 unmanned gates have been provided with gatekeepers till November 2009. Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan of Indian Railways has been prepared with the approval of the Board and has been sent to National Disaster Management Authority. Railways are one of the few Ministries who have prepared their Disaster Management Plan as per the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005. In the current calendar year 2009, during January to 14th December, 2009, 154 consequential train accidents took place as against 159 during the corresponding period of the previous year.
IMPLEMENTATION OF DEDICATED FREIGHT PROJECTS
Progress has been made in the implementation of Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) projects in the current year. Japanese ODA assistance for Western DFC project was sanctioned for the first loan of Rs. 130 crore for engagement of Engineering Services Consultancy services for phase-1 (Rewari-Vadodara section). Request for Proposal (RFP) for engaging Engineering Services Consultancy for Phase-I of Western DFC has also been issued by DFCCIL in October, 2009. For the remaining portion of Western DFC i.e. Phase-II, (Mumbai to Vadodra and Revari to Dadri) preparatory survey has been commenced by JICA consultants in November 2009. In case of Eastern Dedicated Freigh Corridor, Asian Development Bank (ADB) sanctioned a Project Preparation Grant of 1.5 million US Dollars for Khurja-Ludhiana section and ADB appointed consultants started feasibility studies in the section in July 2009 and final report is expected by February 2010. For the proposed World Bank funded Khurja-Mughalsarai section of Eastern DFC, important achievements include appointment of General Consultant for Khurja-Kanpur section by DFCCIL.
NEW CONVENIENT SYSTEM FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA PERSONS TO AVAIL CONCESSIONAL TRAIN FARE; FARE CONCESSION EXTENDED FOR RAJDHANI/SHATABDI TRAINS
As a follow up to the announcement made by the Minister of Railways Kumari Mamata Banerjee in her Railway Budget 2009-10 speech, for the convenience of accredited media persons, the Ministry of Railways has decided to replace the existing system of Coupon Books for accredited press correspondents by more convenient Photo Identity Card based system for availing concessional train fare. Photo identification card will be issued by Railways to accredited press correspondents instead of coupons books. Accredited press correspondent will be eligible for 50 per cent concession in the basic fares all classes of Mail/Express trains & all other charges are to be collected in full; and 50 per cent in the all inclusive fares of all classes of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains. This concession will not be admissible in Garib Rath trains. The new system of concession based on Photo Identity card and the increased concession on Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains will be effective from 15th October 2009.
AIR-CONDITIONED ‘YUVA’ TRAINS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH
The first ever ‘Yuva Trains’ which are targeted mainly for the unemployed youths of the country has been introduced between Howrah-Delhi on 30th December 2009. These ‘Yuva’ trains are being introduced to ensure that the youth of low income groups can travel at low rates between major cities. The ‘Yuva Train’ fares will be applicable to unemployed persons also between the age group of 15 to 45 years. Initially, 60 per cent of the total number of coaches will be earmarked for ‘Yuva’ category. The remaining will be earmarked for general passengers (non-Yuva). If successful, these ‘Yuva trains’ will be extended to other areas of the country. The total chargeable fare for Yuva passengers inclusive of all other charges like Reservation Fee, Superfast Train Charge and Development Charge would not exceed Rs.299/- up to a distance of 1500 kms and Rs. 399/- for distance beyond 1500 up to 2500 kms.
‘ONLY LADIES’ SPECIAL EMU TRAIN SERVICES
As announced in the Railway Budget 2009-10, the Ministry of Railways introduced ‘Only Ladies’ Matrabhumi EMU train services in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata suburban on the pattern of Mumbai suburban as working women face considerable difficulties in traveling for work. These services will run for the convenience of women passengers during office hours.
SUPER FAST PARCEL EXPRESS TRAINS
With a view to attract high value and transit sensitive non-bulk parcel traffic, Indian Railways introduced faster parcel services/premium parcel express trains named “Tejshree Parcel Sewa” between Delhi-Howrah-Delhi, Delhi-Ahmedabad/Vapi-Howrah as a pilot project. This is envisaged as a time-tabled service from dedicated terminals with guaranteed transit time.
DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE FREIGHT TERMINALS
With a view to increase Railways market share of automobile traffic and to facilitate aggregation and distribution centres for automobile traffic, a scheme is under finalization for development of automobile hubs near rail heads through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Railways Minister laid the foundation stone for one such auto hub at Shalimar in West Bengal in November 2009.
A policy is under finalization to facilitate rapid development of a network of freight terminals with private investment to provide efficient and cost effective logistics services to end users including door to door services. Freight terminals can be green field facilities developed by private parties on private land or brown field facilities i.e. existing private sidings/container terminals on private a land which can be permitted to be converted to private freight terminals under the provisions of the proposed policy.
PERISHABLE CARGO CENTRES UNDER KISAN VISION PROJECT
With a view to encourage creation of facilities of setting up cold storage and temperature controlled perishable cargo centres through Public Private Partnership mode, a Task Force of representatives from the concerned ministries, Container corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), Central Warehousing Corporation Ltd. (CWC) and cold chain operators, has been constituted to draw up a road map for implementation of the project and identify few locations for pilot project for development of perishable cargo centres. The Pilot Project will be implemented through PSUs engaged in logistics. Foundation stone for the first pilot project under the Kisan Vision Project has been laid by the Minister of Railways at Singur in November 2009.
375 STATIONS TO BE DEVELOPED AS ‘ADARSH’ STATIONS
Ministry of Railways has decided that 17 more railway stations may be added to the existing list of 358 Adarsh Stations. With this, the number of stations selected as ‘Adarsh Stations’ goes upto 375. Railways will develop Adarsh Stations with basic facilities such as drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services, waiting rooms and dormitories especially for lady passengers, better signage and other basic facilities are universally available. Necessary work has already been commenced at various stations.
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-FUNCIONAL COMPLEXES
Multi-functional Complexes are being developed at 50 railway stations of serving places of pilgrimage, industry and tourist interest in different parts of the country this year. Multi-functional Complexes in station premises to provide rail users facilities like shopping, food stalls and restaurants, book stalls, PCO/STD/ISD/Fax booths, medicine & variety stores, budget hotels, underground parking etc. Responsibility for development of these facilities will be entrusted to IRCON and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and Zonal Railways. The foundation stone for such first ever Multi-functional complex was laid by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, at Siliguri in October 2009.
