LOK SABHA ___

SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES (Proceedings other than Questions & Answers) ______

Tuesday, March 14, 2017/ Phalguna 23, 1938 (Saka) ______

STATEMENT BY MINISTER

Re: Recent Attack on Security Forces at Sukma, Chhattisgarh on

11March, 2017.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH):

On 11 March 2017 two companies of CRPF at Bheji in Sukma District of

Chhattisgarh were providing security cover for road construction on Bheji-Gorkha-

Injiram. Around 0853 hrs. when this party reached a forested area close to

Bankupara village, armed Left Wing Extremists ambushed them with heavy firing and simultaneous use of IED blasts. In this incident, unfortunately 12 personnel were martyred and 02 were seriously injured. The condition of injured personnel is stable and they are out of danger. 13 weapons and 02 wireless sets were taken away by the Left Wing Extremists. Names of the martyred and injured are as follows:

Names of the Martyrs

1. Insp Jagjeet Singh

2. ASI Hira Vallabh Bhatt

3. ASI Narender Singh

4. CT Suresh Kumar

5. CT Mangesh Bal Pandey

6. CT Rampal Singh Yadav

7. CT Gorakhnath

8. CT Nand Kumar Athram

9. CT Satish Chand Verma

10. CT K. Shankar

11. HC P.R. Mendhe

12. HC Jagdish Prasad Vishnoi

Names of the injured

1. CT Jaydev Pramanik

2. CT Mohd. Saleem Sagal

I express my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the personnel who have lost their lives and I would like to say firmly that the entire nation is with them in their hour of grief. The nation will always remember their sacrifices. The injured personnel will be provided with the best possible treatment available. On behalf of the entire house, I pray for their health and wellbeing.

The unprecedented success of the Security Forces of last has led to evident uneasiness among the Left Wing Extremist Groups. The forces have achieved tremendous success during 2016 in all LWE affected states and particularly in Chhattisgarh where 135 LWE cadres were eliminated, 779 arrested and 1198 surrendered. The number of violent incidents in Chhattisgarh also dropped by 15% from 466 in 2015 to 395 in 2016. Improved efficacy of the

Security Forces is evident from the various indicators. The number of Left Wing

Extremists killed increased by 150% (89 in 2015 to 222 in 2016) in 2016.

Surrenders and arrests registered a combined increase of 47% over 2015 (2238 to

3282). Only 03 weapons were lost by the SFs in 2016 as against 15 in 2015. 67% of Encounters/Exchange of fire resulted in neutralization of LWE cadres as against only 36% in 2015. Sustained operations by the security forces ensured that South

Bastar districts, considered to be the nucleus of LWE strength witnessed a considerable fall in violence in 2016 (252 incidents as against 326 in 2015).

The Left Wing Extremists have suffered unprecedented losses in 2016.

They have admitted so, openly in their documents and statements. They will continue to attempt such incidents to restore the flagging morale of their cadres. I believe that our brave soldiers and officers will continue to respond with a firm resolve and contribute whole heartedly towards elimination of Left Wing

Extremism.

However, there is a need for introspection on this incident. I have directed the DG, CRPF to conduct a detailed enquiry into the incident so that the lapses that led to the incident can be identified which will reduce the possibility of repetition of such incidents in the future.

I visited Chhattisgarh to pay my homage to the martyrs and met the two injured personnel on the day of the incident itself. Arrangements were made to ensure that mortal remains reach their respective families. Loss of life can in no way be compensated by money, however, the next of kin of the martyred CRPF personnel will be provided Rs. 35 lacs as ex-gratia from the Central Government,

Rs. 20 lacs from the Risk Fund of CRPF and Rs. 01 lac from the CRPF Welfare

Fund. They will also get Rs.25 lacs as insurance benefits and Rs. 03 lacs as ex- gratia from the Chhattisgarh Government. The next of kin will also be provided full salary till the age of superannuation of the personnel martyred under the

Liberalized Pensionary Award (LPA).

I assured the house that the Government is committed to providing all support to the CAPF in order to prepare them for their tasks. In the same way the

Government is also committed to supporting the States for training, capacity building, provision of CAPF battalions as required and intelligence sharing. I would like to assure the nation through this House that we will not let Left

Wing Extremists succeed in misleading the people and depriving parts of the country from the benefits of development.

I once against pay my homage to the martyred personnel and express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I assure the house that their sacrifices will not go in vain.

INTER-STATE RIVER WATER DISPUTES (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2017

THE MINISTER OF WATER RESOURCES, RIVER

DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION (SUSHRI UMA

BHARTI) moved that leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the

Inter-State River Water Dispute Act, 1956.

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB opposing the motion for introduction of the Bill, said: I am objecting to the introduction of Inter-State River Water

Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Constitution allows the Union

Government to introduce certain Bills relating to the State subjects on three provisions i.e. Article 249, Article 252 (1) and Article 262. But there are also some restrictions in this regard. Proviso of the Article 262 states that notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may by law provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as is referred to in clause (1). Actually, this Section is a denial. The Bill categorically says that subsume all tribunals into one permanent tribunal. It has also been said that a committee will be formed which will give its report to tribunal within three years. But, the time within which the tribunal will give a report is not specified. Do this Parliament and the Government have the power, through this Constitution to have a law in this manner? I am not going into the merit of the Bill. I am only saying that this is very wrongly drafted

Bill. Under sub-section 2 of article 262, the Supreme Court is debarred to intervene. But in last November or December, 2016, the Supreme Court had mentioned that anyone can come to the Supreme Court if they have some complaints. Now all these issues are not being addressed in this Bill. Lastly, I would also like to know whether the Union Government has consulted respective

State Governments before preparing this Bill and whether they agreed. Another basic problem which I confront is that it was in 2002 that it was incorporated in the

Act that the decision of the tribunal shall have the same force as an order or decree of the Supreme Court. But the amendment says that the decision of the Bench of the Tribunal shall be final and binding on the parties of the dispute and shall have the same force as an order or decree of the Supreme Court. This is just repetition of what is there in the Act. This is a very badly drafted Bill. My only request to the Government is to reconsider introduction of this Bill.

SUSHRI UMA BHARTI: The Union Government is exercising the power given to it under Article 262 of the Constitution. Now, the salient feature of the proposed system is that there will be a permanent tribunal instead of different tribunals comprising a Chairman, Deputy Chairman and maximum six Members.

Their maximum age limit will be 70 years. A committee would be constituted before referring any water dispute to the tribunal and the tribunal will dispose such disputes within a maximum time span of four to five years.

The Bill was introduced.

SUBMISSION BY MEMBER

Re: Need to conduct CBI probe into the death of former Chief Minister of

Tamil Nadu.

THE MINISTER OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS AND

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ANANTHKUMAR) responding to the issue raised by an hon. Member, said: The very serious issue raised by the hon. Member from AIADMK about the sad sudden demise of our great leader of , former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalitha

Amma, is a matter of great concern to this House and to the entire country. There is a feeling that the death has happened in mysterious circumstances. The state of

Tamil Nadu has already ordered an investigation into the matter. The report of the investigation ordered by the State Government has to come before the Centre takes any further action.

*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(i) SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY laid a statement regarding need to

enhance the salary and improve service conditions of para-teachers in

the country.

(ii) SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA laid a statement regarding

need to promote sale and use of indigenous consumer products in the

country.

(iii) KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL laid a statement

regarding need to develop Charkhari fort in Hamirpur parliamentary

constituency, as a tourist place.

(iv) SHRI KANWAR SINGH TANWAR laid a statement regarding need

to establish a girls' school and degree college in Amroha parliamentary

constituency, Uttar Pradesh.

(v) SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL laid a statement regarding

need to run a local train between Mumbai and Bhiwandi in

Maharashtra.

(vi) SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA laid a statement regarding

need to provide stoppage of Gandhidham-Garba Express (Train No.

12937) and Gandhidham-Kamakhya Express (Train No. 15667) at

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Speaker. Gangpur city railway station, Rajasthan and also provide the facility

of escalator at the Railway Station.

(vii) DR. BHOLA SINGH laid a statement regarding need to ensure

extension of benefits of Fasal Bima Yojana to farmers in .

(viii) SHRI A.T. NANA PATIL laid a statement regarding need to develop

places of religious and historical importance in Jalgaon and

surrounding areas in under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and

Spirituality Augmentation Drive Scheme.

(ix) SHRI VISHNU DAYAL RAM laid a statement regarding need to

provide sufficient mobile medical vans in Palamu parliamentary

constituency, Jharkhand.

(x) SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY laid a statement regarding need to

send a team of doctors to Maharajganj parliamentary constituency,

Uttar Pradesh to report and suggest remedial measures on prevalence

of chicken pox in the region.

(xi) SHRI BIRENDRA KUMAR CHOUDHARY laid a statement

regarding need to construct sluice gates on rivers originating from

Nepal and flowing through Bihar.

(xii) SHRI RAM TAHAL CHAUDHARY laid a statement regarding

need to accord priority to contract labourers in regular appointment in

Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited, Ranchi, Jharkhand. (xiii) SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA laid a statement

regarding need to compensate the farmers who lost pulse crop due to

seeds afflicted with disease in Jalaun parliamentary constituency,

Uttar Pradesh.

(xiv) SHRI RAMEN DEKA laid a statement regarding need to enact law

to ban protests on National Highways and railway tracks.

