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Cabinet
04-April, 2018 19:24 IST
Cabinet approves closure of loss making Burn Standard Company Limited - a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)

Decision taken in view of the continuous poor physical and financial performance of the company for more than 10 years combined with low probability of its revival in the future Will save public funds, which are currently being used for loss making BSCL, and can be used for other developmental work

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the closure of Burn Standard Company Ltd (BSCL) - a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under Ministry of Railways. This decision has been taken in view of the continuous poor physical and financial performance of the company for more than 10 years despite financial assistance and other support provided by government, and low probability of its revival in the future. This measure will save public funds, which are currently being used for loss making BSCL, and can be used for other developmental work.

Government will provide one-time grant of Rs. 417.10 crore towards severance package and for clearing the current liabilities of the company. In addition, outstanding loan of Rs. 35 crore given to the company by Government of India (Ministry of Railways) shall be written off. 508 employees of BSCL will benefit from Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).

Background:

Burn Standard Company Limited was incorporated in 1976 following nationalization and amalgamation of Burn and Company and Indian Standard Wagon Company Limited in 1987 under Department of Heavy Industries (DHI). The Company was referred to Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) in 1994 and was declared sick in the year 1995. The company continues to be a sick company since then. The administrative control of the company was transferred from DHI to Ministry of Railways on 15/09/2010, as approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. The company is engaged in the manufacturing and repair of wagons and production of steel.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:56 IST
Measures to Strengthen the Reserved Ticketing System

In order to strengthen the reserved ticketing system, several checks and procedures as under have been implemented:


1. Standard Form Filling time of passenger details in Passenger Detail Form is set at 25 seconds irrespective of number of passengers.

2. Minimum time check of 10 seconds for users to carry out payments.

3. Minimum input time for CAPTCHA on Passenger Details Page and Payment Page is set to 5 seconds.

4. CAPTCHA is provided at Login page, Passenger detail page and Payment page.

5. Only two Tatkal tickets can be booked for single user ID in Opening Tatkal from 10:00-12:00 hrs.

6. Maximum six tickets in a month can be booked by a user from one user ID, however, 12 tickets can be booked by a user in a month if the user ID is Aadhaar verified and one of the passengers is Aadhaar verified.

7. Only one Tatkal ticket in single session is allowed (except return journey).

8. Only two Tatkal tickets per IP Address between 10:00-12:00 hrs. are allowed

9. One user can have only one login session active at one point of time.

10. Quick book functionality (single page for booking tickets) is not allowed between 08:00-12:00 hrs.

11. Only two tickets of Opening Advance Reservation Period can be booked by a user between 08:00-10:00 hrs.

12. One user can do only one login at one point of time either from multiple windows of same browser or different browsers.

13. Implementation of Dynamic Field name on Passenger page.

14. One Time Password is mandatory for all Banks for Net Banking.

15. QR Barcodes are being printed on Electronic Reservation Slip.

16. Additional security question is asked from user randomly after passenger input page related to user personal information, e.g. user name, email, mobile number, check box etc.

17. Agents are not allowed to book tickets between 08:00 AM to 08:30 AM, 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM to prevent cornering of tickets at the time of opening of Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period bookings.

18. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for Agents registration.

19. Exception Reports are generated for suspicious IDs and time check violation attempts and for bookings done in first second of opening of ARP and tatkal bookings. Such user IDs are deactivated manually after analysis.

20. Multilayer security with Deep Defence is implemented in the e-ticketing system. It comprises of Frontend and Backend Firewall, Network Intrusion Prevention System, Web Application Firewall, Security Information Event management, Host Intrusion Prevention System, Operating System Hardening on all servers, Web/Application server Hardening, Database Server Hardening and Spring Security Framework in the Application Software.



This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:54 IST
Catering Facility in Railways

Improvement of catering services is an on-going process. In its endeavour to provide quality and hygienic food to the passengers, a new Catering Policy has been issued on 27th February 2017. As per Catering Policy 2017, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been mandated to carry out the unbundling by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution on trains. In order to upgrade quality of food preparation, IRCTC is to set up new kitchens and upgrade existing ones. Further, detailed instructions/guidelines have been issued to the Zonal Railways for conducting joint inspections by Medical, Commercial and concerned infrastructure maintenance departments to inspect each and every catering unit (mobile and static) including base kitchens/cell kitchens on all Railway divisions/zones. Apart from this, regular and surprise inspections are done by Food Safety Officers, Designated Officers and Joint Food Safety Commissioners. A joint team of ticket checking staff and RPF/GRP staff also conduct surprise checks to prevent unauthorised vending on stations and trains. General Managers of the Zonal Railways have been requested to monitor such drives personally. Food samples collected by Food Safety Officers are sent to the nominated accredited Laboratories under Food Safety & Standard Act for analysis and testing. Penalties are imposed in cases of detection of unsatisfactory food samples and prosecutions are carried out as per provisions of Food Safety & Standard Rule -2011.

At present, 378 mobile and 9208 static catering units are operational in Indian Railways. As per Catering Policy 2017, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC) has been mandated to carry out the unbundling by creating a distinction primarily between food preparation and food distribution on trains. At present, IRCTC has taken over almost all mobile units in phased manner from Zonal Railways and they are contracting out mobile units centrally. Details of the names of the contractors (companies/firms) providing catering services in trains are as under:-



S. No.

Name of Company/firm

1

Doon’s Caterers

2

Express Food Services

3

Brandavan Food Products

4

R. K. Associates & Hoteliers Private Limited

5

Sanraj Hospitality

6

Roop Caterers

7

J. K. Ghosh

8

Arenco Catering

9

Deepak & Company

10

Sunshine Caterers Private Limited

11

Krishna Enterprises

12

Food World

13

Satyam Caterers Private Limited

14

Om Sai Ram Enterprises

15

Ambuj Hotel & Real Estate Private Limited

16

A. S. Sales Corporation

17

Poorvanchal Caterers

18

P. Siva Prasad

19

Boon Catering Company Private Limited

20

Singh Caterers & Vendors

21

Alok Kumar Ghosh

22

Griham Food & Hotel Private Limited

23

Variety Pantry Services Private Limited

24

Golden Caterers

25

Hakmichand D. & Sons

26

A. A. Catering Company

27

Hotel Rajasthan

28

New Classic Caterers Private Limited

29

Pplus Facility Management Services Private Limited

30

R. K. Food Products

31

Salasar Enterprises

32

P. K. Shefi

33

Classic Caterers

34

Kwality Caterers

35

P. R. Kumar

36

Seema Caterers

37

Srinathji Caterers

38

Vasantham Catering

39

Fine Caterers & Suppliers

40

K. M. Musthafa

41

K. M. A. Caterers

42

Sai Balaji Food & Beverage (India) Private Limited

43

Speed Catering Services Private Limited

44

Sree Venkateswara Enterprises

45

ABC Enterprises

46

Kannelite Facility Management Services

47

Quinn India

48

Sunil Catering Services



As per the provisions of New Catering Policy 2017, the following ceiling limits are applicable for various categories of catering units:-

(i) Stand alone Automatic Vending Machines (AVMs): An entity is allowed to hold a maximum of 10 AVMs over each Zonal Railway.

(ii) Milk Stalls: Authorized franchisee/agencies of allottees (apex dairy cooperative societies approved by Government, dairy cooperative federations/members of NCDFI and/or developed under the aegis of Operation Flood Programme, bodies/agencies registered/certified by FSSAI) are allowed to hold a maximum of five milk stalls per Railway Division.

(iii) Minor catering units: A licensee is allowed to hold a maximum of five minor catering units per Division.

(iv) Food Plaza, Food Courts and Fast Food Units: An individual/firm/company is allowed to hold a maximum of two units per Division, subject to a further limit of 25 units over Indian Railways.