PROVISION OF QUALITY FOOD IN TRAINS
Instruction has been issued to Zonal Railways and Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in May 2009 for improvement in quality of food in mobile catering units over Indian Railways. Janata meals priced at Rs. 10/- have been revamped on Indian Railways, to meet the catering requirement of common passengers. On an average 1.1 lakh Janata meals are sold every day on Indian Railways through refreshment rooms, food plazas and other catering stalls, etc. To meet the catering requirement of common people, Railways have plans to open Janahaar cafeteria exclusively to sell economy meals and Janta Meals at reasonable rates. Six Janahaar Cafeteria have been commissioned at Howrah, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Gorakhpur railway station and five more will be set up shortly at Sealdah, Patna, Kharagpur, New Jalpaiguri and Mysore. Catering services of the similar level of Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express are being provided in newly introduced ‘Duronto’ Trains. All sleeper class passengers of Duronto Trains are also being provided meals on-board. In addition,
IMPROVEMENT AND MODERNISATION OF SIGNALLING SYSTEM
In order to increase efficiency and enhance safety in train operations, Electrical/Electronic Interlocking system in replacement of over-aged mechanical/multi cabin signaling system, has been provided at 339 stations during year 2009 (January to November). To improve reliability and visibility of signals, out dated filament type signals have been replaced with long life, highly durable LED signals at 853 stations. A total number of 578 stations have been provided with Data Logger for predictive maintenance and intensive supervision of Signalling system. Auto Block Signalling to increase line capacity has been provided on 209 Route kms. On Board Train Protection System (TPWS) has been commissioned on Chennai Central- Gummidipundi suburban section (50 RKMs) of Southern Railway as a pilot project. This system prevents ‘Signal Passing At Danger’ cases and enforces implementations of speed restriction. Second pilot project of Train Protection Warning System on main line (Delhi-Agra section of Northern/North Central Railway) is under way. Automatic clearance of Block Section has been provided at 448 sections through use of axle counters. This will reduce dependence on human element & enhance safety. A total A total of 439 numbers of level crossing gates have been interlocked with signals to enhance safety. Track Circuiting for enhancing safety by reducing human dependence, has been provided at 1387 locations in various station sections.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS
During Financial Year 2009-10, about 2500 Route km of Optic Fibre Cable OFC cable laid upto November 2009 by RailTel Corporation of Indian Limited. A total of around 37,000 Route Kms of OFC has so far been laid on Indian Railway system alongside railway track for improving communications. Works for laying 9,000 Kms of OFC further are under progress. Mobile Train Radio Communication system for communication among Train Driver, Guard, Station Master, Control Office and field maintenance staff during run of the train has been commissioned at about 700 Route Kms on Howrah –Dhanbad, Guwahati-New Bongaigaon and Mathura-Jhansi sections. Works are under progress for another 2700 Kms. Walkie-Talkie VHF communication between Guard, Driver & Stations has been provided.
SETTING UP OF NEW ANCILLARY UNITS FOR DIESEL AND ELECTRIC LOCOS
The foundation stone was laid by the Minister of Railways for setting up of two factories for manufacturing electric and diesel engine components and also inaugurated the Project for Distribution of ‘Carbon Credit’ saving CFLs at Dankuni in West Bengal in December 2009. The factories will manufacture components and sub-assemblies for Electric locomotives for the Chittaranjan Production Units and the Diesel Locomotive Works. Other new production units to be set up by Indian Railways are; Rail Coach Factory at Rae Bareilly, Coach factory at Kanchrapara, Diesel Locomotive Factory at Marhowra, Electric Locomotive Factory at Madhepura and Rail Wheel Factory at Chhapra.
‘IZZAT’ MONTHLY SEASON TICKET SCHEME LAUNCHED
As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, while presenting Railway Budget 2009-10 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways introduced a new scheme of uniformly priced Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) at Rs. 25/- inclusive of all surcharges which will be issued upto a distance of 100 Kilometers to persons working in unorganised sector with monthly income not exceeding Rs. 1500/-. This new scheme is called “Izzat”. These ‘Izzat’ MSTs are being issued for journeys with effect from 01.08.2009.
EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING
An Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI for developing business models and innovative funding techniques through Public Private Partnership (PPP) instruments has been constituted. The committee has held several meetings and made recommendations which are at various stages of implementation. A five member Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Sam Pitroda, on the usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Railways has been constituted,
RAILWAYS LAUNCH HISTORIC NON-STOP ‘DURONTO’ TRAINS
Indian Railways added one more feather to its cap when it launched its new class of passenger carrying ‘Duronto’ trains in September 2009. So far seven ‘Duronto’ trains have already been introduced on various major sectors in the country. ‘Duronto’ is a non-stop superfast passenger carrying train in the history of the Railways and heralds a new era of rail travel in the country ensuring better speed, comfort and security for passengers Outer colour scheme design of ‘Duronto’ coaches is distinct. The fare of ‘Duronto’ trains includes the cost of meals.
In addition, 35 new passenger carrying trains were introduced, one Yuva train was introduced, 17 trains were extended and frequency of 8 trains was increased.
TRANSPORTATION OF DRINKING WATER & FODDER FREE OF COST TO DRAUGHT AFFECTED AREAS.
With a view to facilitate better availability of basic commodities like water and fodder to drought affected areas in the country, Ministry of Railways has decided as a special case to permit the transportation of drinking water and fodder by rail, free of charge, to the notified drought affected districts of twelve states at “no cost” to the affected States. These States are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These instructions have come into force with effect from 01.12.2009 and remain valid upto 31.01.2010.
DREAM OF KASHMIR VALLEY PEOPLE FULFILLED
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the newly constructed 18 km long rail line between Anantnag and Quazigund, the last stretch of the railway line in the Kashmir Valley in October 2009. Earlier in October 2008 and February 2009, the railway lines from Anantnag to Mazhom (66 km) and Mazhom to Baramulla (35 km) were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The entire 119 km long rail line from Baramulla to Quazigund in the valley has now become operational covering important stations like Sopore, Hamre, Pattan, Mazhom, Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipura, Panjgam, Bijbiara, Anantnag and Sadura in both the directions.