(xv) SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO laid a statement regarding need

to construct a Railway Over Bridge at Jugsalai in Jamshedpur

parliamentary constituency, Jharkhand.

(xvi) SHRI ANTO ANTONY laid a statement regarding need to accord

sanction for the proposed Kendriya Vidyalaya at Konni in

Pathanamthitta Parliamentary constituency of Kerala.

(xvii) SHRI M.I. SHANAVAS laid a statement regarding alleged

harassment of women delegates.

(xviii) SHRI P. KUMAR laid a statement regarding need to set up a

Kendriya Vidyalaya at Pudukottai in Tamil Nadu.

(xix) SHRI T.G. VENKATESH BABU laid a statement regarding need to

grant interim relief to the fishermen of Tamil Nadu affected by recent

oil spill. (xx) SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR laid a statement regarding need

to provide technical guidance and financial assistance for flood

management in Arambagh parliamentary constituency, .

(xxi) PROF. SAUGATA ROY laid a statement regarding disinvestment of

Alloy Steel Plant (ASP), Durgapur, Bengal Chemicals and bridge &

Root Company.

(xxii) SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB laid a statement regarding

renovation and conservation of Gadakhai Heritage project under

Cuttack Municipal Corporation in .

(xxiii) SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS laid a statement regarding need to

introduce a direct daily train from to Velanakanni.

(xxiv) SHRI BHEEMRAO B. PATIL laid a statement regarding need to

provide stoppage of express trains running between

Nizamabad/Kamareddy and -Secunderabad.

(xxv) SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN laid a statement regarding problem

faced by Indians working in Kharfi National Company in Kuwait.

(xxvi) SHRI P. SRINIVASA REDDY laid a statement regarding need to

take urgent steps to stop pollution caused by ITC Paper Mill in

Telangana.

(xxvii) SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE laid a statement regarding need to

consider the amount of compensation paid by Maharashtra Government to the Municipal Corporations while calculating

compensation to be paid under Goods and Services Tax.

(xxviii) KUNWAR HARIBANSH SINGH laid a statement regarding need to

ban organizations promoting anti-national sentiments in the country.

STATUTORY RESOLUTION

RE: DISAPPROVAL OF ENEMY PROPERTY (AMENDMENT AND

VALIDATION) FIFTH ORDINANCE, 2016 (NO. 8 OF 2016)

AND

ENEMY PROPERTY (AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION) BILL, 2016

(Amendments made By Rajya Sabha)

SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN moved that this House disapproves of the Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Fifth Ordinance, 2016

(Ordinance No. 8 of 2016) promulgated by the President on 22nd December, 2016.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH) moved that the amendments made by Rajya Sabha in the Bill further to amend the

Enemy Property Act, 1968 and the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised

Occupants) Act, 1971, be taken into consideration.

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME

AFFAIRS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR): The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 8th

March, 2016 and passed by it on 9th March, 2016. This Bill was introduced in the

Rajya Sabha on 14th March, 2016 as passed by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha sent this Bill to the Select Committee on 15th March, 2016 for its scrutiny and submitting a report thereon. The Select Committee presented its report to the

Rajya Sabha on 6th May, 2016 and the Union Government accepted all the recommendations of the Select Committee. Meanwhile, to make it continuously effective, third, fourth and fifth Ordinances were promulgated alongwith the reported amendments made by the Select Committee as in the case of earlier

Ordinances. The Rajya Sabha passed the Enemy Property Bill, 2016 on 10th

March, 2017.

SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN initiating said: The Lok Sabha passed this Bill on 19th March, 2016. During the course of the discussion of the Bill in Lok

Sabha the majority of the members demanded that this Bill be sent to the Standing

Committee for a detailed scrutiny of the Bill. When the Bill was considered by the

Rajya Sabha, the Rajya Sabha sent the Bill for scrutiny by a Select Committee.

My point is, if this Bill was sent to the Standing Committee, the members of Lok

Sabha would have got an opportunity to go into the details of this Bill. That is the first objection. Secondly, objection is regarding the urgency of issuance of

Ordinance. It is a well-established principle that Article 123 can be exercised only in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Here, the Select Committee has submitted its Report to the Upper House on 6th May, 2016. Subsequent to the submission of the Select Committee Report, three times Ordinances were re- promulgated. This Enemy Property Ordinance has been promulgated five times within one year. My point is, ordinance should only be issued under compelling circumstances. The main amendment made by the other House is the appellate jurisdiction to the High Court by incorporating a new Clause 18 (C). By virtue of

Clause 18 (c) of the Bill, the civil courts are totally barred from dealing with the disputes in respect of Enemy Property. This is the main defect of the Bill. There is no alternative mechanism to resolve the disputes in respect of the Energy Property.

The Rajya Sabha has now come with an amendment to have the appeal to the High

Court. I absolutely welcome the amendment made by the Rajya Sabha on this point. But there also, there is a defect. It is stated in Clause 18 (C) that the appeal shall lie to the High Court within a period of 60 days from the date of commencement of the order or from the date of receipt of the order. This is totally contradictory. How the High Court can be given a prerogative to decide the date of appeal in two ways. I would like to seek an explanation from the hon. Minister in this regard. My first apprehension is the retrospective effect of the provisions of the Amendment Bill. I would like to seek a specific clarification from the hon.

Minister in this regard. Another point is how the rights of a person which have accrued over 50 years can be taken away. The Government is saying that all the transactions, which took place even prior to 1968 and after 1968 will be deemed to be void. In this situation, how is the Government going to address the issue of thousands of people, who are actually affected? The next point is about the structural change in the definition of enemy. According to the new amendment, the legal heirs and the successors are also enemies even if they are citizens of or citizens of other country, which is not an enemy country; and also the nationals of an enemy country who subsequently changed to Indian nationality, even then will come within the purview of enemy. How is the Government gong to address these issues? My final point is about the vesting of the rights, title and the interest of the property with the custodian. According to the new amendment, the entire right, title and interest over enemy property is vested with the custodian of enemy property. In total, I want specific clarifications from the hon. Minister as to how the Government is going to address these two issues, first, the legal validity of the

Bill and secondly, the practical implementation of the provisions of the Bill.

SHRI HUKUM SINGH: I welcome the present Amendment Bill. This Bill is completely in national interest. In fact, some communal colour is being given to this matter as if this Bill has been introduced against any particular community.

But the fact is that it concerns people of all communities. The people who have come up with forged documents and forged inheritance wills to claim these properties belong to all communities and there are real estate mafias occupying different properties at present. The enemy properties occupied by the mafia is to the tune of Rs. One lakh crore. A fashion of pseudo-secularism is in vogue now-a- days and on that basis it is said that we will remain secular only when we continue to throw away our national property. A provision has been introduced through amendment in the present Act that once a property is declared an enemy property, no one could claim one's right over it as he or she will be deprived of the same.

The inheritors will also be deprived of the property. What could be more revolutionary amendment than this? This Bill does not take away the right of the court, but provides for an alternative arrangement. Thousands of cases are pending in various courts in this regard only to determine whether the concerned property is enemy property or not. The Union Government has taken this step on a very opportune time. The objective behind this Bill need to be understood. No one has been deprived through it. Of course, such properties have been saved from the real estate vultures. Had this law not been enacted, properties to the tune of one lakh crore would have gone out of our hand and there was no way to prevent it. As such, I wish that this should be assessed with a neutral thinking. It should not be opposed only for the sake of opposition. This Bill is in the interest of the country and the society. We should all welcome it.

SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY: It seems to me very unprecedented that ordinance has been brought five times on a Bill. It is not unconstitutional but it seems that there is something very hard to be solved behind bringing ordinance for five times. After partition, this Bill was brought in order to seize the properties of all the enemies. There has been debates on this Bill for decades. Hence I would like to know from the hon. Minister as to the number of enemy properties identified so far. The common people of India is there where enemy properties exist. I would also like to know about the steps taken by the

Government to insulate the common people from the difficulties which they have to face in the Courts and litigation process. The provisions of retrospective effect and barring the access to lower courts are contradictory to each other. That’s why the government should brood over its repercussion. There is apprehension among

Muslim population about this Bill that they will be ruined, if the same is passed.

Hence, the Government should come forward to remove their apprehension. I support this Bill, provided this Bill is amended as per the recommendations made by the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha.

PROF. SAUGATA ROY: The Government has created an all India record of bringing five ordinances, one after the other, on Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill on which there has been no law since 1952. Basically, I have nothing against the contention of the Bill but it has a strange history. I had mentioned then that this Bill is actually to take care of the properties of one particular enemy. Raja of Mahbubabad. He was one of the big landlords of UP.

After the proclamation of the ordinance of 1968, all his property became enemy property and disposed of. After the claim made by his son, the Supreme Court gave a judgement saying that the properties should be returned to him since the son of Raja of Mahboobabad was indeed an Indian citizen. If that had happened, there would have been civil turmoil. Hence, this bill was brought. On the suggestion of the Rajya Sabha there has been important changes that though, there is no recourse in Civil Courts, there is recourse in High Court that within 60 days one can apply to the High Court and if within 60 days they cannot apply, then another 60 days is allowed with the permission of the High Court. So, a maximum of 120 days is allowed for appeal. Now, the Bill has become much better and we have no difficulty in passing the law.