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

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:50 IST
First Aid And Medical Facilities in Trains

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

A pilot project of deployment of doctors in Duronto Trains was undertaken for a period of two years. During the Pilot Project, it was noted that serious patient could not be treated on board and had to be de-trained for medical treatment at a hospital only because the medical equipments, such as ECG machines etc. do not function properly on the trains due to noise/ vibration etc.

The issue of rendering Medical Assistance/ First Aid to the passengers was examined by Hon’ble Supreme Court and it was ordered that a committee of experts be constituted by All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi and recommendations of the committee be implemented by Ministry of Railways. Accordingly, the recommendations of the committee were obtained and have been implemented.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:48 IST
Elimination of Unmanned Railway Crossings

It has been decided to eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route in next 2 years by either of the following methods:-

  • Closure – Closing unmanned level crossings having NIL/negligible Train Vehicle Unit (TVU).
  • Merger – Merger of unmanned level crossing to nearby manned or unmanned gates or subway/Road Under Bridge (RUB)/Road Over Bridge (ROB) by construction of diversion road.
  • Provision of Subways/RUBs.
  • Manning – The unmanned level crossings which cannot be eliminated by above means will be progressively manned based on rail-road traffic volume, visibility conditions.


Other steps taken to avoid accidents at level crossings are as follows:

(i) Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker to ensure presence of Gate Mitra at UMLCs will be provided by June 2018.

(ii) Public awareness campaigns are being done at different places like villages, Gram Panchayat, weekly market, bus stands, schools and other public places.

(iii) Periodic inspection of such level crossings is being carried out.

(iv) Social awareness campaigns are being done to educate road users with the use of print and electronic media for observance of safe practices prescribed in Motor Vehicles Act and Indian Railways Act.

(v) Short Message Service (SMS) campaigns are being done to create awareness amongst road users.

(vi) Nukkad Nataks are being organized at public places with theme “Safety at Level Crossings”.

(vii) Joint ambush checks along with civil police are being carried out to counter misadventure in front of approaching trains.

(viii) Level crossing awareness week is being organized every year in June by the Zonal Railways.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:53 IST
Provision of More Accommodation to Travelling Passengers

With a view to provide more accommodation to travelling passengers, Indian Railways, subject to operational feasibility, commercial viability and availability of resources, augments the load of existing services, which is an on-going process.

Indian Railways, as a matter of policy, have already decided that all the Mail/Express trains (except fully reserved trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, etc.) introduced after 2007-08, shall have at least 6 general class coaches in their standard composition as per feasibility. Besides, to cater to the travelling needs of General Class passengers, Indian Railways operates fully unreserved services like Jan Sadharan, Janseva, Jan Nayak Express and also operates Passenger trains and Intercity services for short distance travel. With this end in view, Indian Railways in the Railway Budget 2016-17, has announced to introduce the Antyodaya Express, a long-distance, fully unreserved, superfast train service, and also to add two to four Deen Dayalu coaches in some long distance trains for unreserved travel to enhance the carrying capacity for the unreserved class passengers. 4 pairs of Antyodaya trains have already been introduced so far.

Accordingly, 507 coaches including 150 General class coaches have been attached on permanent basis during the year 2017-18 up to February 2018, in existing trains.

Further, to clear extra rush of passengers during festive season, vacations, religious congregations (like Kumbh, Ardh Kumbh, Sabrimala, Urs, etc.), Melas, etc., Indian Railways to the extent feasible and justified, not only operates special trains but also augments the loads of existing trains to create extra accommodation for travelling passengers. With this end in view, Indian Railways operated 33,775 trips of special trains and utilized 91,958 coach trips, during the year 2017-18 (up to February 2018), which is also an on-going process on Indian Railways.

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

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:54 IST
Facilities for Divyangjan Passengers at Railway Stations

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

  • Standard ramp for barrier free entry.
  • Earmarking at least two parking lots.
  • Non-slippery walk-way from parking lot to station building.
  • Signages of appropriate visibility.
  • At least one drinking water tap suitable for use by Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan).
  • At least one toilet (on the ground floor).
  • ‘May I help you’ Booth.
In addition, long term facilities, as detailed below, have been planned at ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations:



  • Engraving on edges of platform.
  • Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer.


There are 709 ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘B’ category stations catering to the bulk of passenger traffic on Indian Railways, out of which 667 stations have been provided with all short-term facilities. Details of railway stations provided with facilities for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) under all categories of stations are given below:-





S.No.

Facility for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

Approximate

number of stations, where facility provided



1.



Standard ramp for barrier free entry

2435



2.



Earmarking at least two parking lots

1360



3.



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

1415



4.



Signages of appropriate visibility

1435



5.



At least one drinking water tap suitable

for use by Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

1870



6.



At least one toilet (on the ground floor)

1820



7.



May I help you booth

1090



8.



Engraving on edges of platforms

1785



9.



Provision of facility for inter-platform transfer

1240



In order to facilitate easy movement of elderly, sick and Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) and for smooth access to platforms at major railway stations, 473 escalators at 171 stations and 330 lifts at 137 stations have been provided so far. Further, work is in progress for 303 nos. of escalators at 115 stations and 306 nos. of lifts at 98 stations. Additionally 372 escalators have been sanctioned for Mumbai Sub-urban sections in financial year 2017-18 on Out-of-Turn basis.

Further, in the Budget 2017-18, it has been announced by Hon’ble Finance Minister that about 500 stations shall be provided with escalators/lifts progressively as part of “Saugamya Bharat Mission” at all ‘A-1’, ‘A’ & ‘C’ category stations with footfall of 25,000 and above and stations of tourist importance. The proposal for the same has been approved at a cost of `2589 crores for escalators and `404 crores for lifts.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:52 IST
Refund Facilities on Cancellation of Railway Tickets

The details of different avenues available for a passenger to get refund of fare on cancellation of tickets as per Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules, 2015 are as under:-

(i). Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter tickets/Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) tickets on surrendering of original ticket are cancelled and amount due is refunded across the reservation/booking counters, within the prescribed time limit.

(ii). E-ticket is cancelled/ Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) filed online on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website within the prescribed time limit. The refund amount is credited to the account from where the payment for the booking of ticket has been made.

(iii). In exceptional circumstances as per Refund Rule, TDR can be filed for getting refund beyond prescribed time limit.

(iv). PRS counter tickets can also be cancelled through IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) or through 139 and refund amount can be collected across the reservation/booking counters on surrendering of original tickets within the prescribed time limit.

(v). Station masters of nominated stations have powers to allow cancellation of tickets and grant refund of fare in exceptional circumstances.

As per Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules, 2015, the e-tickets booked through IRCTC website are cancelled/TDR filed through the IRCTC website only within the prescribed time limit. In exceptional circumstances, passenger may approach to IRCTC or Office of Chief Commercial Managers (Refund) of concerned zonal Railways for grant of refund. In case payment is deducted and the Passenger Name Record (PNR)/ticket is not issued due to technical reasons, the refund is processed by IRCTC automatically on the following day of the transaction made by user after confirmation through the file of transaction from bank and PNR generation from PRS.

All cancellation and refund of fare is governed by Notification dated 4th Nov., 2015 as Railway Passengers (Cancellation of Tickets and Refund of Fares) Rules, 2015. In exceptional circumstances there is already provision for refund of fare by Chief Commercial Managers (Refund) of concerned zonal Railways. Also, Station Managers of nominated stations of zonal Railways have been authorized to grant refund of fare on counter tickets in exceptional circumstances.

Further to the provision indicated above, to facilitate the passengers PRS counter tickets are also cancelled at relatively smaller stations wherever PRS booking facility is available throughout the day and refund is granted beyond the working hours of PRS counters/current counters.

Also to facilitate e-tickets passengers in case of cancellation of trains, automatic cancellation is done and refund amount due is credited in the account from which the booking transaction took place. Cancellation or Filing of online TDR is not required in such cases.