FIRST EVER RAIL LINK WITH SIKKIM
Sikkim will have the first ever rail connectivity with the laying of foundation stone of the new broad gauge railway line between Sikkim’s small township of Rangpo and West Bengal’s border town of Sivok. This 52.7 km long new broad guauge Rangpo-Sivok line will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1339.48 crore and has been declared as a ‘National Project’ for which 25 per cent of the fund would be provided by Ministry of Railways through their gross budgetary support and balance 75 per cent as an additionality by Ministry of Finance. The survey for further extension of this line from Rangpo upto Sikkim’s capital Gangtok (69 km) has also been completed recently and survey report is under examination in the Ministry of Railways.
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS
Railways have taken several measures to strengthen security activities. An amount of approximately Rs. 344 crore has been sanctioned for implementation of Integrated Security System to strengthen surveillance mechanism at 195 sensitive stations of the country. Besides this, Rs.67 crore have already been distributed amongst the Zonal Railways for procurement of modern security gadgets. 12 Commando Companies of RPSF have been raised for special duties. The Minister has also announced raising of one ‘Mahila Commando Company’. RPF will also set up its own commando training centre at Canning in West Bengal. Thirty two RPF personnel have been awarded this year for their commendable acts. For the first time President Police Medal for gallantry has been awarded to RPF for showing exemplary bravely during terrorist attack on 26/11/2008 at CST, Mumbai.
INTRODCUTION OF MOBILE BRIDGE INSPECTION UNITS
The Indian Railways as part of its high-tech operations has introduced Mobile Bridge Inspection Units (MBIU) for inspection and maintenance of railway bridges to ensure more safety. Cranes provided in these Mobile Bridge Inspection Units have been imported from Germany. Carrier vehicles and power units for these MBIU have been provided by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. Approximate cost of each MBIU is about eight crore. Two MBIU have recently been introduced on Indian Railways, one in Northern Railway and the other in Central Railway.
RAILWAYS BAG FOUR ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARDS
The Ministry of Railways has achieved another milestone when three of its Zonal Railways bagged four of the National Energy Conservation Awards in 2009. In Railway sector, Western Railway headquartered at Mumbai (Maharashtra) bagged the first prize, North Eastern Railway headquartered at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) got the second prize and West Central Railway headquartered at Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) received the Certificate of Merit. In Office Building sector, West Central Railway again bagged the first prize for its General Manager Office Building.
IRCTC LAUNCHES TOLL FREE 24X7 HELPLINE
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a public sector undertaking of the Ministry of Railways, has launched a centralised Toll Free telephone No. 1800-111-139 for the convenience of railway users to suggest/grievances relating to catering services on Indian Railways. The facility is available 24x7 on this number and railway passengers can register their complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services. Wherever possible, action is taken on real time basis for redressal of their grievances.
“139 – Rail Sampark”, the authorized enquiry for Indian Railway has recently introduced the facility of Railway enquiry through SMS which is a premium service. The users can obtain information regarding PNR status, fare, seat availability and arrival/departure by sending SMS in the specified syntax to 139.
ENHANCED FARE CONCESSIONS FOR STUDENTS, AMATEUR ARTISTS & POLICE MEDALISTS
As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee in the Railway Budget 2009-10, the Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the facility of free Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) in 2nd class in the trains to students attending Madrasa, High Madrasa and Senior Madrasa for commuting daily between the stations serving their place of residence and Madrasa. It has also decided that 60 per cent concession in the fares of Metro Rail Kolkata will be granted to both boy and girl students studying in schools/Madrasas/recognized vocational institutions upto classes academically equivalent to class XII. In addition, the Ministry of Railways has decided that amateur artists (theatrical, concert, musical, dancing and magician troups & students-artists of the National School of Drama, New Delhi when traveling alone or in group) who are presently eligible for 50 per cent concession in First Class and 75 per cent concession in Second and Sleeper Classes basic Mail/Express fares will now also be entitled to 50 per cent concession in AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes in Mail/Express trains and 50 per cent concession will also be granted in the all inclusive fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains in AC Chair, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes. It has also decided to enhance the concession for Police Personnel of 60 years and above who have received President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service from 30 per cent to 50 percent for men and 60 per cent for women in the basic fares of Mail/Express trains of all classes and in the all-inclusive fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains.
INTRODUCTION OF E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
E- Procurement System (EPS) is aimed at attaining total transparency in public procurement system of Indian Railways. The E-Procurement Application for Indian Railways (www.ireps.gov.in) has been successfully rolled out by CRIS for 13 Zonal Railways/Production Units. Till now Railways have uploaded over 44192 e-tenders and about 39485 e-tenders have been opened as on December 14, 2009.
UPGRADATION OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES, MODIFICATION IN COACHES AND USE OF CNG AND BIO-FUEL
Through indigenous efforts, the Horse Power of EMD diesel locos has been increased from 4000 to 4500 which will permit them to haul heavier loads at higher speeds. It is planned to further upgrade the EMD locos to 5000+ Horse Power. Manufacture of latest technology EMD locomotives has been stepped up to 150 locos in 2009-10. Trials have also been completed and one power car of DMU has been converted to run on dual fuel mode using CNG and further proliferation is in progress. Design for Toilet facilities in DMUs has been finalized by the RDSO. ICF will turn out all the DEMU rakes during the current year with toilets. Railways has placed orders for procurement of bio-diesel. Successful laboratory tests have been carried out by using 10% blend of bio-diesel on Trains. Introduction of these alternative fuels are environment –friendly and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Bullet proof cabs have been provided for the first time on diesel locomotives working in Lumding – Badarpur section to thwart the threat to running staff in sensitive areas.
EXPORT OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
To promote the export of Diesel Locomotives and securing a niche in the International market, a most modern, new type 3000 HP, Cape Gauge diesel locomotive manufactured by Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Varanasi, a production unit of Indian Railways, has been dispatched to Mozambique. This is the first ever 3000 HP locomotive built in DLW for cape gauge.