SHRI THOTA NARASIMHAM: At the outset, I would like to encourage the Government for taking bold steps to channelize longstanding deadlock issues like management of 'Enemy Properties' in an organized manner. This issue is very serious that deals with national pride as well as thousands of crores of property with the Central Government. It is unfortunate that Members of the Opposition hardly paid any attention to recognize seriousness and timely nature of the issue and walked out of the House despite being acceptance of many recommendations of the Select Committee of Rajya Sabha. In respect of the definition of the word

'enemy' I would like to suggest the Government that care must be taken to protect legal heirs of enemy countries who settled in India and gradually become citizens of India. The Bill may seem harsh and give more arbitrariness to the Central

Government with the clauses like barring of jurisdiction of civil courts over enemy property issues, but it is very necessary to avoid unpredictable interpretations of this issue. That is the reason why the appealing powers have been extended to High Court to check the property whether it is enemy property or not. Now, this provision has been expanded to give the Central Government the power to dispose of property in any case, even when there are contradictory rulings of lower courts.

This gives greater autonomy and necessary elbowroom for the Government to manage the property at its behest properly. In this regard, I would like to suggest to the Government to take extra care in controlling the arbitrariness of the

Government as any wrong step would affect the livelihood and the dignity of the individual and his family.

SHRI KONDA VISHWESHWAR REDDY: After several iterations, discussions and amendments, I think there is a great need for closure because it affects many innocent people who have bought the property because the properties have been sold and resold by legal and illegal heirs. Hyderabad is a peculiar case.

After Independence, the Hyderabad State which is now had more than seven lakh acres of lands. Now, these seven lakh acres of land has been continuously diminishing. What we have in our hands now is probably less than

90,000 acres of that land. Hence, I would request the Minister to look into the special case of the Telangana lands, the Hyderabad Atraf-e-Balda lands and the

Sarf-e-Khas lands. Now, it actually affects innocent people who bought this property. On behalf of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, we support these amendments with a request that the Minister may look into the issue of Hyderabad lands. SHRI MOHAMMAD SALIM: I have been reiterating that such Bills should be referred to the Standing Committee which comprises members from both the Houses for discussion and then should be brought here. It has happened for the first time in independent India that ordinance has been brought five times on an issue. It is not good thing to enact any law either by legislative assembly or by the

Lok Sabha to override the order of the Supreme Court or the High Court. Being a leftist, I have no objection on the acquisition of land property of the landlords by enacting a law to this effect. Any law should be enacted with holistic approach. I understand that hundred years of wars took place in Europe, world wars also happened there yet no country used the term enemy for the citizens of other countries. The Government should have ordered an enquiry into the misuse and corruption in relation to the enemy properties after the enactment of The Enemy

Property Act, 1968. Instead, the Government brought about two amendments in this Act in Rajya Sabha. One amendment provides that the appeal can be filed in the High Court only and not in the lower court. It means that those poor and small property holders will not be able to file the appeal in High Court. Therefore, I understand that there was no need for this law itself.

SHRI MEKAPATI RAJA MOHAN REDDY: I on behalf of my party support this proposed legislation. It is a welcome step to sell the enemy properties whose owners have either migrated to Pakistan or China or do not exist and the

Income generated by selling such property be deposited to the Consolidated Fund of India. Staff crunch is one of the reasons that has taken such a long time to complete the verification process while Pakistan had completed this process immediately after the 1971 war and seized the properties of Indians and disposed off in breach of mutual agreement. The Government should draw a plan so that the entire process of identification of enemy properties and disposal may be completed within stipulated time.

SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: I heartily welcome and support this Bill for the very reason that this was to be brought long back. It was when the Maharaja of

Mahmudabad went to the Supreme Court and asked for the succession of the property to be given to him. Now, the hon. Minister has rightly said that it would have posed a threat to the security of the country. A number of succession cases are mala fied have been brought to the notice of the court. This Bill has been brought in to prevent that. The custodian was not even to protect the properties because of flaws in the laws. I support this Bill by saying that this Bill will plug the loopholes.

SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV: The word enemy finishes the mutual goodwill. We have objections to this word. The principles of natural justice should be followed. The land is situated in India, only the people have migrated but their heirs are here and the land will not go to Pakistan. With these words, I reiterate that natural justice should prevail. SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: This Bill is being discussed again in this House after being passed by Rajya Sabha. This amendment relates to amendment of certain terms only. The value of enemy properties amounts to about rupee one lakh crore. The Ministry of Home Affairs is custodian of them. I feel that the Government will be economically benefitted immensely by such properties. I would, therefore, request the Government that the Government should dispose of such properties situated in the states and those properties should be handed over to the concerned state governments so that they get rights on them.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH) replying said: At the outset, I would like to thank all the hon. Members who gave their important suggestions on this Bill. All the Members while giving their suggestions also stated that they support this Bill. When Indo-Pak and Indo-China wars took place, some people had migrated to Pakistan and China and the issue of their properties has been covered under this Bill. In past also, Ordinances were issued even four times on certain subjects. The Government had to issue this

Ordinance fifth time because this Bill was listed in the last session of Parliament and for some reasons, it could not be taken up for discussion. In fact, our

Government is not in favour of bringing Ordinances frequently. As far as ex gratia claims are concerned, I would like to clarify that those people who had migrated to

India after the wars of 1962 and 1965, had made such claims. Those people were compelled to migrate to India leaving behind all their properties there and these people only had made ex gratia claims. As many as 57,000 claims were made in the custodian office. These claims were verified on the basis of documents and they were paid 25 per cent of the verified claim value. The king of Mahmoodabad whose property is being mentioned has in fact no claim on it. His claim is no way linked to the enemy property situated in India. Therefore, there is no justification whatsoever of his claim. One hon. Member said that the properties left out in India after partition are called evacuee properties and how the Government has deemed such properties as enemy properties. The Government has not considered them as enemy properties. Such properties have been categorized as evacuee properties.

Another hon. Member raised a query whether the Government has identified all the properties. I would like to clarify here that the Government has identified all such properties and this is a continuing process. He has expressed another apprehension whether the custodian has finally disposed off all such properties. I would like to say that the custodian has not disposed of any such enemy property. I fail to understand as to how this Bill is against natural justice. Pakistan has usurped the properties of the Indian citizens and is not returning such properties to the Indian citizens or their successors. I feel that it would be a fit case of natural justice that the properties of Pakistani citizens are not returned to them or their successors. An issue of violation of human rights has also been raised. All these properties were owned by enemies or their successors and all these properties are in the safe custody of the Government of India. Therefore, the rights of any Indian are not being usurped. No one should have any doubt about it. Other dissent note related to the Right to Equality. The provisions of this Bill are applying uniformly to all the enemy properties and there is no discrimination between one enemy property and the other enemy property. Likewise, provisions of this Bill apply to all enemy subjects and their successors uniformly and the nationality of the legal heirs of enemy is absolutely irrelevant in this context. The third dissent note states that the

Government has not followed the Article 300A. The enemy properties have been assigned to the custodian as per the law or it has not been assigned at all.

Therefore, no property whether it belong to the enemy has been taken over without following the legal process and the Government has no intention to dispose of such properties in violation of existing legal provisions. As per the provisions of the

Enemy Property Act, 1968, the enemy held property would remain enemy property even after the death of enemy subject and it would also remain vested in the custodian. Therefore, the present amendment to this Act only clarifies that the law of succession does not apply to the enemy properties. Many hon. Members have also questioned the retrospective application of this law. I would like to explain in this regard that the Parliament and legislatures have been given powers for enacting laws under Article 245, 46 and 48A of the constitution. Retrospective application of law is also included therein. The Supreme Court has also given many such verdicts wherein retrospective application of law has been justified. A provision has also been made for judicial scrutiny of this law. Even a provision has also been given to file an appeal in the High Court against the orders of custodian. I would also like to explain the historical background of this property.

The British had ruthlessly suppressed the mutiny of 1857 with the help of some individuals. The British had taken over all the properties and had proposed that these properties should be given to those who had helped the British actively.

They aspired to become talukdar and executed a bond named Sanad Kabuliyat to this effect. Raja Mohmudabad's ancestor had acquired talukdari rights by signing the same Sanad Kabuliyat bond. Father of Raja Mohmudabad had migrated to

Pakistan and had acquired citizenship of that country. Thus, when father of Raja

Mohmudabad became the enemy of this country then all of his talukdari property rights are ceased automatically and his son Raja Mohmudabad cannot make any claim over talukdari property. I would also like to make an important mention that proposed property which is likely to be allotted to Raja Mohmudabad, is recorded in the name of Uttar Pradesh Government or Union Government and Raja

Mohmudabad is only a non occupancy tenant and not an owner whose rights have been ceased much earlier. So according to the provisions under section 18(1) and

18(1)(2) of bill no. 124 of 2010, he has no rights or ownership in this regard.

SHRI N. K. PREMACHANDRAN: I do admit that the 2005 Supreme

Court judgement has created so many troubles for the people who have already acquired properties by lease or by means of ownership also. At the same time, what would be the impact of retrospective effect of the provisions of this Amendment Bill? The judgement of 2005 is creating problems. Similarly, this amendment will also create more confusion in respect of the transaction which took place prior to 1968 and after 1968 till 7th January, 2016 when the Ordinance was promulgated. So, this ambiguity has not been cleared. My point is the violation of article 14 is very specific. Further, I would like to know whether this will stand the scrutiny of law. Also, the legal impediment of the provisions and practical applications of the provisions of this Bill are not clear.