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

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:52 IST
Joint Venture of Railways

Agreements have been signed for manufacturing and maintenance of electric and diesel locomotives. As per contract 800 electric locomotives and 1000 diesel locomotives are to be manufactured and supplied from the factory set up by the companies at Madhepura (Bihar) and Marhowra (Bihar) respectively over a period of 11 years. Two Joint Venture (JV) companies have been set up for this purpose. Ministry of Railways is a 26% stakeholder in these two JV companies. The companies would also undertake maintenance/supervision of the first 500 locomotives by setting up maintenance facilities at Saharanpur, Nagpur, Roza and Ghandhidham.

The project envisages transfer of technology for maintenance to Indian Railway staff in terms of providing benchmarking of maintenance facilities as well as global practices in undertaking maintenance of these locomotives. The maintenance facilities would revert back to the Indian Railways on completion of the maintenance obligations following which the maintenance would be carried out by Indian Railways staff. These projects were approved by the Cabinet in 2010 and subsequently the bidding documents were also approved by the Cabinet in 2014. The companies were selected through an international competitive bidding process. Compliance to the requirement of national security and public interest is a part of the eligibility criteria.

The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) of Government of India had issued the consolidated Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy which allows FDI in Railway Infrastructure sector on automatic route in the areas namely :-

(i) Suburban corridor projects through PPP;

(ii) High speed train project;

(iii) Dedicated freight lines;

(iv) Rolling stock including train sets and locomotive/coaches manufacturing and maintenance facilities;

(v) Railway Electrification;

(vi) Signalling systems;

(vii) Passenger terminals;

(viii)Infrastructure in industrial part pertaining to railway line/sidings including electrified railway lines and connectivities to main railway line; and

(ix) Mass Rapid Transport Systems.

Further, the Indian Railways undertakes outsourcing of certain facilities like cleaning, pay and use toilets, retiring rooms, parking etc. on need based manner to improve efficiency.

Interest of the railway staff is taken into consideration while outsourcing.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:51 IST
Inspection and Repair of Rail Bridges

There is a well established system of inspection of bridges on Indian Railways. All the bridges are inspected twice a year, one before the onset of monsoon and one detailed inspection after the monsoon. In addition, certain bridges are also inspected more frequently depending upon their condition. Repair / strengthening / rehabilitation / rebuilding of railway bridges is a continuous process and is undertaken whenever so warranted by their physical condition as ascertained during these inspections and not on the basis of age. If the corrective / remedial measures are expected to take a long duration due to the complexity of the site situation, etc., suitable safety measures like imposing speed restrictions and keeping such bridge under close watch are taken till the bridge is repaired / strengthened / rehabilitated / rebuilt. During last five year (2012-13 to 2016-17), a total of 3675 bridges have been repaired / strengthened / rehabilitated / rebuilt on Indian Railways. As on 01.04.2017, a total of 3017 railway bridges are sanctioned for repaired / strengthened / rehabilitated / rebuilt.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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Ministry of Railways
04-April, 2018 17:51 IST
Project Swarn in Railways

Project Swarn has been started to upgrade the condition of Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express Trains. This initiative is likely to give improved look to the coaches.

The objective of Project Swarn is to significantly improve the passenger experience across 9 dimensions which include coach interiors, toilets, onboard cleanliness, staff behavior, catering, linen, punctuality, security, on-board entertainment. Real time feedback is also a part of Project Swarn.

There are 29 Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express trains identified under this scheme. Out of these, work has already been completed on 16 trains. Work is targeted for completion on balance trains within next 8 months.

This information was given by the Minister of State of Railways Shri Rajen Gohain in

a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani releasing the 6th book on Railways ‘Pondicherry Railway’ by Venkat 94, at a function, in New Delhi on April 04, 2018.
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The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani in a group photograph at the release of the 6th book on Railways ‘Pondicherry Railway’ by Venkat 94, in New Delhi on April 04, 2018.

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Ministry of Textiles
05-April, 2018 16:31 IST
Scheme to upgrade Skill of Artisans

The Office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) under the Ministry of Textiles has formulated Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme to upgrade the skill of the artisans and to provide qualified and trained workforce to the handicraft sector. Indian handicrafts products are made by hand whereas in China and other countries the craft products are largely mechanised. Indian artisans are skilled and well equipped to compete in the global market. This information was given by the Minister of State of Textiles Shri Ajay Tamta in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. He said, 141 such programmes were implemented by National Center for Design and Product Development (NCDPD) benefiting more than 2800 artisans during 2017-18.

The Minister informed the House that Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) has also executed skill development programme for artisans sanctioned under Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development (CHCDS) Scheme of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) for Narsapur and Jodhpur mega clusters.

Shri Tamta further said that about 5000 artisans have been trained under Narsapur Mega Cluster in crafts of crochet and lace and 1360 artisans in the crafts of wood work, hand appliqué, hand embroidery, bone and horn, hand woven durry and hand block printing underJodhpur Mega Cluster till date. During 2017-18, 149 Technical Training Programmes were sanctioned benefiting 2980 artisans, 172 Soft Skill Training Programmes benefitting 3440 artisans. Apart from these training programmes, 510 artisans were imparted training through Guru Shisya Prampara Training Scheme and 400 artisans through Established Institution during 2017-18.

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Ministry of Textiles
05-April, 2018 16:30 IST
Measures taken to improve quality of Indian Textiles

The Government has taken several measures to enhance the quality of Indian Textiles to international standards. The steps taken include the Amended Technology Up-gradation Fund Scheme (A-TUFS), launch of India Handloom Brand and integrated scheme for development of silk industry. This information was given by Minister of State of Textiles Shri Ajay Tamta in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today. He said that the Amended Technology Up-gradation Fund Scheme provides for capital investment subsidy to facilitate technology upgradation in the weaving, processing, garmenting and technical textiles sectors for enhancement of quality in the textile manufacture. The India Handloom Brand is aimed at providing quality assurance for handloom products for safeguarding the interests of buyers in the domestic and international markets.

The MoS Textiles further said that the Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk industry supports production of bivoltine silk, provides automatic reeling machines and also supports R&D to evolve new silk products. The power loom sector under the PowerTex India scheme provides support for upgradation of looms, creation of infrastructure (worksheds), setting up of yarn banks and support for pre-weaving and post-weaving facilities. The Textiles Committee operates 19 testing labs to test textile products for conformance to national and international standards. In the Jute Sector, the jute Industry conforms to specifications approved by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), in the manufacture of jute sacking



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Ministry of Textiles
05-April, 2018 16:29 IST
Schemes for Promoting Self Employment in Textiles Sector

Textiles Ministry is implementing various schemes for self-employment in handloom, handicraft and power loom sectors. Under these schemes, MUDRA loans, raw materials, looms and accessories are being provided to weavers and craftsmen among other things to encourage self-employment. This was stated by the Minister of State of Textiles Shri Ajay Tamta in the Lok Sabha today. He said, a Scheme for Incubation in Apparel Manufacturing (SIAM) was launched on pilot basis in January 2014 under which infrastructure in the form of an integrated workspace is provided to the new entrepreneurs along with training support. The Minister informed the House that three Incubation Centers have been sanctioned under the scheme. They are Spinning Mills Federation Ltd (SPINFED) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) in Panipat and Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IIDC) in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.

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The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani addressing the media persons on the occasion of the Media Group visit to National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, in New Delhi on April 05, 2018. The Secretary, Railway Board, Shri Ranjanesh Sahai and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani addressing the media persons on the occasion of the Media Group visit to National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, in New Delhi on April 05, 2018. The Secretary, Railway Board, Shri Ranjanesh Sahai and other dignitaries are also seen.

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The Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani interacting with the media persons on the occasion of the Media Group visit to National Rail Museum, Chanakyapuri, in New Delhi on April 05, 2018.

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Ministry of Railways
06-April, 2018 13:04 IST
Indian Railways inducts New Machine 09-3x Dynamic Tamping Express for improved Mechanised Track Maintenance

This advanced technology simulator is presently only available in five countries including India.