REVAMPING OF RAILWAY RECRUITMENT BOARDS
The Ministry of Railways took several steps to revamp Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). It has been decided to hold the examination for a particular post on the same date simultaneously by all RRBs It has now been decided that the exam of all RRBs throughout the country. The question paper of RRB exam will be printed in addition to Hindi, Urdu and English, in local languages listed in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India, falling within the jurisdiction of that RRB. For this purpose first official language(s) of the State(s) in which all the divisions/Units of that RRB are located, is taken as the local language(s). It has also been decided to waive the examination fees for women, minorities and economically backward sections of society, having annual family income of less than Rs. 50,000/-. Special recruitment drives and special promotion drives were carried out for wiping out backlog vacancies of SCs and STs.
INNOVATIVE STEPS TAKEN FOR BETTER MEDICAL CARE
Ministry of Railways has decided to open Medical and Nursing Colleges on Railway land with existing Railway Hospital under PPP which will have seats for wards of railway employees. To start with, five places have been identified i.e. Kanchrapara, Kharagpur, Kolkata, Chennai & Guwahati. This will also help to meet shortage of Doctors & Nurses. To augment the medical services, introduction of Senior Residency and DNB programmes (Post Graduate Teaching) have been introduced in Railway hospitals. For procuring quality drug for our railway beneficiaries a new “Drug Procurement Policy” have been introduced. Tele medicine has been started in 18 centres and many more are in process. Hospital Information Management System is being started in Jagjivan Ram Hospital, Western Railway, Mumbai as a pilot project and will be extended to all the hospitals of Indian Railways. To provide medical facilities to retired railway employees membership for Retired Employees Liberalized Health Scheme-97 has been reopened till 31.03.2010 for those retired employees who could not join this scheme earlier.
INTRODUCTION OF LUXURY TOURIST TRAIN
Keeping in consonance with its commitment towards promotion of tourism, the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has launched one more luxury tourist train, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, on a tourist circuit covering major destinations of Rajasthan besides Agra and Delhi. This is the fourth train in the series and second in association with RTDC, Two more such trains, one in association with IRCTC, called ‘Maharaja Express’ and one with Government of Punjab are in the pipeline.
PHASE-II ‘SCIENCE EXPRESS' & RED RIBBON EXPRESS
The Phase-III of the 'Science Express' which was inaugurated in October 2009 at Gandhinagar will travel to 55 locations, mostly not covered earlier, covering about 18,000 kms in seven months of its journey throughout the country. It is covering the entire length and breadth of the country. The second phase of Red Ribbon Express (RRE), which is a 10-coach exhibition train for creating awareness about HIV/AIDS in the far flung areas, was flagged off on the World AIDS Day.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN SPORTS
In the field of sports Indian Railway sportspersons have created many landmarks during 2009. Shri Ramesh Kumar of Northern Railway has won Bronze medal in the Senior World Wrestling Championship held in Denmark in September 2009. Any Indian Wrestler won medal in this championship after a long gap of 42 years. Shri R.R. Laxman, Chess player working in ICF, Chennai has become India’s latest Grandmaster while playing in the 4th Kolkata Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament held in Kolkata from 31st August 2009 to 10th September 2009. He is the first chess player who has achieved this distinction in Indian Railways. In the World Powerlifting Championship held in Gurgaon from 2nd to 7th November 2009, Shri P. Suresh (Western Railway) and Shri Rana Shyam Singh (South Eastern Railway) have won Silver and Bronze Medals, respectively. Besides, Shri Sushil Kumar, Wrestler has been awarded with “Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna”, the highest individual sports award of the country. Moreover, Shri Jaidev Bisht, Boxing Coach has been honoured with prestigious “Dronacharya Award” and Shri Mangal Singh Champia, Archer & Ms. Surinder Kaur, Women Hockey player have also been honoured with “Arjuna Awards”. In addition, the Government of India have awarded the first “Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar”, in the category – Employment of Sportspersons and Sports Welfare Measures, to Railway Sports Promotion Board.
ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS
For the financial year 2008-09, Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 75 days wages has been paid to all non-gazetted Railway employees. About 13.05 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees have benefited by this scheme. The PLB paid for the year 2008-09 is the highest bonus payment ever made by the Railways reflecting the splendid performance of Railways during the year.
Year-end Review- 2009
Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 & White Paper presented unprecedented thrust on safety issues
INTRODUCTION OF HISTORIC NON-STOP ‘DURONTO’ TRAINS REVENUE EARNINGS DURING APRIL-NOVEMBER 2009 MORE THAN RS. 55 THOUSAND CRORE, AN INCREASE OF 8.74 PER CENT
IMPLEMENTATION OF DFC PROJECTS TAKES OFF WITH THE SIGNING OF PRELIMINARY SERVICES LOAN AGREEMENTS
AIR-CONDITIONED ‘YUVA’ TRAINS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH
‘ONLY LADIES’ MATRABHUMI LOCAL SPECIALS
PERISHABLE CARGO CENTRES UNDER KISAN VISION PROJECT
AUTO HUBS TO COME UP TO ATTRACT AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC
‘IZZAT’ SCHEME FOR POOR TRAVELLERS LAUNCHED
JANTA MEALS AND JANAHAAR CAFETERIA INTRODUCED
EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING
DREAM OF KASHMIR VALLEY PEOPLE FULFILLED
FOUNDATION FOR FIRST EVER MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COMPLEX LAID
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEM SANCTIONED
NEW CONVENIENT SYSTEM FOR MEDIA TO AVAIL FARE CONCESSION & FARE CONCESSION EXTENDED FOR RAJDHANI/SHATABDI TRAINS
FREE MONTHLY PASS FACILITY EXTENDED TO MADRASA STUDNETS
RAILWAYS SPORT PERSONS MAKE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
The year 2009 has been significant for the Railways in achieving goals and targets with regard to the following:
REVENUE GENERATION
The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during 1st April – 30th November 2009 were Rs. 55586.69 crore compared to Rs. 51117.55 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.74 per cent. The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 34394.97 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2008 to Rs. 37337.46 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2009, an increase of 8.56 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during first eight months of the financial year 2009-10 were Rs. 15597.44 crore compared to Rs. 14440.92 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.01 per cent. Indian Railways have carried 574.38 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during April-November 2009. The freight carried shows an increase of 7.44 per cent over the same period last year. The parcel earnings from April to September 2009 has been Rs. 613.08 crore, registering a growth of 18 per cent as compared to the earnings of last year. The revenue generation through disposal of scrap from January 2009 to November 2009 was Rs. 2512 crore.