SHRI RAJNATH SINGH: I would like to clarify that no adverse effect is likely to be caused by the retrospective clause of the Bill.

The Resolution was negatived.

The motion was adopted and the amendments were agreed to.

UNION BUDGET- 2017-2018

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS- 2017-2018

Ministry of Railways

SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA initiating said: I would like to share some of the important issues concerning the Department of Railways. In 2005, we had started the Dedicated Freight Corridors to be completed by 2019. Such corridors can save the time, speed, carrying of tonnes and the bogies. It is the only earning area where the Railway can survive. Now, this Government has ordered three to four other Dedicated Freight Corridors. It will positively impact the earnings of the Railways. Once the Dedicated Freight Corridors are ready, the speed of the goods trains will increase from 25 kilometre per hour to 75 kilometre per hour and up to 100 kilometre per hour. Similarly, the trains loads will increase from 5,000 tonnes to 13,000 tonnes. According to the Government, the new corridors will come into existence up to 2023-24. These are the most important areas and the

Government should give priority to complete them within time. After

Independence, we could not go much ahead on the with regard to construction of railway lines. We have added only 3,000 kilometres to 5,000 kilometres after

Independence. Again, there is more than 3,880 kilometres of meter gauge and

2,297 kilometres of narrow gauge pending for conversion. Therefore, I urge upon the Government to complete the gauge conversion work. Now, I am coming to the

Bullet Train. In this regard Government is spending nearly Rs. 97,000 crore for constructing 500 kilometres of railway lines, nearly Rs. 200 crore per kilometre.

But I would like to know whether the Government has any plan to renovate the existing 65,000 kilometres of railway lines. In the entire Railways network of

65,000 kilometres, if you send Rs. 3 lakh crore, within a couple of years, within three to five years, the entire system will be moderated. Maintenance is also an important issue. Another issue is regarding consent and 13 States have come forward under Government's initiative to give land and have cost sharing. I would request the Government to provide some amount for the construction of Railway coach factory. The Government of is also providing money apart from the free land that it is giving. I think, this has to be taken up on priority. Moreover,

I would request that whatever projects you have announced have to be completed.

Similarly, whatever projects we have started in the UPA Government must be completed. It is in the welfare of the people of this country.

YOGI ADITYANATH: I rise to support the Demands for Grants, Ministry of Railways 2017-18. When the Rail Budget was presented last year it was felt for the first time in the Independent India that it was a vision document of Indian

Railways and not a political budget. In 2014 the hon. Prime Minister had said that he wanted to make the Railways backbone of India's progress and economic development. is giving practical shape to the slogan Sabka Saath

Sabka Vikas. Today, a passenger can inform the hon. Minister of Railways on his

Twitter Account regarding any shortcoming and before the next station is reached the passenger receives the facility. This is the beginning of Achhe Din. E-catering has been launched in most of the express trains. Regarding E-ticketing whereas earlier only 2000 tickets were available in a minute now 7000 tickets are provided per minute. Passengers are getting better facilities now. The second challenge before the Railways is safety and security. It is unfortunate that Railways faced some terrorist attacks and action is being taken in this regard. Steps taken to make

Railways better and safer are commendable. The Ministry of Road Transport and

Highways has signed a MoU with the Ministry of Railways to construct ROBs and

RUBs at unmanned railway crossings. CCTVs have been provided in Mumbai local trains for the safety of women. Indian Railways has taken a laudable initiative to provide train link in the North-Eastern States. The initiative to link

Mizoram, Meghalaya and Barack Ghati is commendable. Work has begun to lay rail lines in mineral and natural resources rich Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.

Indian Railways has taken an initiative towards solar energy. Similar steps have been taken regarding Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. By 2019 the target is to provide

1.30 lakhs white toilets in 32500 coaches. For the first time, cold storage cargo system for agricultural produce has been started in by the Railways. For the first time the announcements made by the ho. Minister in the previous budget are either on the verge of completion or have been almost completed. Semi-High

Speed train was introduced between Delhi-Agra, and work has gained apace in

Dedicated Freight Corridor. Large tracts of railway land outside Gorakhpur

Junction are under various types of encroachments. I would request that commercial use of encroached land should be made by registering those in occupation by giving them the land on rent so that they are rehabilitated properly.

Dedicated trains trains were introduced for tourism and pilgrimage. SMS based

Clean My Coach Service was introduced. Some new trains should be introduced from Gorakhpur to Kolkata and Mumbai. Gorakhpur-Prayagraj Intercity and

Gorakhpur-Patna Intercity be introduced. Loco-electric Cell should be started in

Gorakhpur. Work should start on Sahjanwa-Basawan double line. I would also request for a new rail line between Maharajganj to Anand Nagar and Maharajganj-

Gugli.

SHRI C. GOPALAKRISHNAN: We are first timers and our demand to introduce new trains has not been properly attended so far. We request the hon.

Minister to include our demands for introducing trains. I request the hon. Minister to introduce a new train from to Mettupalayam. Till that is done, the

Cheran Express may be extended up to Mettupalayam with additional coaches. I also request the hon. Minister to introduce summer special trains from Chennai to

Coimbatore, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari from April to June. There is a need to imporve the services and facilities of Railway hospitals. Promotions for employees in Southern Railway are getting delayed, especially so in sports quota.

These vacancies should be immediately filled up. There is a need to connect

Mettupalayam with Chennai via Sathyamangalam, Gobichettipalayam, Cithode,

Erode to Chennai to fulfill the genuine demand of the people of the Western Tamil

Nadu. The work of Railway line from Chamrajnagar to Sathyamangalam,

Gobichettipalayam and Erode should be expedited. I also request for speedy completion of the road under-bridge project at Kolathupalayam at

Pasupathipalayam and Pudhukolathupalayam.

SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI: I am all for the development of Railways. To put the thing in perspective, it has been a historical budget where the merger of

General and Railway Budget has taken place. Unless you change the definition of Railways as a commercial organization it is almost impossible to ensure the progress of Railways. According to me the Railways should be that infrastructure which will add to a half per cent to GDP and it will be a catalyst. It cannot be a profit making organization in itself. Now coming to Bengal, I would say that the cost of ongoing projects equals forty thousand crore rupee while you have made an allocation of only 15 per cent of that amount. What this sort of allocation does is that it makes the work progress very slow leading to cost escalation. Therefore, adequate allocation is required. If I look at the figures then it is revealed that the

Railways are losing their core passengers, its overall revenue as well as its earning from the freight have been decreasing quite a lot. Earning per million of freight traffic has remained static for the last two years and I fail to understand as to how

Railways are going to meet their target of 94.57 of operating ratio which has projected by it. Railways has reached at a stage where the internal resources is only 11 per cent. Railway funding is all from outside which include extra budgetary resources, borrowing and debts. The schemes like flexi fares scheme have been causing a lot of revenue loss to the Railways. There is a need to enhance the funds for the Railway Safety Fund.

SHRI BALBHADRA MAJHI: Since independence Odisha has been a laggard in matter of Railways despite the state having huge potential. Odisha produces 33 per cent iron ore, 26 per cent coal, 29 percent manganese and 98 per cent of chromite being produced in the country. Still Odisha only has a rail line of 2500 km in length. The East coast railways of which Odisha is a part, operates at the lowest operating ratio of 45 per cent and despite being such a huge source of revenue and offering such a great potential it has a very low railway density.

Haridaspur-Paradip line is not an economically unviable project. It has an ROR of about 25-26 per cent still the work on this line is not progressing fast. The State

Government has given an equity participation of 26 per cent in this project.

Besides this, there are many other projects. Nabrangpur district is a district where there is no railway line. Only now a railway line has been sanctioned for this area.

Talchar-Hisal line has been sanctioned recently. Ten projects were sanctioned in the last two years. The work on these projects should be accelerated. Puri-Konark is a tourism point in East-Coast railway which has an ROR or 11.7 per cent. There are many viable projects which will be beneficial for Odisha state as well. One railway division each at Raurkela, Jhansugoda; Jajpur-Keonjhar and at Raigarh can be carved out. There is a need to develop some goods stations. Services of new trains like Tejas, Humsafar, Antyodaya etc. should be increased. Long distance trains originate from Odisha but passengers face great difficulty due to absence of catering facilities. I request the government to provide pantry cars in these trains.

There is a need to establish PRS at Dhanmandal, Champua, Anandpur, Keonjhar,

Lanjigarh Road. The government has said to construct approximately 3,000-3,500 km of railway line every year but I see that there are not sufficient fund to complete these projects. Post of watchers has not been sanctioned till now for the last three years. Watchers are greatly required for construction of new railway lines. I would like to request the government to sanction the post of watchers.

Traders undertake trading work related to railways at . They have taken the land on lease from the railways. Recently the government has given a notice to them to vacate the land. We have seen that the railways does not need that land.

So, that lease should be extended. IOCL godown at Cuttack is now in midst of city. If any accident takes place, it will cause huge damage. So, this IOCL godown should be shifted from there. Working efficiency of railways should be increased to minimize the accidents, pilferage and improve punctuality. On certain sections passenger trains hamper the punctuality of goods trains. If these passenger trains are discontinued, it will improve the punctuality of goods trains.

Steps should be taken to improve punctuality, speed and safety in the railways.

