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Railways to introduce 24-coach long distance trains

The railways has decided to increase the number of coaches in long distance trains to 24 and in some trains to even 26 to facilitate travel, Railway Minister Nitish Kumar announced in the Lok Sabha today.

Replying to a marathon debate on the railway budget, lasting more than 20 hours and 29 minutes, the railway minister said half of the new coaches would be in the second class category to benefit the common man.

Nitish Kumar defended the increase in fares, particularly of upper class, saying it was necessary to check diversion of railway freight traffic to road traffic. He said in the past, while freight rates were increased considerably, there was hardly any increase in passenger fares. As a result, the cross subsidisation was increased to Rs 28 billion in the last financial year.

He assured the members that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure safety and security of passengers and check crimes on trains. Similarly, to check irregularities in the recruitment of employees in the railways, 17 of the 19 railway recruitment boards had been restructured.

The railways, he said, had also decided to take steps in reducing the use of plastic materials in food packaging. Necessary steps had been initiated and use of khullar (mud glass) will be promoted.

Referring to the demands raised by members while participating in the debate, the minister said he will answer every member shortly.

Kumar said in the current year, the plan allocation for the railways had been increased sharply from Rs 83 billion to Rs 95 billion, which was highest in any single year. Higher allocations had been made for new lines, track renewals, doubling and electrification.

Emphasis had been given to the completion of pending projects, he said, and added that projects worth Rs 340 billion were pending for years. Those projects, which are in advanced stage of completion, will be given priority, he added.

The Lok Sabha later approved by voice vote, the demands for excess grants for the railways for 1995-96. The railway budget, which was returned by the Rajya Sabha on Friday, would now go to the standing committee of Parliament.

UNI

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