INDIAN RAILWAYS’ VISION 2020 & WHITE PAPER
Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 document presented in the Parliament by the Railway Minister aims at massive addition to its route network, segregation of passenger and freight services into separate double-line corridors, raising the speeds of passenger trains from the current 130 kmph to 160-200 kmph on some routes, zero accidents and equipment failures. The vision 2020 also envisages the implementation of atleast four high-speed rail projects to provide bullet train services at 250-350 kmph.
A White Paper indicating the Railway’s present organizational, operational and financial status based on its performance in the last five years was also presented in the Parliament. White Paper will help understand the health of the Indian Railways better so that plans for corrective and constructive action for the future can be drawn.
UNPRECEDENTED THRUST ON SAFETY ISSUES
Unprecedented thrust on safety related issues was given during the year, particularly to enhance Safety at Level Crossings, Interlocking and Manning, provision of Limited Height Subways, Normal Height Subways, Road Under Bridges (RUBs), Road Over Bridges (ROBs), Expenditure on Road Safety Works, Catch Sidings etc, Safety aspects of Signals and their back-up power supply, Enquiry of Fire related Accidents, Monitoring of working of Loco Pilots, etc. As on March 31, 2009, there are total 1337 ROBs/RUBs works at various stage of planning and execution. During 2009-10, 40 ROB/RUB have been completed till November 2009 under various schemes. Indian Railways maintained 34,220 level crossings out of which 17244 had gatekeepers and 16,976 crossings were unmanned. In 2008-09, about 259 unmanned level crossings were provided with gatekeepers. And during 2009-10, total 132 unmanned gates have been provided with gatekeepers till November 2009. Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan of Indian Railways has been prepared with the approval of the Board and has been sent to National Disaster Management Authority. Railways are one of the few Ministries who have prepared their Disaster Management Plan as per the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005. In the current calendar year 2009, during January to 14th December, 2009, 154 consequential train accidents took place as against 159 during the corresponding period of the previous year.
IMPLEMENTATION OF DEDICATED FREIGHT PROJECTS
Progress has been made in the implementation of Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) projects in the current year. Japanese ODA assistance for Western DFC project was sanctioned for the first loan of Rs. 130 crore for engagement of Engineering Services Consultancy services for phase-1 (Rewari-Vadodara section). Request for Proposal (RFP) for engaging Engineering Services Consultancy for Phase-I of Western DFC has also been issued by DFCCIL in October, 2009. For the remaining portion of Western DFC i.e. Phase-II, (Mumbai to Vadodra and Revari to Dadri) preparatory survey has been commenced by JICA consultants in November 2009. In case of Eastern Dedicated Freigh Corridor, Asian Development Bank (ADB) sanctioned a Project Preparation Grant of 1.5 million US Dollars for Khurja-Ludhiana section and ADB appointed consultants started feasibility studies in the section in July 2009 and final report is expected by February 2010. For the proposed World Bank funded Khurja-Mughalsarai section of Eastern DFC, important achievements include appointment of General Consultant for Khurja-Kanpur section by DFCCIL.
NEW CONVENIENT SYSTEM FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA PERSONS TO AVAIL CONCESSIONAL TRAIN FARE; FARE CONCESSION EXTENDED FOR RAJDHANI/SHATABDI TRAINS
As a follow up to the announcement made by the Minister of Railways Kumari Mamata Banerjee in her Railway Budget 2009-10 speech, for the convenience of accredited media persons, the Ministry of Railways has decided to replace the existing system of Coupon Books for accredited press correspondents by more convenient Photo Identity Card based system for availing concessional train fare. Photo identification card will be issued by Railways to accredited press correspondents instead of coupons books. Accredited press correspondent will be eligible for 50 per cent concession in the basic fares all classes of Mail/Express trains & all other charges are to be collected in full; and 50 per cent in the all inclusive fares of all classes of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains. This concession will not be admissible in Garib Rath trains. The new system of concession based on Photo Identity card and the increased concession on Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains will be effective from 15th October 2009.
AIR-CONDITIONED ‘YUVA’ TRAINS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH
The first ever ‘Yuva Trains’ which are targeted mainly for the unemployed youths of the country has been introduced between Howrah-Delhi on 30th December 2009. These ‘Yuva’ trains are being introduced to ensure that the youth of low income groups can travel at low rates between major cities. The ‘Yuva Train’ fares will be applicable to unemployed persons also between the age group of 15 to 45 years. Initially, 60 per cent of the total number of coaches will be earmarked for ‘Yuva’ category. The remaining will be earmarked for general passengers (non-Yuva). If successful, these ‘Yuva trains’ will be extended to other areas of the country. The total chargeable fare for Yuva passengers inclusive of all other charges like Reservation Fee, Superfast Train Charge and Development Charge would not exceed Rs.299/- up to a distance of 1500 kms and Rs. 399/- for distance beyond 1500 up to 2500 kms.
‘ONLY LADIES’ SPECIAL EMU TRAIN SERVICES
As announced in the Railway Budget 2009-10, the Ministry of Railways introduced ‘Only Ladies’ Matrabhumi EMU train services in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata suburban on the pattern of Mumbai suburban as working women face considerable difficulties in traveling for work. These services will run for the convenience of women passengers during office hours.
SUPER FAST PARCEL EXPRESS TRAINS
With a view to attract high value and transit sensitive non-bulk parcel traffic, Indian Railways introduced faster parcel services/premium parcel express trains named “Tejshree Parcel Sewa” between Delhi-Howrah-Delhi, Delhi-Ahmedabad/Vapi-Howrah as a pilot project. This is envisaged as a time-tabled service from dedicated terminals with guaranteed transit time.
DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE FREIGHT TERMINALS
With a view to increase Railways market share of automobile traffic and to facilitate aggregation and distribution centres for automobile traffic, a scheme is under finalization for development of automobile hubs near rail heads through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Railways Minister laid the foundation stone for one such auto hub at Shalimar in West Bengal in November 2009.