Indian Railway has inducted three numbers of 09-3X Dynamic Tamping Express machines, the state of the art integrated track maintenance. These machines were inaugurated and flagged off by Shri M.K. Gupta, Member Engineering, Railway Board at Faridabad. Seven number of such machines are planned to be included within next six months in the present fleet of 874 track maintenance machines over IR for deployment on heavy density Routes.


The New 09-3X- Dynamic Tamping Express costing about ₹ 27Cr each is a latest high output integrated tamping machine having multiple functions, so far being carried out by different machines. It can measure pre & post track geometry, correct the track to required geometry, can tamp three sleepers simultaneously, stabilize and measure post tamping track parameters under load to ensure quality of work done. This eliminates the need for a separate stabilisation machine which reduces operating costs and track possession time. This machine will vibrate & compact the loose stone ballast after tamping for safe movements of trains. These machines have been manufactured in India under MAKE IN INDIA initiative with imported components. 42 more such machines have been planned to be included in Indian Railway maintenance fleet over next three years. This will further improve the safety, reliability and economy in maintenance of tracks over Indian Railways. This will also eliminate manual measurement of track quality after maintenance.

Three operations including manual interface is now combined in one machine.

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Tamper + Stabilizer + Post Tamping Parameters = 09-3XDynamic



For practical hands-on training to operate such advanced track maintenance machines a new 3D state-of-the-art tamping simulator has been installed and commissioned at Indian Railway Track Machine Training Centre Allahabad (IRTMTC) recently. This type of advanced technology simulator is presently available only in five countries including India.

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India Railway has planned complete mechanisation of inspection, monitoring, relaying and maintenance of track by 2024. Sh A.K. Khandelwal, Executive Director Track Machines, Railway Board and Siegfried Fink, MD, Plasser India were also present during the inspection and Commissioning of these machines at Faridabad.



***
 
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to present the Confederation of Indian Industry Annual Awards 2018, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.
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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu giving away Women Exemplar Award to Smt. Munni Begum, constituted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu giving away Women Exemplar Award to Smt. Asha, constituted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.


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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu giving away Women Exemplar Award to Smt. Vechulou Kanuo, constituted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu giving away the Lifetime Achievement Award to Shri Y.C. Deveshwar, received by his wife, constituted by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.


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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after giving away the Confederation of Indian Industry Annual Awards 2018, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after giving away the Confederation of Indian Industry Annual Awards 2018, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the recipients of Confederation of Indian Industry Annual Awards 2018, in New Delhi on April 08, 2018.

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Ministry of Railways
09-April, 2018 12:51 IST
A major boost to Ease of Doing Business in Indian Railways

An initiative to attract Indian Industry by Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO), a research arm of Indian Railways

In order to boost Ease of doing Business in Indian Railways, Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) is keenly approaching Indian industry through Vendor meets being organized in various cities where senior officers of RDSO interact with the prospective vendors, educate them about the features and ease of using the new online vendor registration system.

The first such vendor meet in coordination with Laghu Udyog Bharti, Rajkot was organized on 24.01.2018 at Rajkot in which Queries/Doubts from the around 200 vendors present were resolved on the spot by senior officials in a Question-Answer session. Similar Vendor meets have since been held at other cities such as Faridabad, Ludhiana, Sahibabad, Coimbatore, Pune and Noida on 22.02.2018, 07.03.2018, 09.03.2018, 15.03.2018, 04.04.2018 and 05.04.2018 respectively. The efforts are being very well appreciated by industry. Further such meets are planned in April and May 2018 at seven more places. Details are as under:-

SN

Location of Vendor meet

Date

No. of Vendors Participated

1

Rajkot

24.01.2018

200

2

Faridabad

22.02.2018

75

3

Ludhiana

07.03.2018

90

4

Sahibabad

09.03.2018

60

5

Coimbatore

15.03.2018

30

6

Pune

04.04.2018

110

7

Noida

05.04.2018

90

8

Kanpur

06.04.2018

Proposed

9

Jamshedpur

06.04.2018

Proposed

10

Raipur

23.04.2018

Proposed

11

Patna

24.04.2018

Proposed

12

Jaipur

25.04.2018

Proposed

13

Kolkata

27.04.2018

Proposed

14.

Mumbai

04.05.2018

Proposed

As a result of these actions, applications for fresh registration for RDSO items have increased from about 25 (average) per month earlier to 60 (average) per month now. From the period 01.11.2017 to 16.03.2018 RDSO has created 1231 nos. of Vendor Account Registration, Received payments in 208 cases and 27 Vendors delisted.

In this way, RDSO has opened up its arms to the Indian industry and poised itself as an industry friendly organisation. This has been very well received and appreciated by one and all.

***
 
Prime Minister's Office
10-April, 2018 13:36 IST
PM addresses National Convention of Swachhagrahis, launches development projects in Motihari

In the Railways sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the doubling of railway lines between Muzaffarpur and Sagauli; and Sagauli and Valmikinagar. He dedicated the first phase of the Madhepura Electric Locomotive Factory to the nation. Via video link, he flagged off the first 12000 HP Freight Electric Locomotive, and the Champaran Humsafar Express.




In the Railways sector, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the doubling of railway lines between Muzaffarpur and Sagauli; and Sagauli and Valmikinagar. He dedicated the first phase of the Madhepura Electric Locomotive Factory to the nation. Via video link, he flagged off the first 12000 HP Freight Electric Locomotive, and the Champaran Humsafar Express.

He said that about 50 lakh women had benefited from LPG connections through the Ujjwala Yojana, in the State of Bihar. In this context, he also mentioned the LPG and petroleum projects launched today. He said the projects launched today are part of the larger vision of developing Eastern India as growth engine for India. He also mentioned the road and rail projects launched today. He described the Madhepura Electric Locomotive Factory as a prime example of Make in India, and a source of employment in the region. He said the 12000 HP engines, the first of which rolled out today, will help in significantly improving the speeds of goods trains. He said that the work for this project, which was first approved in 2007, began three years ago, and the first phase has already been completed. He said the Union Government is committed to fulfilling all its missions and resolves, with the help of the people.

Ministry of Railways
10-April, 2018 15:38 IST
Solar Panels at Railway Stations

Indian Railways (IR) has planned to provide solar panels at many of the Railway stations. Indian Railways has planned to source 500 Mega Watt (MW) solar energy by providing roof top solar panels at Railway stations and other Railway buildings. Details of stations and service buildings where solar panels have been installed, so far, are given below:-.

Solar Plants installed over IR


SN

Zonal Railway

Location


1

Northern Railway

Manwal


Kathua


Katra


Chak Dayala


Daun-kalan


Gill


Dalhousie Road


Fazilka


Jhoktahal Singh


Jiwan-arian


Pathankot Running Room


Batihinda cantt.


Lehrammohabbat


Rampura phul


Tapa


Panjkoshi


Sunam


Nabha


Sangrur


Talwandi


Mushafair khana


Makhu Railway


Running Room Jalandhar City


Faridkot


Firozpur city


Phagwara Station.


Rohana Kalan


Akbarpur


DRM office, MB


RRI / MB


Sahibabad station building


Dasua Railway station


Shahganj Railway


Baraut


Muzaffar Nagar


Khekra


Varanasi


EMU Car Shed Ghaziabad


Sonwara


Amb Andaura


Kotdwar


Railway School, Jharipani


Kalanaur


Chandi Mandir



DRM office, Ambala


RAIPUR HARYANA


Bahadurgarh


Diwana


Guragon


Sonipat railway station


Panipat railway station


DRM office New Delhi


ANVT Station


Centeral Hospital, New Delhi


Rail Bhawan


New Delhi Station


Old Delhi


HZNM


Delhi Cantt station building


NRWWO school in Delhi Kishan Ganj


Shishu Niketan School Basant Lane Railway Colony/ Paharganj.