SHRIMATI V. SATHYABAMA: Tirupur despite being the top revenue earning centre does not get its dues as far as the railway facilities are concerned.

Introduction of a shuttle Train services between Tirupur and Salem via Erode and change of starting timing of Train No. 22615 -Coimbatore Express is also requested. Railway Minister has not announced hike in passenger fares. Several new trains with a focus on improving passenger facilities were announced. Senior citizens have a reason to rejoice the lower berth quota reserved for that category will be increased by 50%. Railways has shelved projects that have been lagging, will affect 14 projects in Tamil Nadu. It is requested that the additional allotment of DEMU shed may also be built within Salem Division and a DEMU shed may also be built within Salem Division to look after the maintenance of such DEMU rakes. I wish to lay emphasis on the demand for a new railway line from

Mettupalayam to Chennai via Sathyamangalam, Gopichettipalayam, Erode and to introduce shuttle service between Tirupur and Palakkad as well as Tirupur to

Tiruchirapalli via Karur. The budget allocation all enough for a progressive State like Tamil Nadu which contributes much to the nation's development. I request the

Union Government to provide with adequate funds to expedite the completion of pending Railway Projects pertaining to Tamil Nadu.

SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: Railway Budget has been merged with the

General Budget for the first time. Hon. Finance Minister, among other things, had said that the railways would focus on passenger safety, capital, cleanliness and financial and accounting reforms. Railway revenue is diminishing. Railways has a lot of assets. If we put these assets to better use, it will benefit the railways a lot.

There was a Hancock Bridge at Sandhurst Road in Mumbai which has been demolished by the railways as it was very old. There is a need to construct a new bridge there. Toilet facilities should be provided in local trains especially in ladies coaches. Railway staff quarters are in dilapidated condition in Mumbai. They should be maintained well. If possible, these quarters should be demolished to construct new buildings. You are investing in joint ventures. But this is more with the private companies than with PSUs. I would like to suggest that more investment should be with the PSUs. Lifts and escalators have been installed at stations but most of them are out of order. Similarly, wifi is available at few stations only. Cleanliness is the first causality on trains. Suction pumps can be used to collect the garbage from along the railway tracks. Nanded division is still in South-Central railways whereas Nanded is in Maharashtra. This division should be brought under central railway. Shakuntala narrow gauge should be converted into broad gauge. Nana Shankar Sheth had donated his land to the britishers to construct the first ever railway line in the country in Mumbai but he is not remembered by the railways. I want that Mumbai Central railway station be renamed after Nana Shankar Sheth. In Mumbai, Currey Road station should be renamed as Lal Bagh, Sandhurst Road as Dongari, Charni Road as Girgaon,

Elfinston Road station as Prabha Devi station.

PROF. RICHARD HAY: Railways is concentrating on Passenger Safety, capital and Development works, Finance and amounting reforms and cleanliness.

The Government must plan for increasing its revenue from tariff rationalization, advertisements, opening more railway land for commercial purpose and reclaim the encroached railway properties is different parts of the country and increase income from freight traffic by maintaining punctuality in delivery and generate more revenue and enable this mammoth service provider to become viable and sustainable. I urge upon the Government to provide digital display of the names of the approaching station in the bogies of all long-distant running trains in the country; Services of DEMU/MEMU Trains in the Shornur - Mangalore stretch of

S.R. in the Palghat Division; Dedicated freight line from Nemom

(Thiruvananthapuram) to Mangalore to facilitate the new Vizhinzham Sea port connectivity; and new line from Jhalassery to Mysuru.

DR. SUNIL BALIRAM GAIKWAD: In my Lok Sabha Constituency several Railway projects have been introduced. A new train has also been started from Latur Railway Station. I request the Government to complete the survey work of Nanded-Latur new Rail line as early as possible in my Constituency. Survey for

Gulbarga-Latur new Rail Line may be conducted on Latur-Nilanga-Kasar-Sirsi-

Umarga route instead. I congratulate the Government for making arrangement of dispensary in the Rail. I hope that new train for Nanded-Latur and Latur-Gulbarga will be started in future. Restoration of 'Diksha Bhumi Express' plying between

Gaya and Nagpur will benefit the people of Latur. I request the Government to start two new trains from Latur to Tirpupati and Latur to Ajmer. I also demand to increase the number of Railway security police personnels in Latur Central

Railway.

SHRI RAMESHWAR TELI: I support the Demands for Grants under the

Ministry of Railway for the year 2017-18. North East as the Gateway to South East

Asia and therefore the Government is going to open up road and rail routes to neighbouring countries to boost the economic development of the region. By the end of the year, all meter-gauge tracks in the North Eastern States will be converted to broad gauge. Moreover, the Railways have undertaken an expansion in the region at a cost of around Rs. 10000 crores. I appeal to the Hon'ble Minister for Railways to introduce a new train from Dibrugarh to Mumbai and Mumbai to

Dibrugarh in view of growing public demand and develop Tinisukia Railway

Station in into a Model Station with all modern amenities.

SHRI JAYADEV GALLA: This is the first time in independent India that we are discussing Demands for Grants under the control of the Ministry of

Railways as the Railway Budget was merged with General Budgets this year. The most important issues relating to my Parliamentary Constituency and my State is regarding a new Railway zone to be based in Vizag combining the Waltair

Division of East Coast Railway and the , Vijayawada and Guntakal

Divisions of South Central Railway. The whole State should be connected to the capital city Guntur. My first demand is to complete the -Guntur double line with electrification. Kindly extend this line to the new Guntur station as well.

Between Guntur and Tenali, there is a place . To reach Vadlamudi, people are using only the road. If a halt is provided near Suddapalli LC where

Railways has its own land, it will be of utmost use to the present commuters and future traffic. There is a need to go in for doubling and electrification of the

Pagidipalli-Nallapadu line and Nadikudi to Kalahasthi line. There is a need for revival of Vejendla Tsundur line in order to have a shorter route for approaching capital Amravati from the southern States. The crossing stations between Tenali and Repalle have to be operational. After selection of Thulluru Mandal of Guntur district for the location of Amravati as the new capital of Anddhra Pradesh, Guntur station needs to be given the status of one of the capital stations and provided with all the facilities. Most of the important long distance trains of the Grand Trunk route can be routed through New Guntur station. The development of Mangalagiri station is very important. This is situated between Guntur and Vijayawada and it is the nearest point to the new capital of , Amravati. This station will have to be provided with all facilities and all the Express Trais are to be provided with halts to Mangalagiri being the closest to the capital now. There are a number of trains where the amount of time taken it definitely too long and the running time has to be brought down and one such sector is Guntur-Vijayawada. On the

Guntur-Tenali-Repalle route, in spite of providing two crossing stations, still the train takes longer in reaching destinations on either side. Lack of a crossing station between Tenali and Repalle has become very inconvenient to run some more trains to Repalle from Tenali. Work to lay the crossing line at Vemuru should be completed at the earliest. There are some new trains which I would like to request from the capital region of Andhra Pradesh. As Guntur-Mangalagiri-Vijayawada stations are more approachable to the proposed capital of Andhra Pradesh, new trains introduced will have to be originated from a location covering these three places. One Express train to New Delhi is also required. Introduction of a new train from Vijayawada-Guntur to Bengaluru via NRT, NDL and Gooty is also requested. It is necessary to have a direct train in day time to reach Chennai, which is Guntur-Chennai-Guntur, Intercity Express. In the first Railway Budget of this Government, there was a proposal to establish five railway universities required to give education pertaining to railway functions. Hence, we request that one of such universities should be given to Andhra Pradesh in our capital of

Amaravati. Concerted efforts should be made by Railways to address the issue of encroachment on railway lands and give some dignity to the people who are living there.

SHRI CHINTAMAN NAVASHA WANGA: The Finance Minister has presented the first combined budget of Independent India that includes the Railway

Budget for 2017-18. Among other things, the Railway will focus on four major areas namely Passenger Safety, Capital Safety, Capital and Development Works,

Cleanliness and Finance and Accounting Reforms. I thank to Finance Minister for proposal to modernisation and identified corridors and commission of Railway lines up to 3500 kms; steps to launch dedicated trains for tourism and pilgrimage; proposal to feed about 7000 stations with solar power in the medium terms and work is already started and announcement of all coaches of Indian Railway would be filled with bio-toilet by 2019. As for my Lok Sabha Constituency the

Government has proposal to construct four line Railway Line between Virar to

Dahnu Road and steps taken to modernisation of Railway Stations. I request to the

Finance Minister to sanction Vasai Road Railway Station as Railway Terminus and upgrade and modernised all stations from Vasai to Dahnu Road. Palghar is now district place and this station may be specially upgraded and modernised. I request to the Finance Minister to make necessary allocation of funds and start this railway line immediately.

SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR: I support this railway budget presented by the

Government. Nothing has been announced in this budget to the state of Tamilnadu except not increased the railway fare and common people were relieved from fare increase. Further, the electrification work of Erode-Karur-Tiruchirapalli route and

Tiruchirapali-Nagapatinam-Karaikal Port route were announced. No new lines, gauge conversion, doubling of railway lines were announced in this budget to the state of Tamilnadu. No scheme were announced for widening of RUB at No. 306K between Salem and route; stoppage of train No. 76553/76554 at

Royakotam, Kelamangalm stations. A train services be introduced at 05.30 hours and 18.30 hours between Hosur and Salem route, rescheduling of night time trains running through Hosur line into day-time train, laying of a new railway line from

Jalarpet to Hosur via Krishnagiri, urgent need for electrification between Anaikal to Omalur line.