A policy is under finalization to facilitate rapid development of a network of freight terminals with private investment to provide efficient and cost effective logistics services to end users including door to door services. Freight terminals can be green field facilities developed by private parties on private land or brown field facilities i.e. existing private sidings/container terminals on private a land which can be permitted to be converted to private freight terminals under the provisions of the proposed policy.
PERISHABLE CARGO CENTRES UNDER KISAN VISION PROJECT
With a view to encourage creation of facilities of setting up cold storage and temperature controlled perishable cargo centres through Public Private Partnership mode, a Task Force of representatives from the concerned ministries, Container corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), Central Warehousing Corporation Ltd. (CWC) and cold chain operators, has been constituted to draw up a road map for implementation of the project and identify few locations for pilot project for development of perishable cargo centres. The Pilot Project will be implemented through PSUs engaged in logistics. Foundation stone for the first pilot project under the Kisan Vision Project has been laid by the Minister of Railways at Singur in November 2009.
375 STATIONS TO BE DEVELOPED AS ‘ADARSH’ STATIONS
Ministry of Railways has decided that 17 more railway stations may be added to the existing list of 358 Adarsh Stations. With this, the number of stations selected as ‘Adarsh Stations’ goes upto 375. Railways will develop Adarsh Stations with basic facilities such as drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services, waiting rooms and dormitories especially for lady passengers, better signage and other basic facilities are universally available. Necessary work has already been commenced at various stations.
DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-FUNCIONAL COMPLEXES
Multi-functional Complexes are being developed at 50 railway stations of serving places of pilgrimage, industry and tourist interest in different parts of the country this year. Multi-functional Complexes in station premises to provide rail users facilities like shopping, food stalls and restaurants, book stalls, PCO/STD/ISD/Fax booths, medicine & variety stores, budget hotels, underground parking etc. Responsibility for development of these facilities will be entrusted to IRCON and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and Zonal Railways. The foundation stone for such first ever Multi-functional complex was laid by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, at Siliguri in October 2009.
PROVISION OF QUALITY FOOD IN TRAINS
Instruction has been issued to Zonal Railways and Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in May 2009 for improvement in quality of food in mobile catering units over Indian Railways. Janata meals priced at Rs. 10/- have been revamped on Indian Railways, to meet the catering requirement of common passengers. On an average 1.1 lakh Janata meals are sold every day on Indian Railways through refreshment rooms, food plazas and other catering stalls, etc. To meet the catering requirement of common people, Railways have plans to open Janahaar cafeteria exclusively to sell economy meals and Janta Meals at reasonable rates. Six Janahaar Cafeteria have been commissioned at Howrah, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Gorakhpur railway station and five more will be set up shortly at Sealdah, Patna, Kharagpur, New Jalpaiguri and Mysore. Catering services of the similar level of Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express are being provided in newly introduced ‘Duronto’ Trains. All sleeper class passengers of Duronto Trains are also being provided meals on-board. In addition,
IMPROVEMENT AND MODERNISATION OF SIGNALLING SYSTEM
In order to increase efficiency and enhance safety in train operations, Electrical/Electronic Interlocking system in replacement of over-aged mechanical/multi cabin signaling system, has been provided at 339 stations during year 2009 (January to November). To improve reliability and visibility of signals, out dated filament type signals have been replaced with long life, highly durable LED signals at 853 stations. A total number of 578 stations have been provided with Data Logger for predictive maintenance and intensive supervision of Signalling system. Auto Block Signalling to increase line capacity has been provided on 209 Route kms. On Board Train Protection System (TPWS) has been commissioned on Chennai Central- Gummidipundi suburban section (50 RKMs) of Southern Railway as a pilot project. This system prevents ‘Signal Passing At Danger’ cases and enforces implementations of speed restriction. Second pilot project of Train Protection Warning System on main line (Delhi-Agra section of Northern/North Central Railway) is under way. Automatic clearance of Block Section has been provided at 448 sections through use of axle counters. This will reduce dependence on human element & enhance safety. A total A total of 439 numbers of level crossing gates have been interlocked with signals to enhance safety. Track Circuiting for enhancing safety by reducing human dependence, has been provided at 1387 locations in various station sections.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS
During Financial Year 2009-10, about 2500 Route km of Optic Fibre Cable OFC cable laid upto November 2009 by RailTel Corporation of Indian Limited. A total of around 37,000 Route Kms of OFC has so far been laid on Indian Railway system alongside railway track for improving communications. Works for laying 9,000 Kms of OFC further are under progress. Mobile Train Radio Communication system for communication among Train Driver, Guard, Station Master, Control Office and field maintenance staff during run of the train has been commissioned at about 700 Route Kms on Howrah –Dhanbad, Guwahati-New Bongaigaon and Mathura-Jhansi sections. Works are under progress for another 2700 Kms. Walkie-Talkie VHF communication between Guard, Driver & Stations has been provided.
SETTING UP OF NEW ANCILLARY UNITS FOR DIESEL AND ELECTRIC LOCOS
The foundation stone was laid by the Minister of Railways for setting up of two factories for manufacturing electric and diesel engine components and also inaugurated the Project for Distribution of ‘Carbon Credit’ saving CFLs at Dankuni in West Bengal in December 2009. The factories will manufacture components and sub-assemblies for Electric locomotives for the Chittaranjan Production Units and the Diesel Locomotive Works. Other new production units to be set up by Indian Railways are; Rail Coach Factory at Rae Bareilly, Coach factory at Kanchrapara, Diesel Locomotive Factory at Marhowra, Electric Locomotive Factory at Madhepura and Rail Wheel Factory at Chhapra.
‘IZZAT’ MONTHLY SEASON TICKET SCHEME LAUNCHED
As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, while presenting Railway Budget 2009-10 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways introduced a new scheme of uniformly priced Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) at Rs. 25/- inclusive of all surcharges which will be issued upto a distance of 100 Kilometers to persons working in unorganised sector with monthly income not exceeding Rs. 1500/-. This new scheme is called “Izzat”. These ‘Izzat’ MSTs are being issued for journeys with effect from 01.08.2009.
EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING
An Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI for developing business models and innovative funding techniques through Public Private Partnership (PPP) instruments has been constituted. The committee has held several meetings and made recommendations which are at various stages of implementation. A five member Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Sam Pitroda, on the usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Railways has been constituted,
RAILWAYS LAUNCH HISTORIC NON-STOP ‘DURONTO’ TRAINS
Indian Railways added one more feather to its cap when it launched its new class of passenger carrying ‘Duronto’ trains in September 2009. So far seven ‘Duronto’ trains have already been introduced on various major sectors in the country. ‘Duronto’ is a non-stop superfast passenger carrying train in the history of the Railways and heralds a new era of rail travel in the country ensuring better speed, comfort and security for passengers Outer colour scheme design of ‘Duronto’ coaches is distinct. The fare of ‘Duronto’ trains includes the cost of meals.
In addition, 35 new passenger carrying trains were introduced, one Yuva train was introduced, 17 trains were extended and frequency of 8 trains was increased.
TRANSPORTATION OF DRINKING WATER & FODDER FREE OF COST TO DRAUGHT AFFECTED AREAS.
With a view to facilitate better availability of basic commodities like water and fodder to drought affected areas in the country, Ministry of Railways has decided as a special case to permit the transportation of drinking water and fodder by rail, free of charge, to the notified drought affected districts of twelve states at “no cost” to the affected States. These States are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These instructions have come into force with effect from 01.12.2009 and remain valid upto 31.01.2010.
DREAM OF KASHMIR VALLEY PEOPLE FULFILLED
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the newly constructed 18 km long rail line between Anantnag and Quazigund, the last stretch of the railway line in the Kashmir Valley in October 2009. Earlier in October 2008 and February 2009, the railway lines from Anantnag to Mazhom (66 km) and Mazhom to Baramulla (35 km) were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The entire 119 km long rail line from Baramulla to Quazigund in the valley has now become operational covering important stations like Sopore, Hamre, Pattan, Mazhom, Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipura, Panjgam, Bijbiara, Anantnag and Sadura in both the directions.
FIRST EVER RAIL LINK WITH SIKKIM
Sikkim will have the first ever rail connectivity with the laying of foundation stone of the new broad gauge railway line between Sikkim’s small township of Rangpo and West Bengal’s border town of Sivok. This 52.7 km long new broad guauge Rangpo-Sivok line will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1339.48 crore and has been declared as a ‘National Project’ for which 25 per cent of the fund would be provided by Ministry of Railways through their gross budgetary support and balance 75 per cent as an additionality by Ministry of Finance. The survey for further extension of this line from Rangpo upto Sikkim’s capital Gangtok (69 km) has also been completed recently and survey report is under examination in the Ministry of Railways.
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS
Railways have taken several measures to strengthen security activities. An amount of approximately Rs. 344 crore has been sanctioned for implementation of Integrated Security System to strengthen surveillance mechanism at 195 sensitive stations of the country. Besides this, Rs.67 crore have already been distributed amongst the Zonal Railways for procurement of modern security gadgets. 12 Commando Companies of RPSF have been raised for special duties. The Minister has also announced raising of one ‘Mahila Commando Company’. RPF will also set up its own commando training centre at Canning in West Bengal. Thirty two RPF personnel have been awarded this year for their commendable acts. For the first time President Police Medal for gallantry has been awarded to RPF for showing exemplary bravely during terrorist attack on 26/11/2008 at CST, Mumbai.
INTRODCUTION OF MOBILE BRIDGE INSPECTION UNITS
The Indian Railways as part of its high-tech operations has introduced Mobile Bridge Inspection Units (MBIU) for inspection and maintenance of railway bridges to ensure more safety. Cranes provided in these Mobile Bridge Inspection Units have been imported from Germany. Carrier vehicles and power units for these MBIU have been provided by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. Approximate cost of each MBIU is about eight crore. Two MBIU have recently been introduced on Indian Railways, one in Northern Railway and the other in Central Railway.
RAILWAYS BAG FOUR ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARDS
The Ministry of Railways has achieved another milestone when three of its Zonal Railways bagged four of the National Energy Conservation Awards in 2009. In Railway sector, Western Railway headquartered at Mumbai (Maharashtra) bagged the first prize, North Eastern Railway headquartered at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) got the second prize and West Central Railway headquartered at Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) received the Certificate of Merit. In Office Building sector, West Central Railway again bagged the first prize for its General Manager Office Building.
IRCTC LAUNCHES TOLL FREE 24X7 HELPLINE
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a public sector undertaking of the Ministry of Railways, has launched a centralised Toll Free telephone No. 1800-111-139 for the convenience of railway users to suggest/grievances relating to catering services on Indian Railways. The facility is available 24x7 on this number and railway passengers can register their complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services. Wherever possible, action is taken on real time basis for redressal of their grievances.
“139 – Rail Sampark”, the authorized enquiry for Indian Railway has recently introduced the facility of Railway enquiry through SMS which is a premium service. The users can obtain information regarding PNR status, fare, seat availability and arrival/departure by sending SMS in the specified syntax to 139.
ENHANCED FARE CONCESSIONS FOR STUDENTS, AMATEUR ARTISTS & POLICE MEDALISTS
As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee in the Railway Budget 2009-10, the Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the facility of free Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) in 2nd class in the trains to students attending Madrasa, High Madrasa and Senior Madrasa for commuting daily between the stations serving their place of residence and Madrasa. It has also decided that 60 per cent concession in the fares of Metro Rail Kolkata will be granted to both boy and girl students studying in schools/Madrasas/recognized vocational institutions upto classes academically equivalent to class XII. In addition, the Ministry of Railways has decided that amateur artists (theatrical, concert, musical, dancing and magician troups & students-artists of the National School of Drama, New Delhi when traveling alone or in group) who are presently eligible for 50 per cent concession in First Class and 75 per cent concession in Second and Sleeper Classes basic Mail/Express fares will now also be entitled to 50 per cent concession in AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes in Mail/Express trains and 50 per cent concession will also be granted in the all inclusive fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains in AC Chair, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes. It has also decided to enhance the concession for Police Personnel of 60 years and above who have received President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service from 30 per cent to 50 percent for men and 60 per cent for women in the basic fares of Mail/Express trains of all classes and in the all-inclusive fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains.