KG school at TKD


RPSF,DBSI


Baroda House, New delhi


2

Southern Railway

Kumbakonam


Tiruchchirappali Town


CWM office Golden Rock


Rajapalayam


DRM office Madurai


Attur Station


Chinna Salem


Tiruppur


Ettapur Road


Mukahsapur


Pukiravari


Salem town


Ayodhyapattinam


Salem Jn


EMU Car Shed Tambaram


Chengalpattu Station


Sivakasi


Parli Station


Tiruvalla


Mettupalayam


Divisional office MAS


Bakel Fort


3

East Coast Railway

Rail Sadan, GM Office



4

East Central Railway

GM Office, Hajipur (old bldg)


GM Office, Hajipur (new bldg)


DRM office


Phesar Station


DRM office



Muraliganj Station


Pahleza station


Gomoh station


5

Eastern Railway

Asansol DRM Building


Malda DRM Building


Howrah New complex


Howrah Station new complex


Orthopedic Hospital


6

Metro Railway

Metro Rail Bhawan


Naopara Sub Station


Kavi Subash Station


MahaNayak Uttam Kumar Station


7

North Central Railway

GM Office Building


DRM Office & Central Hospital, ALD


Solar Street lights in Railgaon, Subedarganj


DRM office, ALD


Allahabad Station


Kanpur Central Station


Electric Loco Shed, Kanpur


8

North Eastern Railway

GM Office Building


DRM Office at Izzatnagar, Lucknow & Div. Hospital, IZN


CME building


Shahi


STH


Officers Rest House, Gorakhpur


Bijauria


Ramnathpur Station


Khalilabad Station


Anand Nagar Jn.


Izzatnagar Station


330 nos. Solar based street lights, IZT Colony


9

Northeast Frontier Railway

Garh Banaili


Jalargarh


Arariya


Arariya Court


Manihari


Kachna


Dalan


Rautara


Ramsan


Simraha


Teznarayanpur


Kantakosh Halt


Telta


Mukuria


Kusiargaon



Azamnagar


Sudhani


Radhikapur(Stn+Running Room)


New Cooch Behar


Dhupguri


New Mal Bazar


Aluabari Road


Khurial


Naharlagun


Mendipathar


Kendukona


Rangjuli


Barpeta Road


Dhemaji


Gogamukh


Kaithalkuchi


Pathsala


Goalpara


Murkeongselek


Silapathar


Rangiya Jn.


Barua Bamungaon


Duliajan


Sibsagar Town


Sapekhati


Dhamalgaon


Borhat


Panitola


Chabua


Kamarbandha ali


Bhojo


Moabund (Non-electrified)


Rangaliting (Non-electrified)


Namrup


Numaligarh


Titabar


Furkating Jn.


Mariani Jn.


New Tinsukia Jn.


Lumding


Guwahati


DRM/Building Rangiya


STTC /PNO, Guwahati


East Building /HQ /MLG, Guwahati


Central Building /HQ/MLG


West Building /HQ/MLG, Guwahati


Divisional Railway Hospital Lumding


IT Centre/DRM Bldg/Lumding


DRM/Building Tinsukia


Annexe Bldg of GM/CON/Maligaon


10

North Western Railway

Jodhpur


Basni


Deshnok


Narnaul


Jaipur


Ajmar Station


Ajmer Hospital


Durgapura


Ranapratap Nagar


Alwar


Bikaner


Bhattu


Sangaria


Churu


Rajaldesar


Netawal


Marwar Jn.


Falna


Rani


Dausa


Bandikui


Nal


Gajner


Gadwala


Napasar


Sri dungargarh


Dahina Zainabad


Mahajan


Bridahwal


Ajmer


Bigga


Sudsar


Benisar


Jansar


Sird


Baap


Nathwana


Kuchaman


Osiyan


Molisar


Aslu


Parsneu


Joharpura


Kheduli


Bhilwara station


Ren


Jalsu


Didwana



Udaipur


Central Hospital, Jaipur


DRM office, Jodhpur


NWR/HQ office, Jaipur


Gotan Rly. Colony / JU Div.


Gadra Road colony/JU Div.


Munabao colony/ JU Div.


Personnel training school/JU


Panipech Rly Colony/ Jaipur


Ganpati Nagar Rly. Colony/JP Div.


RPF training center/JP Div.


ORH/JP


Devpura station park/JP


03 Gangs in Goramghat-Marwar sec./AII Div.


ZRTI/Udaipur./AII Div.


ORH MJ./AII Div.


Holiday Home /AII


BKN Colony


Solar Park / Bhiwani


Rewari


11

South Central Railway

Chittapur (D)


Bhadrachalam Road (B)


Bellampalli (D)


Udgir (D)


Zaheerabad (D)


Bhalki (D)


Secunderabad (A1)


Khammam Town (A)


Hyderabad (A1)


Dharmabad (D)


Umri (D)


Kacheguda (A1)


Gadwal (D)


Basar (B)


Kamareddi (B)


Kurnool City (A)


Poodoor (E) (Solar+wind)


Mahaboobnagar (B)


Anakapalli (A)


Rajahmundry (A)


29 stations (PF lights)


Krishnammakona (E)


Tirupati (A1)


Settigunta (E)


Siddampalli (E)


Nossam (E)


Jammalamadugu (E)





Proddatur (E)

S. Uppalapadu (E)

Tummalacheruvu (E)

Chinaravuru (E)

Perecherla (E)

Bhattiprolu (E)

Vemuru (E)

Potlapadu (E)

Kurichedu (E)

Gundlakamma (E)

Cheekateegalapalem (E)

Savalyapuram (E)

Penumarru (F)

Pallikona (E)

Nudurupadu (F)

Santamaguluru (E)

Munumaka (E)

Satulur (E)

Phirangipuram (E)

Bandarupalli (E)

Mandapadu (F)

Siripuram (E)

Gudipudi (F)

Reddigudem (E)

Bellamkonda (E)

Lingamguntla (F)

Pedakurapadu (E)

Gajjelakonda (E)

Tarlupadu (E)

Jaggambhotla Krishnapuram (E)

Somidevipalli (E)

Diguvametta (E)

Gazulapalli (E)

Valigonda (E)

Ramannapet (E)

Chityala (E)

Srirampuram (E)

Kondrapole (F)

Pondugula (E)

Gurajala (F)

Rentachintala (F)

Nagireddipalli (E)

Thipparthi (E)

Zampani (F)

Chelma (E)

Repalle (D)

Donakonda (D)












22 Stations (PF lights & SM room lights)

Purna (B)

Parbhani (A)

Rail Nirman nilayam, Hyderabad

Rail Nilayam

GM camp office

Central hospital/ LGD, Hyderabad

Electrical Panel room/ROC, Hyderabad

Sub-station/Rail Nilayan

Lekha Bhawan, Hyderabad

Hyderabad Bhawan, Hyderabad

Main stores, CH/LGD

Ward No.6, CH/LGD, Hyderabad

Railway hospital, GNT

Horsley hills rest house, Madanapalli road, Guntakal

Memu car shed, Vijaywada

Sanchalan bhawan Annexe, SC

Running room, Motumarri, SC

Running room, BDCR, SC

Running room, Bidar, SC

12

South East Central Railway

Bhanewartonk

Raipur

Raipur,Rly. Station

Risama

Balod,Rly. Station

Gunderdehi

Latabor,Rly. Station

Kusumkasa,Rly. Station

Dallirajhara,Rly. Station

Nainpur,Rly. Station

DRM Building, Bilaspur

DRM Building, Raipur

Railway Colony, Bhanewartonk

PRS Building, Raipur

Officers Rest House, Nainpur

Old GM Building, Bilaspur

13

South Eastern Railway

Purulia station

Bishnupur station

Joychandipahar Stn.

Rajkharswan stn.