SHRI V. ELUMALAI: Joint ventures to carry out construction and development projects with the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala as well as announcement of a new metro rail policy is a welcome decision. Railway

Projects i.e. Doubling of the entire stretch from Villupuram to Kanniyakumari should be done at the earliest. Execution of the new Line Railway Project linking

Cuddalore to Chennai via Puducherry, Villupuram and Kancheepuram should be expedited. The East Coast Railway Service should be linked to the districts of

Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Villupuram, Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area.

Construction of broad-gauge line between Puducherry and Cuddalore

(Varakkalpattu) and of a level crossing needs speedy completion.

Union Government should allocate suffcient funds for the speedy execution of the Tindivanam-Nagari BG line; Stoppage of Pondiherry-Dadar Chalukya

Express train at Arani Road Railway Station at polur should be given; Tindivanam-

Gingee-Tiruvannamalai New Line Project should be expedited; Subway with appropriate height, at Lottamedu village, Sambvarayanallur Panchayat, Arani Tk,

Tiruvannamalai district should be provided;

Following three projects:- Chennai-Thoothukudi Freight corridor; High speed passenger rail link between Chennai, Madurai and Kanniyakumari; and High speed passenger rail link from Madurai to Coimbatore should be implemented.

SHRI T.G.VENKATESH BABU: I would like to place some pending issues/proposals with regard to Tamil Nadu for the kind considerations of the

Hon'ble Minister of Railways :- Frequency of suburban Train Services between

Chennai Central/Beach - Gummudipoondi should be increased; Ongoing work of

ROB/RUBs over LC No. 1,2,3 and 4 should be expedited; Vacant posts of station masers and of other cadres should be filled; A new Coaching Terminal at or Atthipattu in North Chennai should be developed; Development of Roapuram as a New Modern Third Rail Terminus should be started; Direct express trains from

Ennore to Tirunelveli/ Via. Royapuram/Chengalpattu should be introduced; Services of suburban stations in Chennai - section should be improved; Facilities at the Perambur Railway Hospital, chennai and all medical care to the patients should be upgraded; Modernisation and augmentation of the production capacity of ICF, Chennai; Doubling of Madurai -Kanyakumari Section should be sanctioned and expedited; Additional funds should be granted for the ongoing Doubling, Gauge conversion projects like Tiruvarur - Karaikidi, Madurai -

Bodinayakkanur and all other ongoing railway projects in the state; Quality food, drinking water, hygiene, and security at all stations/trains and lifts, ramps and escalators at major station, particularly toilets should be provided at all suburban stations.

Following three projects :- Chennai - Thoothukudi Freight corridor; High speed passenger rail link - Chennai - Madurai - Kanniyakumari; High speed passenger rail link - Madurai to Coimbatore should be implemented on priority basis. Sufficient fund allocations should be made for a number of Railway Projects announced for Tamil Nadu in the earlier Railway Budgets.

SHRI SANKAR PRASAD DATTA: People of the NE region want some new trains for the State of . They want super fast trains from New Delhi and Kolkata respectively. There is a demand for introduction of Rajdhani Express from to New Delhi. The Tripura Sundari Express on Agartala-Delhi route has no Pantry car. There is a demand to operate a daily train to Kolkata from

Agartala. A new "Duronto" train can be initiated, so that the people of North

Bengal the larger part of Assam and the people of Tripura would be benefited. It is requested to operate DEMU train service on Udaipur-Dharmanagar stretch. There is a need for Dharmanagar-Silchar local train on a daily basis. There is a need to convert special train from Agartala to and Dibrugarh into a regular train service. A new railway division and railway recruitment board for taking interviews of the youth of this region for providing job should be taken into consideration.

DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD: We are thankful for the increased outlay for our State in general. I wish to know from the hon. Railway Minister as to how he is going to increase this outlay and how he is going to generate the revenue. Recently, there has been a spate of accidents. I wish the Minister to come out with the details about the main cause of these accidents. Railways is facing acute stress on its funds. If the Railways is not able to generate these funds, how are they going to upgrade the existing tracks which can prevent accidents in future?

I would request the Railway Minister to take up more projects in Telangana State. I would request him to specifically target projects where the States come forward to become partner in the joint venture. What measures he is going to take for making their goods transportation through rail more attractive. A linking of rail network with other projects is important. Railway Ministry has to seriously look into increasing the finances and also manage the expenditure. Express Trains should be stopping at the major cities. Ensure utility for the people before you construct

ROBs. I would also request for introduction of the Izzat pass for the MPs, which was very helpful for poor people and poor businessmen. Allocate the unused land for construction of two-bedroom houses in Hyderabad. I would also request a

Railway Medical College at Hyderabad. I would request that Kazipet be declared as a Division. In Jangaon Station there shall be stoppage of the Satavahana,

Charminar and Shirdi Express trains. I would request the permission to construct a

Sulabh Complex and Foot Over Bridge at Jangaon Station. From Yadadri to

Kazipet tripling of the line may be done. There should be a high speed train between Hyderabad and Amravati. There should be an ROB at Zahirabad and

Kamareddy stations. I request the Ministry to allot land for the shopkeepers at

Kamareddy. In Adilabad, my request is for an ROB at the Asifabad. A new railway line from the Kazipet-Hasanparthy-Huzurabad to Karimnagar and

Bhadrachalam should be completed. Doubling of the line between Hyderabad and

Mahabubnagar is pending for the last one year. There is a need for FOB at

Shadnagar and Krishna-Vikarabad Junction. An ROB should be constructed at

Jalgaon-Nashkal wagon factory should be expeditiously started at Kazipet. Kazipet

Hospital should be upgraded to 100-bedded hospital. Reintroduction of the train from Dornakal to Yellandu should be taken up. At Vikarabad, I request for the stoppage of the express train.

SHRI M.B. RAJESH Railways has played a great role in national integration and in unifying the whole country. The Government is implementing

Vivek Debroy Committee's Report. But according to Vivek Debroy Committee's recommendation, this has to be implemented only after five years. The Railways is facing a serious investment crisis which is affecting expansion of railway network as well as safety. This year, the Railways has earmarked only Rs. 1,000 crore towards railway safety fund. An amount of Rs. 20,000 crore is required for this year; the Government is providing only Rs. 5,000 crore. This itself shows the

Governments neglect of the important aspect of railway safety. Union Government should not insist on cost sharing on at least the budgeted projects. I strongly oppose the focus of this budget for privatisation of Indian Railways and for dismantling the public sector character of Indian Railways.

SHRIMATI R. VANAROJA: The East Coast Railway Project linking the

Greater Chennai Metropolitan Area to the districts of Kancheepuram, Cuddalore and Villupuram should be executed. I urge the Union Government to take all possible steps to allocate sufficient funds for the speedy execution of the

Tindivanam-Nagari BG line and new line between Tiruvannamalai to Jolarpet via

Chengam. Approval for integration of the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System

(MRTS) by Government of India may be expedited. I urge upon the Government to support the proposed phase II of the Metro Rail Project of Chennai. This rail budget has failed to meet the expectations of the people. Railways have shelved projects worth Rs. 19,500 crores that have been lagging, will affect as many as 14 projects in Tamil Nadu. For Indian Railways to become an engine of economic growth all states of the country, especially progressive states like Tamil Nadu should be taken on board.

SHRI B. VINOD KUMAR: This was the first time that the Railway Budget was merged with the Union Budget and this would facilitate multi modal transport planning between railways, highways and inland waterways. For passenger safety, a Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh will be created. Railway lines of 3,500 km will be commissioned in 2017-18, which is a 25% increase from the last year. Freight traffic has been declining over the last few years. I urge the Hon'ble Minister to conduct state-wise surveys to explore the commercial viability of freight operations. I request the Ministry of Railways to initiate a railway survey for laying a new railway line connecting Kazipet (SCR) and Karimnagar (SCR) via

Hasanparthy Road (SCR)-Yellapur-Huzarabad-Shankarpatnam-Manakondur. I welcome the demand for grants for the Ministry.

DR. MAMTAZ SANGHAMITA: Railway Budget 2017-18 is as usual apparently seems to be very fruitful but it omitted the loopholes towards its fulfilment. More budget provision should be there for new freight corridors, repair of damaged tracks, bridges and provision of new tracks. There is no freight corridor between Jharkhand and Kolkata (). These goods train carries coal and stone. There is no declaration about new trains. There is need to local train service between Asansol to Howrah at evening for convenience of daily passengers. There is no toilet provision in many trains running more than two hours even 6-8 hours. All the suburban trains to and from Kolkata having 2-3 hours journey have no toilet provision even in ladies compartments.

DR. P. VENUGOPAL There is no major increase in the budget allocation for Railways and the fund is insufficient to meet the on-going projects. Hence, I request the Government to allocate sufficient funds for the Railways. In the last three years, no progress is made regarding the new line projects in my State. For the Avdi-Sriperumbudur new line project to 60 kilomentres, against the sanctioned cost of Rs. 839 crore, only Rs. 10 lakh is allotted this year and for the Athipattu- puttur new line project of 88.30 kilometres, against the sanctioned cost of Rs. 517 crore, only Rs. 5 lakh Is allotted. Same is the case with Erode-Palani; Chennai-

Cuddalore via mahabalipuram; Sriperumbudur-Guduvanchery; and Morappur-

Dharmapuri. I request the Hon. Minister of Railways to see that sufficient funds are allotted for early completion of these projects. I request the Hon. Minister to provide sufficient funds for Railway staff quarters and staff amenities. In Chennai-

Gudur line, to ease the traffic congestion, 3rd and 4th lines may be sanctioned early.