INTRODUCTION OF E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM
E- Procurement System (EPS) is aimed at attaining total transparency in public procurement system of Indian Railways. The E-Procurement Application for Indian Railways (www.ireps.gov.in) has been successfully rolled out by CRIS for 13 Zonal Railways/Production Units. Till now Railways have uploaded over 44192 e-tenders and about 39485 e-tenders have been opened as on December 14, 2009.
UPGRADATION OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES, MODIFICATION IN COACHES AND USE OF CNG AND BIO-FUEL
Through indigenous efforts, the Horse Power of EMD diesel locos has been increased from 4000 to 4500 which will permit them to haul heavier loads at higher speeds. It is planned to further upgrade the EMD locos to 5000+ Horse Power. Manufacture of latest technology EMD locomotives has been stepped up to 150 locos in 2009-10. Trials have also been completed and one power car of DMU has been converted to run on dual fuel mode using CNG and further proliferation is in progress. Design for Toilet facilities in DMUs has been finalized by the RDSO. ICF will turn out all the DEMU rakes during the current year with toilets. Railways has placed orders for procurement of bio-diesel. Successful laboratory tests have been carried out by using 10% blend of bio-diesel on Trains. Introduction of these alternative fuels are environment –friendly and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Bullet proof cabs have been provided for the first time on diesel locomotives working in Lumding – Badarpur section to thwart the threat to running staff in sensitive areas.
EXPORT OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES
To promote the export of Diesel Locomotives and securing a niche in the International market, a most modern, new type 3000 HP, Cape Gauge diesel locomotive manufactured by Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Varanasi, a production unit of Indian Railways, has been dispatched to Mozambique. This is the first ever 3000 HP locomotive built in DLW for cape gauge.
REVAMPING OF RAILWAY RECRUITMENT BOARDS
The Ministry of Railways took several steps to revamp Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). It has been decided to hold the examination for a particular post on the same date simultaneously by all RRBs It has now been decided that the exam of all RRBs throughout the country. The question paper of RRB exam will be printed in addition to Hindi, Urdu and English, in local languages listed in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India, falling within the jurisdiction of that RRB. For this purpose first official language(s) of the State(s) in which all the divisions/Units of that RRB are located, is taken as the local language(s). It has also been decided to waive the examination fees for women, minorities and economically backward sections of society, having annual family income of less than Rs. 50,000/-. Special recruitment drives and special promotion drives were carried out for wiping out backlog vacancies of SCs and STs.
INNOVATIVE STEPS TAKEN FOR BETTER MEDICAL CARE
Ministry of Railways has decided to open Medical and Nursing Colleges on Railway land with existing Railway Hospital under PPP which will have seats for wards of railway employees. To start with, five places have been identified i.e. Kanchrapara, Kharagpur, Kolkata, Chennai & Guwahati. This will also help to meet shortage of Doctors & Nurses. To augment the medical services, introduction of Senior Residency and DNB programmes (Post Graduate Teaching) have been introduced in Railway hospitals. For procuring quality drug for our railway beneficiaries a new “Drug Procurement Policy” have been introduced. Tele medicine has been started in 18 centres and many more are in process. Hospital Information Management System is being started in Jagjivan Ram Hospital, Western Railway, Mumbai as a pilot project and will be extended to all the hospitals of Indian Railways. To provide medical facilities to retired railway employees membership for Retired Employees Liberalized Health Scheme-97 has been reopened till 31.03.2010 for those retired employees who could not join this scheme earlier.
INTRODUCTION OF LUXURY TOURIST TRAIN
Keeping in consonance with its commitment towards promotion of tourism, the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has launched one more luxury tourist train, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, on a tourist circuit covering major destinations of Rajasthan besides Agra and Delhi. This is the fourth train in the series and second in association with RTDC, Two more such trains, one in association with IRCTC, called ‘Maharaja Express’ and one with Government of Punjab are in the pipeline.
PHASE-II ‘SCIENCE EXPRESS' & RED RIBBON EXPRESS
The Phase-III of the 'Science Express' which was inaugurated in October 2009 at Gandhinagar will travel to 55 locations, mostly not covered earlier, covering about 18,000 kms in seven months of its journey throughout the country. It is covering the entire length and breadth of the country. The second phase of Red Ribbon Express (RRE), which is a 10-coach exhibition train for creating awareness about HIV/AIDS in the far flung areas, was flagged off on the World AIDS Day.
ACHIEVEMENTS IN SPORTS
In the field of sports Indian Railway sportspersons have created many landmarks during 2009. Shri Ramesh Kumar of Northern Railway has won Bronze medal in the Senior World Wrestling Championship held in Denmark in September 2009. Any Indian Wrestler won medal in this championship after a long gap of 42 years. Shri R.R. Laxman, Chess player working in ICF, Chennai has become India’s latest Grandmaster while playing in the 4th Kolkata Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament held in Kolkata from 31st August 2009 to 10th September 2009. He is the first chess player who has achieved this distinction in Indian Railways. In the World Powerlifting Championship held in Gurgaon from 2nd to 7th November 2009, Shri P. Suresh (Western Railway) and Shri Rana Shyam Singh (South Eastern Railway) have won Silver and Bronze Medals, respectively. Besides, Shri Sushil Kumar, Wrestler has been awarded with “Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna”, the highest individual sports award of the country. Moreover, Shri Jaidev Bisht, Boxing Coach has been honoured with prestigious “Dronacharya Award” and Shri Mangal Singh Champia, Archer & Ms. Surinder Kaur, Women Hockey player have also been honoured with “Arjuna Awards”. In addition, the Government of India have awarded the first “Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar”, in the category – Employment of Sportspersons and Sports Welfare Measures, to Railway Sports Promotion Board.
ENHANCED PRODUCTIVITY LINKED BONUS
For the financial year 2008-09, Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 75 days wages has been paid to all non-gazetted Railway employees. About 13.05 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees have benefited by this scheme. The PLB paid for the year 2008-09 is the highest bonus payment ever made by the Railways reflecting the splendid performance of Railways during the year.
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