Chakradharpur station

Orga station

14

West Central Railway

GM office JBP

Kota

Badarwas

Kolaras

Shivpuri


Panihar

Shamgarh

Bhwani Mandi

Mahroi

Mohana

DRM Office Canteen Jabalpur

DRM Office Jabalpur

DRM Bhopal

LC Gates (122x280 Wp)

Solar Lights

Kota

TKD Loco Shed

Vikramgarh

Ramganj Mandi

10x250 Wp Kota

Kota Workshop

DRM office control Bldg Kota

15

Western Railway

Chittorgarh

Ratlam Running Room, BRCP

RTM TRD Building, Ratlam

RTM DRM Office, Ratlam

Nimach

Indore

Berchha

Bisalwas Kalan

Dodhar

Fatehabad Chandrawatiganj

Gautampura Road

Namli

Varnama

Makarpura

Od

Gothaj

Vishvamitri (VS)

Matunga road station

Jagjivanram Hospital, Mumbai Central

Mumbai Central

Grant Raod

Churchgate station

RAJ POH Office bldg.

MX W/S

Okha

Palia

Bachau
Solar/wind hybrid system

Dhola Jn

Somnath
Solar/wind hybrid system

Bhanvad






Paddhari

Hadmatiya

Mithapur

Bhatia

Chamaraj

Cybrary, NAIR, Vadodara

NAIR, Vadodara

Gothaj, Vadodara

Vishvamitri (VS), Vadodara

DRM Office, Ahemdabad

Paddhari (Staff Colony), Rajkot

DRM Office, New bldg, Rajkot

Lakhamachi , Rajkot

Bhatia (Staff Colony), Rajkot

Jaliya Devani

Rajkot (Ground), Rajkot

Jamnagar

New building of DRM office, Rajkot

16

Central Railway

Kaman

Neral

Tikekarwadi

Sangola

Daundaj

Khandala

Oombermali

Thansit

Matheran

Asangaon

Pen

Bhusawal

Pune

Rahuri station

Puntamba station

Ahemednagar station

KEM station

Junardeo station

Pandhurna station

CSTM Annex bldg.

CSTM Parcel Bldg.

Matunga W/S

Khopoli

17

South Western Railway

Hubballi Workshop

DRM Office, Bengaluru

New Zonal Office, Gadag Road, Hubballi

Mysuru Workshop

Chikjajaur Railway Station

MEMU Shed, Banaswadi

Birur Railway Station

DRM building, Mysore

Solar Lightings

18

Rail Coach Factory

Kaputhala

19

Rail Wheel Factory

Bangaluru

20

Integral Coach Factory

LHB Shed

ICF Hospital

ICF

21

Rail Coach Factory

Rai Bareilly



Indian Railways has planned to set up 1000 MW solar power plants consisting of 500 MW roof top and 500 MW land based solar plants. The roof top solar plants will be provided at Railway stations and various service buildings.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

****
 
Last edited:
Ministry of Railways
10-April, 2018 15:39 IST
Release of Berths Under Emergency Quota in Railways

In order to meet the urgent travel requirements of High Official Requisition (HOR) holders, which includes Central Government Ministers, Judges of Hon’ble Supreme Court/High Courts of various States, Members of Parliament and other emergent demands, who are on the waiting list, a limited number of berths have been earmarked as Emergency Quota in different trains and in different classes. The quota is released by the Railways in accordance with the priority as per warrant of precedence and well established practice being followed since long. At the time of allotment of berths/seats, emergency quota is first allotted for self travel of HOR holders/Members of Parliament, etc., strictly as per their inter-se seniority in warrant of precedence. Thereafter, other requisitions received from various quarters are considered and the remaining quota is released taking into account various factors like status of passengers travelling, nature of urgency like travelling on government duty, bereavement in the family, sickness, job interview, etc.

Emergency Quota Cells are located at Zonal/Divisional Headquarters and at some of the important non-Headquarter stations. These Cells normally function under the control of a gazetted officer supported by requisite number of staff posted by Zonal Railways.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

****

Ministry of Railways
10-April, 2018 15:37 IST
Installation of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System in Trains

The number of consequential train accidents have decreased during the current year i.e. from 01/04/2017 to 31/03/2018 to 73 as compared to 104 numbers during the corresponding period of last year.

Indian Railways have planned to provide Automatic Train Protection (ATP) conforming to ETCS level-2 standards on the entire Indian Railway Broad Gauge (BG) network. This will provide technological aid to Loco Pilots for avoiding Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) and over speeding. Presently, following different Automatic Train Protection (ATP) Systems are existing on Indian Railways:



(i)

Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System based on proven European Train Control System (ETCS-L1) Technology has been implemented on 342 RKMs (200 RKMs Delhi-Agra Section, 117 RKMs Chennai Suburban section and 25 RKMs of Metro Railway, Kolkata).



(ii)

An ATP called Auxiliary Warning System (AWS) is presently functional on 364 RKMs in the Mumbai suburban section of Central Railway (240 RKMs) and Western Railway (124 RKMs).



(iii)

An ATM system indigenously developed called Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is under trial on 250 RKMs of South Central Railway as a pilot project.



This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

****


Ministry of Railways
10-April, 2018 15:37 IST
Steps taken to bring Energy/Fuel Efficiency in Railways

Steps taken by Railways to cut down use of diesel fuel and energy/fuel efficiency in its operation system as under-

  1. Minimum Inventories of all major Railway Consumer Depot (RCD)s have been reduced from 15 to 5 days.
  2. Use of B-5 blended High Speed Diesel (HSD) with 5% Biodiesel in the Diesel Locomotives has been started.
  3. Trip ration is being reviewed properly to tighten the slack trip rationing.
  4. The performance of loco pilots is being monitored regularly. List of bad & good runners are being identified on the basis of fuel consumption vis-a-vis trip ration. Bad runners are being counseled & monitored by loco inspectors. Monitoring of Loco Pilots using dynamic brakes and performing coasting according to the topography are being done.
  5. To avoid idle running of the Engine of Diesel locomotive, a Joint Procedure Order (JPO) has been jointly issued at Railway Board level with operating department and accordingly at Zonal Railways level also for shutting down of diesel locos in case of idling of the locomotive. Monitoring of idling of diesel locomotives has been started through Remote Monitoring and Management of Locomotive and Trains (REMMLOT) fitted in Diesel Locomotive.
  6. Rationalization of fueling pattern has been implemented based on landed price of HSD oil. The cheaper RCDs are fueling more to diesel locomotive to avoid fueling at costlier location of RCDs.
  7. All Overaged Broad Gauge Diesel Mixed Traffic Engine (WDM2) locos have been withdrawn from mainline service.
  8. Conversion of Driving Power Car (DPC) of DEMU trains in dual fuel (Diesel + LNG/CNG) mode has been started to use CNG in place of HSD.
  9. Auxiliary Power Unit has been introduced in Diesel locos for automatic shutting down of the diesel locomotive while standing idle.
  10. Retro-fitment of Micro-processor control system in diesel Locomotives have been executed to achieve fuel efficiency.
  11. Common Rail electronic Direct Injection (CReDI) system has been developed and are being fitted in Diesel Locomotive.
  12. Miller cycle based turbochargers and Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) Turbochargers have been developed for ALCo locomotives to achieve fuel efficiency.
Expected positive results yielded are as under:-

      1. 4 % saving in fuel consumption has been realized at Eng Test Bed with the use of CReDI on ALCo locomotive engine and 2.5% saving in fuel consumption on HHP locomotives.
      2. Approx. 23 nos. of DPCs have been converted and running in duel fuel (Diesel + CNG) Mode. Diesel displacement of upto 20% has been achieved.
      3. Reliability verification testing of Miller cycle based turbocharger has been completed in field. Approx. 2% fuel saving and 20% reduction in NOx is expected by use of miller cycle based turbocharger. Performance evaluation on engine test bed is scheduled in next month.
      4. Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) turbocharger has been fitted on a WDG3A loco and 2.5% fuel saving (approx.) has been realized on test bed.
Details of plan for use of solar energy are as under:-