I request the Railway Minister to sanction ROB in lieu of LC at Avadi Railway

Station. I suggest that vacant lands available in and around the Station premises may be leased out so that this revenue would go into the non-fare revenue of the

Railway's kitty.I would also like to mention that the policy on recruitment to Group

C & D posts in Railways needs an immediate review. I request to sanction and appoint sufficient persons for post of Track Maintainer Grade-I. I request the

Minister to sanction 'Hum-Safar Trains' with fully unreserved coaches, in all the

States connecting State Capitals with other major cities. I request the Hon. Railway to come up with an amended policy for recruiting persons.

SHRI RABINDRA KUMAR JENA: The Railways finances were presented along with the Union Budget 2017-18. I commend this bold step taken by the government. One worrying aspect which needs attention is the decreasing freight and passenger traffic. It is to be noted that in the last few years, the share of gross budgetary support as a percentage of total plan outlay has remained constant.

I must definitely commend the effort of the Hon'ble Minister Shri Suresh Prabhu Ji who has worked very hard to create a positive aura around the railways and its image. However it is to be mentioned that it is unfortunate that 2016 has seen a large number of railway accidents including a fatal accident in Indore-Patna

Express where nearly 150 people were killed. I urge the Railway Minister should reprioritize its strategies and chalk out a well throughout safety plan for the

Railways with an intention of "Safety First, Speed Next".

SHRI MEKAPATI RAJA MOHAN REDDY: At the time of Andhra

Pradesh reorganization, the Government of India had promised the creation of a new railway Zone at . Three years have passed and the Government of India has not taken any decision till now. In Andhra Pradesh, there are 16 new projects that have been languishing for want of funds for so many years. They are already in progress but allocation of good number of funds is required so that these projects can be completed early. The special train running from Tirupati to Shirdi, should be run at least three days in a week. A new train should be started from

Vijayawada to bengaluru also via Ongole-Gudur-. There is need to raise the rail level platforms in many stations including Ulavapadu Station in my parliamentary constituency. There is no cover over platform No. 1 at nellore

Station, platform Nos. 2 and 3 are very uneven. I request the Ministry to direct the concerned authorities to take up these matters immediately. There is a need to stop

Coromandel Express, Garib Rath, and Ganga Express at Nellore, Sabari Express, Yeshwantpur Express and Seshadri Express at Kavali

Station and Krishna and Howarah Express trains at Ulavapadu Station.

SHRI NISHIKANT DUBEY: Jharkhand is amongst the worst states affected by the Left Wing Extremism. The state has remote and inaccessible areas which need significantly improve connectivity for providing the necessary impetus of economic development. Poor railway connectivity is also hampering efforts to combat to the menace of Left Wing Extremism. I request you to expedite railways and national highway authority for a sanctioned project (2016-17) from

Vikramshila to Kateriah via Bateshwar Sthan (Ganga Bridge), Godda Pakur and Basukintha-Chitra. The mineral rich state of Jharkhand is the single largest revenue contributor to the Coal India and yet has been receiving a step motherly treatment all along. The region is very important from the point of view of tourism and pilgrimage. There are several urgent needs of the people as far the rail connectivity is concerned. I request you for a Jan Shatabadi to start at 6 AM from Howrah that would reach Jasidih by 10 AM . I also request that the frequency of the Delhi-

Hawrah Rajdhani Express be raised to at least twice a week. I would like to request you to increase the frequency of Poorva Express to seven days a week. Jasidih

Railway Station caters to the needs of 4 crore pilgrims visiting every year to one of the Dwadash Jyotirlings in Deoghar. This station should be upgraded as a modern station with all latest state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate the pilgrims. From

Deoghar Railway Station we need bypass for Kolkata (Howrah).

DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT: The main issue in Railway is safety nowadays. For this Hon'ble Minister has proposed a Rashtriya Rail

Sanraksha Kosh with a safety fund worth Rs. 1 lakh crore. Clear guidelines for safety will be drawn out and all unmanned railway crossing will be eliminated by

2020. New railway lines of 3,500 kms will be commissioned in 2017-18. Around

500 stations will be made disabled-friendly. Service charges on E-ticket booked through the IRCTC website has been withdrawn in an effort to push digital transactions. There is one Khandbdara Railway Station on Surat-Bhusawal

Railway line. A number of accidents are regularly occurring on the railway crossing. There is an urgent need for construction of Rail Under Bridge (Subway) at this place. Train Number 59025/59026 Surat Amrawati passenger train should run daily.

SHRI D. K. SURESH: The government included passenger safety and sanitation in its priority. But there is no proper plan for the implementation of the same. The Railway budget provides for commissioning of new railway lines of

3,500 kms. It is inadequate for meeting the demands from various places. The total proposed outlay for 2017-18 is Rs. 1,31,000 crore, which shows a slight increase comparing to the previous budget. But the sharp increase in commuters and the need to use railway as a mode of transport of essential goods, food grains and other commodities, it is not enough to arrange essential infrastructure facilities to the

Indian Railways. Recently railway introduced flexi-fare system for certain categories of trains. This had raised concerns about train fares becoming more expensive. Karnataka government and the Railway inched a step closer towards introducing commuter railway system in Bengaluru. The draft mentions financing pattern as 20 per cent by Central Government and 80 per cent by the State

Government. The Union Government should reconsider this ratio as the State

Government is unable to bear this cost. The State Government is ready for a 50:50 financing pattern. Centre should also share the land cost. It is very unfortunate that the budget allocated not even a single rupee for the suburban rail as promised earlier. Electrification of trunk routes, Bengaluru to Hosur and Yeshwanthpur to Tumakuru line, has been sanctioned without funds. I request the hon'ble Minister to extend the Ramanagar Metro train till Mandya to connect the Channapatan and

Maddur Taluks.

SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI: I rise to support the allocated budget to railway and programme in the budget of Government of India. An allocation of rupees 1900 crore was made in railway budget of 2016-2017 giving sanction of gauge conversion of Mailani-Bahraich under my constituency 28-Khiri (U. P.). But some part of the said railway line falls in the forest area. So having received NOC, the work of gauge conversion of Mailani-Bahraich should be done at the earliest.

SHRI RAJEEV SATAV: My constituency falls in South Centre Railways and the Division Office is at Nanded. All the 48 Members of Parliament from

Maharashtra are demanding to connect the DRM office of Nanded with Central

Railway because South Central Railway discriminates against Nanded but the

Government does not take any steps. I have been demanding for Kinvat Mohur line for the last three years. We are talking about ROB Hingoli, ROB kinvat and also of extending Tapone express up to Adilabad. We are demanding for daily operation of Anjani LTT express and for providing stoppage of Nandigram-Bodhri but there is no reply, no accountability. If you do not provide funds for backward areas like

Nanded, yavatmal , Hingoli, Marathwada, Vidarbh etc. How can you under take development thereof. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL: There has been a change in the work culture of the Railways for the first time. Our focus is on completing the on-going projects. Effective steps are being taken for the completion of the projects. There would be coordination in Railways, Highways and Inland Waterways with the merger of Rail Budget with the General Budget. 500 railway stations are proposed to be upgraded to 'A' category under PPP model. Priority has been given to safety, capital expenditure, cleanliness and finance in the Rail Budget. Rashtriya Rail

Sanraksha Kosh has been constituted to prevent accidents. An increase of 131,000 crore rupees has been made in capital expenditure. Electrification of railway lines is top priority. Buddhist Circuit route passing through Gorakhpur, Siddarth Nagar,

Balrampur to Gonda has been converted from meter gauge to broad gauge. Our

Prime Minister emphasises about 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and we are making efforts to connect all the places for this purpose. The concept of Buddhist Circuit should be turned into reality. There is improvement in every filed of the Railways- be it operating ratio or capital expenditure.

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SULE: This is the first time the Railway Budget was merged with the Union Budget in 2017-18. This has the benefits of promoting planning for multi modal transportation. The year 2016 saw an increase in rail accidents and casualties. The Finance Minister has proposed creation of Rashtriya

Rail Suraksha Kosh (RRSK). The focus and purpose of it is to promote passenger safety. I am glad that the construction of Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) service from Pune to Daund, and the inspection process of the route are completed. I suggest bringing Daund and Bhigwan railway stations under the jurisdiction of Pune DRM, to ease the burden on the railway workers from Daund and Bhigwan. I would like to thank the Minister for his cooperation in completion of electrification of the railway line from Bhigwan to Daund. I urge the Minister of Railways to sanction its share of funds for speedy implementation railway projects namely

Ahmednagar-Beed-Parli-Vaijnath, Wardha-Yeotmal-Pusad-Nanded and Wadsa-

Desaignaj-Aarmori-Gadchiroli. I urge the Ministry of Railways to accord post facto approval by the Railway Board to 640 posts and release funds.