  1. Indian railways has planned for 1000 MW of solar power plants by 2020-21 with 500 MW at railway rooftops for non-traction use and 500 MW land based for mostly in traction use. The solar power from land based plants shall be mostly used in train operation.
  2. IROAF is implementing provision of Solar Panels on roof top of coaches and Brake Vans of freight trains for taking up part hotel load (electric lighting and fans load).
  3. In Goods train, Solar Panels on trial basis have been fitted on the roof top of 50 Nos. Guard Brake Vans.
  4. In passenger Trains Solar panels on trial basis has been fitted on the roof top of 06 Nos. Trailer Coaches of Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMU).
  5. Indian Railways has planned for 1000 MW of solar power plants by 2020-21 with 500 MW at railway rooftops for non-traction use and 500 MW land based for traction use. The solar power from land based plants shall be used in train operation.
  6. Tender for 700 Nos. more Guard Brake Vans is likely to be uploaded by March, 2018 end.
  7. Tender case for 250 Nos. Trailer Coaches of DEMU for Flexi Solar Panels was discharged and Re-Tender is expected to be completed by the end of March, 2018.
  8. The fitment of Solar Panel is also planned in 10 Exhibition Coaches of Swachhata Express, which is to be flagged off in April, 2018.
This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

****


Ministry of Railways
10-April, 2018 15:36 IST
Initiatives by Indian Railways for Cleanliness in Trains

Maintaining cleanliness is a continuous process and every endeavour is made to keep the coaches including toilets in properly maintained and in clean condition. Some of the major initiatives taken by Indian Railways towards improvement of cleanliness in trains are as follows:

(i) Cleaning of train coaches including toilets of trains is done at both ends including mechanized cleaning.

(ii) On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) has been provided in more than 980 pairs of trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi and other important long distance Mail/Express trains for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains.

(iii) On demand ‘Clean My Coach’ service is provided in nearly 970 pairs of important Superfast/Mail/Express long distance trains having On Board Housekeeping Service.

(iv) By expanding the scope of ‘Clean My Coach’, ‘Coach Mitra’ Service has been provided in nearly 800 OBHS trains as a single window interface to register all coach related requirements of passengers travelling in reserved coaches, such as cleaning, disinfection, linen, train lighting, air conditioning and watering of coaches.

(v) Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme has also been prescribed for limited mechanized cleaning attention to identified trains including cleaning of toilets during their scheduled stoppages enroute at nominated stations.

(vi) Washing of bed linen (except blanket) provided for AC passengers is done after every single use. Blankets were being cleaned at least once in two months. Prescribed washing frequency of blankets has been recently increased to minimum once in a month. To improve the quality of washing of bed linen, 59 mechanized laundries have been set up in the Railways.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

****

Ministry of Railways
10-April, 2018 15:34 IST
Direct Investment (DI) inflow in Indian Railways

Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflow from April, 2014 to December,2017 in Railway sector is US$ million 389.83. The financial year-wise break up is as under :-



Year Amount

(In US$ million)

(i) 2014-15 129.73

(ii) 2015-16 73.99

(iii) 2016-17 87.57

(iv) 2017-18 98.54

(April to December)



The DI investment has been utilised for manufacturing of Rolling Stock (Coaches and Wagons including its parts), Signalling Equipment and Locomotives (Diesel and Electric) & parts of locomotives.

Ministry of Railways has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China, France, Spain, South Korea, Japan, United Kingdom, Russia and Germany for cooperation in the area of High Speed Railways. A Memorandum of Cooperation has been signed with Government of Japan for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) project which includes transfer of technology and Make in India.

A large number of Foreign Governments and Railways have shown keen interest in the station redevelopment program. These include French Railway (SNCF), Korean Railway, Governments of Federal Republic of Germany, China and United Kingdom.

This information was made available in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

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Ministry of Railways
11-April, 2018 16:29 IST
Railway Board Celebrates 63rd Railway Week Function at Rail Bhawan.

Shri Ashwani Lohani Presided Over the Function & Presented Merit Certificates & Cash Awards.

The 63rd Railway Week Function of Railway Board was organized on 11th April, 2018 in Rail Bhavan, New Delhi. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani presided over the function and presented Merit Certificates and Cash Awards to officials of Railway Board for their outstanding performances during the year 2017-18. Other Railway Board Members and Senior Officials were also present on the occasion.

Shri Ashwani Lohani presented the Running Efficiency Shield to ERB-III and TC-I Sections (jointly) of Railway Board selected as “Best Kept Section’ for maintaining high standards of efficiency, prompt disposal of cases and excellent up-keep of records. Besides this, Merit Certificates and Cash Awards were presented to 2 other well-maintained sections.

Merit Certificates and Cash Awards were given to 69 officials of Railway Board for their outstanding performance during the year 2017-18. Further, 52 Cash Awards were given to sportspersons and 10 Cash Awards to Cultural artists along with Appreciation Letters for their outstanding performance in the Inter-Ministry and All India Civil Services Tournaments. In addition, 3 Cash Awards were presented to Horticulture staff of Rail Bhawan for their excellent work. Also, Chairman Railway Board Trophy for Best Railway Engineer Regiment (TA) was awarded to Railway Engineer Regiment (TA), Chandigarh.

Details of Awards

1.

  • for Best kept Sections
2

  • for Meritorious Work
69

  • Sports
52@

  • Cultural Activities
10#

  • Horticulture
3

Total Awards

136



@ Individual Awards – 41, Group Awards – 11

# Individual Awards – 9, Group Award – 01



2. CRB Trophy for Best Railway Engineer Regiment (TA) – Railway Engineer Regiment (TA), Chandigarh.

List of Awardees attached herewith.

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Ministry of Textiles
11-April, 2018 14:29 IST
Textiles Ministry’s Effort to Make Cleanliness a Peoples’ Movement – Ajay Tamta

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Before After

Textile Committee doing intensive cleanliness drive at Prabhadevi Beach in Mumbai

The Textile Committee in Mumbai organised a cleanliness drive at Prabhadevi beach in Mumbai and removed ten tonnes of garbage and local residents also participated in this drive in a big way during the recently concluded special Swachhta fortnight from 1st to 15th March 2018.

Several other activities were also conducted in the Ministry and its attached and subordinate offices across the country. Senior officers of the Ministry visited various offices and 9 Public Sector Undertakings located in different parts of the country to motivate the staff for cleanliness. Swachhta pledge was administered to all officers and staff in the Ministry and short films on Swachh Bharat were shown to all employees.

Special workshops were conducted on the campuses of National Institute of Fashion Technology Bhopal and New Delhi to sensitize the students and staff regarding recycling and how to convert old and discarded cloth material and other unserviceable items into useful carry bags and hand bags. The NIFT students used to waste to generate wealth and create aesthetic products. The Ministry is also working on replacing plastic bags with reusable jute bags designed by National Institute of Ahmedabad which are being used at SAFAL and Mother Dairy outlets.

Special debate, essay competitions, lecture by doctor about hygiene and tree plantation drives were organized by the Textiles Ministry during the fortnight.

Addressing the Press Conference Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta said that apart from this special fortnight the Ministry has been continuously engaged with Swachhta activities throughout the year. The Minister further added that cleanliness can become a reality only if every person decides to neither litter nor let others litter. He said Swachhta is everyone’s responsibility and it should not be left to sanitation workers alone.

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The Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Ajay Tamta addressing the media regarding Swachhta activities of the Ministry, in New Delhi on April 11, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shri Anant Kumar Singh is also seen.
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Ministry of Railways
12-April, 2018 18:01 IST
Shri Piyush Goyal Discusses Issues with Representatives of Food & Beverages Industry Players to Improve Catering Services in Railways

The Union Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal today interacted with Food and Beverages Industries Players through video conferencing while fasting from Thane. The meeting was attended by key players from the Food & Beverage industry viz. Hindustan Unilever Limited, Café Coffee Day, Nestle, Travel Food Services, MoM, Bikanerwala, Taj SATS, R.K. Associates, Arenco Catering, Jubliant Food Services, Punjabi Ghasitaram Halwai (P) Ltd., CAFS, etc. The meeting was also attended by Senior officials from Ministry of Railways & IRCTC.

The meeting was held with the objectives to bring on board important suggestions issues, problems faced by key industrial players of F&B industry who are important stake holders in delivery of catering services on Indian Railways.

Following items were raised in the meeting with key industrial players of F&B industry:-

  • Issue of rate of Ala-carte and standard items served on mobile catering having not increased since 2012.
  • Rates should be increased automatically with time by indexing it with WPI/CPI. Market driven prices should be given by Railways with periodical revision.
  • Non increase in Rates of food items over years has impacted quality of mobile catering services.
  • Adequate arrangement of catering services on non – pantry trains.
  • Improvement in Pantry cars and its cleanliness issues.
  • Issues of failure of equipments on-board pantry car and non-redressal and to establish a system for their grievances for timely rectification of the same.
  • Members have requested for limiting the entire A-la-carte menu and only bouquet of catering products to just 8 - 12 meals/items and the same be permitted for sale. This will help in reducing overcharging and provide better quality of service.
  • Members have suggested that all catering items should be priced in multiples of 5 which will aid the passengers and reduce instances of overcharging. Eradication of unauthorized hawking on station and in trains.
  • To follow the airline model having less variety but superior quality.
  • Introduction of hot food vending machines on Platforms and trains.
  • Ready-to-Eat meal & E-Catering should be proliferated.


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Minister of Railways touched upon following issues in this freewheeling discussion and dialogue with the players of F&B industry:-



  • There was a great stress and emphasis by Minister of Railways to warn and discourage the existing Contractors of Catering Services from indulging in corrupt practices or in harassment of customers. He categorically stated that only approved items with the stated quantity and prices as approved in the policy should be served to the customers.
  • Appreciating the demands raised by the licensees/contractors, Minister of Railways issued instructions for comprehensive improvement and sprucing up the infrastructure/equipments of the Pantry car and monitoring the same intensively with the use of mobile application.
  • Licensee, Railway and IRCTC are important stakeholders in this endeavor to deliver catering services to bonafide passengers and hence, they should sit together and have a free and frank discourse so as to sort out all the problems and gaps in catering service delivery currently faced by Indian Railways.
  • The Terms and Conditions of existing Contracts should be studied threadbare and solutions related to issues of quality, infrastructure and revision of rates should be found out within that framework so as to move on a sustainable paradigm of catering services.
  • Railway is at the forefront in its service to poor & middle classes population and there should be absolutely no compromise on the quality of services rendered by catering contractors. In this context, Minister of Railways stressed that all the errant contractors who compromise of quality and indulge in corrupt practices should be shown the door and railway should frame an “Exit Policy” for the same.
  • All the stakeholders in the delivery of catering services should endeavour in reduction of catering complaints of the passengers and to bring about a “Wow” experience.
  • All the waiters/service delivery agents who are at the cutting edge should be counselled and warned against the practice of soliciting tips. If they are found guilty of the same, they will not only be de-boarded but also blacklisted and booked under relevant provisions of law.
  • There was an underline focus to drive home the point that all the caterers/licensees should issue bills/proper receipts and for this POS machines should be proliferated in a big way for both mobile and static catering units over Indian Railways.
  • In order to bring the catering services over Indian Railways in sync with the global best practices, Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals should be proliferated over Indian Railways in a big way and the long list of number of items served on board trains should be rationalized and standardized.
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Ministry of Railways
12-April, 2018 15:54 IST
Indian Railways setting new Benchmarks in Environmental Management

GreenCo rating implemented in 42 production units and workshops of Indian Railways

Pursuing sustainable growth through preserving the environment is one of the hallmarks of Indian Railways. To further spread its green initiatives, Indian Railways had entered into partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in July 2016. As part of this partnership, CII is facilitating various railways’ production units, workshops and other units go the Green way and in the process equipping them to green the operations and practices.

CII’s GreenCo Rating System is a first-of-its-kind rating in the world that facilitates companies in improving their overall green performance. GreenCo focus on major environmental areas including- energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, waste management, resource conservation, green supply chain, product stewardship and life cycle assessment.

As on date, GreenCo Rating is being implemented in 42 facilities (production units and workshops) of Indian Railways. 26 facilities of Indian Railways have achieved rating levels ranging across Certified, Bronze, Silver and Gold levels, while the others are in the process of implementation. More than 400 companies across several sectors from the manufacturing and services verticals are also in the process of this certification.

GreenCo has helped Indian Railways bring in a focused approach towards green practices by strengthening its energy conservation initiatives, facilitating renewable energy opportunities, water management and waste management. Indian Railways has also utilized GreenCo as an opportunity to work with its suppliers in greening their operations. The awareness and training imparted to employees and other relevant stakeholders is extremely impressive. Indian Railways has not only reduced the environmental impact, but has also been realizing substantial benefits, both tangible and intangible. The participation in GreenCo rating process has helped the Indian railways manufacturing units and workshops in achieving approximately Rs 10 crores per year of saving.

Two Railway stations, two Railway schools and administrative buildings of IRICEN, ICF and SCR headquarters have also been certified green as part of this effort.

Green Rating System has been facilitating inculcating green practices in individuals, and across IR as an organization. IR units have started excelling in areas, in addition, have also explored fields that were not in focus earlier and have put in efforts to improve performance.

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Ministry of Railways
12-April, 2018 15:45 IST
One Lakh Twenty Five Thousands Bio-Toilets Installed in Trains Coaches

Green Trains for Green India

Beginning with the introduction of 57 bio-toilets in one train i.e. Gwalior-Varanasi Bundelkhand Express in January 2011, Indian Railways has provided about 1,25,000 bio-toilets in its coaches till March 2018. This covers about 60% of coaching fleet of Indian Railways. During 2017-18, IR has installed highest ever bio-toilets in coaches which is 40% higher than the set target of 40,000 bio-toilets and 64% higher than the fitment of 34134 bio-toilets in 2016-17.

Presently, Indian Railways have commissioned and operating 27 sections as Green Corridors. All the trains plying on these sections are running with all the coaches equipped with bio-toilets. Thus, there is no direct discharge of human waste from the trains running on these Green Corridors.

“Bio-Toilet project” of Indian Railways is an innovative & indigenous development of technology. This technology is first of its kind being used by any railroad in the world for On-board accelerated digestion of human waste. These bio-toilets are fitted underneath the lavatories and the human waste discharged into them is acted upon by a colony of anaerobic bacteria that convert human waste mainly into water and small amount of bio-gases. The gases escape into atmosphere and waste water is discharged after chlorination onto the track. Human waste, thus, does not fall on the railway tracks thus improving cleanliness and hygiene at platforms, and facilitate track and coaches maintenance staff to perform their work more efficiently. The Bio-toilet project is very much aligned with ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’, launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

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The technology for Bio-toilets has been innovated, designed and is ‘Made in India’. It has been developed jointly by Indian Railways’ Engineers & DRDO’s scientists. It is one example where the technology developed for defence applications has been utilised for civilian purpose. Adaption and large scale deployment of the technology has been facilitated by collaboration between DRDO, RDSO and the field units of Indian Railways.


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As per estimation, approx. 4,000 MT of human waste is discharged from train coaches every day. With the proliferation of bio-toilets in 60% coaches commensurate human discharge in open, has been eliminated.

In addition to earnest efforts being put in by Indian Railways, the success of this important project largely depends on the co-operation of its valued customers/ passengers by not throwing any in-organic material like paper, bottles, paper/ plastic cups, polythene, napkins, nappies, cloth, ghutka pouches, cigarette/ bidi buds etc. in toilet pans/ bowls.

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