SHRI P. K. BIJU: Scrapping rail budget restricts the organisation's capacity and finally leads to the privatisation of services. Already many services including catering, cleaning etc are privatized. Further despite a proven failure, the government preferred to stick to PPP, FDI and outsourcing path in various segments of railway operation and services. The passenger and freight fares are sky rocketing every year. The frequent railway accident in country is shocking and hundreds of people have lost their lives. Insufficient funds earmarked for new lanes, gauge conversion, doubling of lanes and electrification act as a major impediment of the railway development of the state of Kerala. In order to boost the pilgrim tourism, a new service should be started between Guruvayur and

Mookambika. Gauge conversion of Dindigal-Rameswaram is over and it is proposed to start a new train connecting Guruvayoor-Rameshwaram via Palakkadu, Dindigal, Madurai. The long-standing demand of the state for more trains from important cities, a separate railway zone, track doubling and electrification, development of adarsh stations at Vallatholnagar and

Vadakkancherry, has not been met.

SHRIMATI ARPITA GHOSH: It has been proposed to redeveloped 25 stations in this budget. In my constituency Balurghat Gangarampur, Buniadpur etc. are yet to be developed. Gangarampur lies very low. People face difficulties to get on trains there. It needs to be developed. There is poor sanitation in railways. The government have to pay attention to sanitation. Coach Mitra has been mentioned in the budget. As per the system so far, no feedback is received after lodging complaints. How people would come to know whether there complaint has been registered or any action is going to be taken in this regard. I would like to know whether the government is thinking about privatization. If an important department like railways is heading towards privatization our party would protest it. Railway is meant for common people so it must be in the hands of government. So many projects where sanctioned during the period of Ministers of Railways from the

Trinmool Congress Party. After they demitted their office all those projects have been abandoned. If all projects are abandoned and every time new projects continue to be introduced, how the previous ones would be fructified. There are only one or two trains in my constituency. There is a lack of railway line there. I demand to expedite metro rail projects there. This time rail budget has been presented along with the general budget. I am afraid whether the Government thinks about privatization of the railway. I think doing away with the provision of separate budget for railway is a step in this regard. It should not be privatized. I request that Bisunpur Tarkeshwar rail line should be completed at the earliest.

What is the safety policy of the government? In railway safety is very important.

SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI: The Indian Railways were being used as a political tool for almost a few years. Especially in the era of coalition, the Minister where he or she belonged to, that State was awarded more fund, more projects and the remaining States were entirely deprived. I think, merger of the budget is very important thing. It has become another department with a functional autonomy.

The NDA Government took a decision that it will not announced any new project but it will complete all the ongoing projects. Rail transport system is almost six times more energy efficient than road and four times more economical. So, this is ultimately the responsibility of the policy makers to see that the Railways survive and give better service to the people. For the Hublli-Ankola new line, the National

Green Tribunal has already given a clearance for that. I urge upon the Railway

Ministry to have a talk with the Environment and Forest Ministry and see that this is completed.

SHRI RAHUL KASWAN: This Rail Budget would be effective in improving the condition of the Railways and taking it forward in the right direction. Passenger safety, cleanliness and development are top priorities of the government. A provision of Rs. 1.31 lakh crore has been made for the development of the Railways, which is unprecedented. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh is proposed to be set up. Gauge conversion work of Sadulpur Hanumangarh section has been completed. Two new daily express train from Ganganagar to Delhi via

Hanumangarh-Sadulpur and Ganganagar to Jodhpur via Sudulpur-Ratangarh should be introduced. Gauge conversion work of Ratangarh-Sardarshahar section has been completed and operation of trains on this section should be started without delay. Survey work for laying new rail line from Hisar to Bhadra via

Adampur should be carried out.

SHRI PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA: In Railway Budget priority has been given to safety, punctuality and cleanliness. 'Biotoilets' and 'clean my coach' are good initiatives. Expansion of railway stations situated in Delhi should be done, so that important trains like Shatabdi Express do not wait outside to enter

Delhi. A new rail route Guru Gobind Singh rail circuit should be built connecting

Patna to Shri Anandpur Sahib, Shri Anandpur Sahib to Amritsar Sahib, Amritsar

Sahib to Talwandi Sabo, Talwandi Sabo to Nanded Sahib and Guru Rail Darshan train should be introduced. With the construction of new 20 km long railway line from Rahon to Sasralon, the distance of my constituency from Delhi would be shortened by 100-150 kms. Mohali should be connected to Rajpura with railway route. Railway line from Jejo to Jalandhar should be extended to Amritsar.

Railway yard should be constructed at important railway station Nangal. Halt of trains such as Jammu-Kanpur, Amirtsar-Tatanagar, Amritsar-Mumbai, Jammu-

Bandra should be given at the railway stations situated in my constituency. Mohali,

Anandpur Sahib, Ropar railway stations should be upgraded.

SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV: I don't know why the railway budget has been included in the general budget; earlier it used to be presented separately. It has lost its attraction. It is done to hide the loss of the railway. Today, railway is in very poor condition. Passenger fare and freight is on the rise and trade is declining. My constituency is Banka. I urged upon many times to the Hon. Minister and he was agreed with me that a new intercity express would be run from Banka, but it has not been done so far. I also urge that a wheel factory of railway should be set up in Banka. Dhauni, Punasia and Mander are historical places. The Railway Station should be well maintained. Today a scheme to privatise the railway sector is under consideration. It must not be given to private sector. It is an important mode of transport for general public. As far as safety and security is concerned, ladies don't feel safe because lack of security arrangements.

The railway which is a source of income, today, is incurring loss. We must make railways profitable, only when we can go for "Make in India" and make India a better country.

SHRIMATI JYOTI DHURVE: Betul Chandra Bazar railway line has been surveyed. Its deep survey is solicited. Infrastructure is the key point in this budget. Transport is the central point of infrastructure. Therefore, as a mode of transport railways have been given utmost importance. The budget of railways would be spent mainly on passenger safety, capital and development work, finance and audit reform and sanitation. The object of the this railways is mainly security and modernization. The largest chunk of funds have been allocated to safety in railways. 25 railway stations would be face lifted as per the budget. Lifts and escalators would be provided for persons with disability. In the rail budget

Coache Mitra service is very significant. It would be helpful in addressing the difficulties of passengers during their rail journey. The new policy proposed to be brought about in railway would increase the job opportunities. Financial figures must be presented in the railway budget. Financial account should be provided mentioning therein the receipt of revenues last year and expenditure made in particular heads. Presenting railway budget separately has become practice of the past and rail budget this year has been presented in a new form. This rail budget may be called the proper budget for security, capital development work and transport.

DR. SATYAPAL SINGH: I would like to suggest to install CCTV at certain places to meet the twin challenges of safety and sabotage. But small stations should not be ignored in the respect. Security of small stations is equally important as that of big stations. There is lack of man power in screening baggage.

Vigilance is also lacking there. Man power needs to be provided there. Cases of theft are often heard inside parcel vans. Lodging of complaints of theft with GRP is a very tedious work. Complaints registered through tweet, fax or letter need to be entertained summarily. Ten years back sanction was accorded for five hundred

GRP in Bombay. But the Railway Board also has not sanctioned it as yet. The provision of GRP for Konkan Railway also has not been sanctioned till now. The

Konkan Railway passes through very sensitive routes. All the recommendations of

Kakodakar Committee should be implemented in toto. It is ironical that train coaches are first cooled through AC and thereafter crores of rupees are spent to purchase blankets. Should the government not try to make train coaches comfortable so that they are neither too cool nor too warm. This will save power and crores of rupees would also be saved every year in washing blankets. Metro services have been introduced all around Delhi. Only the Baghpat area has been left. I request the government to work in this regard. Baghpat in my constituency is called Baghpat Road Railway Station. Actually railway station lies at the distance of 15 kilometers from Baghpat road. It is the long standing demand of the people of Baghpath to name this station as Tatiri Station. It is the demand of the people of Mumbai and many hon'ble MPs. to change the name of Charani Road

Railway Station into Maharashi Dayanand Railway Station.

SHRI TAMARDHWAJ SAHU: It was claimed to introduce Bullet Train.

But it has not been done as yet. Similarly it was talked about setting up Nine

Corridors. But it has not been mentioned in this budget. Bilaspur Zone is the highest revenue generating zone in the country. In this area Bhilai Steel Plant is situated in my constituency Durg. People from all regions or the country live here as employees. They have to travel to their home towns quit often. I demand to set up a super specialty railway hospital in Durg. A Rail Neer Plant should also be installed in Durg. The Raipur-Dhamtari Narrow Gauge line should be converted into broad gauge line. The frequency of the Betwa Express Train should be increased from two to four days a week. The Bilaspur-Rewa passenger should be extended to Bhilai-Bilaspur-Rewa. The Lucknow-Raipur Garib Rath Train should be extended to Durg. The frequency of Rajdhani Express from Raipur to Durg-

Nagpur-Delhi should be made daily. The Durg station should be developed as a model railway station. Shades should be constructed in all platforms there. The rail line lying from power house Bhilai to Ahiwara should be extended Dhamdha,

Bemetara, Nawagarh, Mungeli, Bilaspur.

The discussion was not concluded.

ANOOP MISHRA Secretary General

© 2017 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NOTE: It is the verbatim Debates of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should be considered authoritative.

English and Hindi versions of Synopsis of Debates are also available at http://loksabha.nic.in.