LOK SABHA ___

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

Thursday, March 12, 2020 / Phalguna 22, 1941 (Saka) ______

THE MAJOR PORT AUTHORITIES BILL, 2020

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SHIPPING AND

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND

FERTILIZERS(SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA): moved for leave to introduce a Bill to provide for regulation, operation and planning of Major Ports in

India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the Boards of Major Port Authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

DR. SHASHI THAROOR opposing the motion for introduction of the Bill said:

This Bill is not ready for introduction. I have four reasons to say that it should be reintroduced after revision. First is out of 13 member board, seven will be from private persons. So the majority will be of the private persons. The qualification and experiences of the members have not been mentioned in the Bill. Second objection is over the completely unequal representation of the private interest vis - a-vis the employees' interest. The third objection is that the Bill provides a restriction period of only one year for the Board members to seek re-employment which will promote bias in the discharge of the functions. The fourth one is that the Bill fails to provide a clear demarcation between port related use and non port related use. Ports are a national property, therefore, I ask the Government to study the Bill and rewrite it.

PROF. SOUGATA RAY: While opposing the introduction of the Major Port

Authorities Bill, 2020 I would say that this Government seems set and determined to pave the way for privatization of all government assets. Earlier we have seen airports being handed over to private parties. Now businessmen are being appointed in this Board. The idea is to lease out the ports.

SHRI HIBI EDEN: This Bill is a continuation of the existing policy of this

Government to privatize the Public Sector Undertakings. Through this Bill overarching powers are granted to the Ports authorities over the State

Governments. Such unregulated powers to private sector may result in usurpation of control with scant regard to law. The Bill also includes Cochin Port which is in my constituency. I urge the Government to withdraw the Bill and redraft it.

Thereafter, the Hon. Speaker made the following observation:-

OBSERVATION BY THE SPEAKER

HON’BLE SPEAKER: As is manifest from the language used in Rule 72 which is read as follows:-

A motion for leave to introduce a Bill is opposed not only on

the ground that the Bill initiates legislation outside the legislative

competence of the House but also on other grounds. Where a motion

for leave to introduce is opposed on grounds other than legislative

competence, the Member opposing the introduction has to make a

very brief statement.

The first proviso of Sub rule (1) of Rule 72 clearly states:-

If a motion for leave to introduce a Bill is opposed on the

ground that the contents of the Bill is outside the legislative

competence of this House, the Speaker permits the other Members to

put forth their views on the provisions of the Bill.

SHRI MANSUKH L. MANDAVIYA: The Bill was under consultation for the last three years. It was sent to Standing Committee also. We are not making any change in the Board. We have just replaced the word Trustee with the word

Board Member. We have tried to ensure the representation of labour. This Bill has been introduced because a number of private ports have come in the present time and Government ports have to compete with them. Therefore, we are delegating some powers to them. The powers to rules and regulations will be with the Government of India. There will be no negative effect on labour. Through this

Port Authority Bill we are giving some powers to Ports so that they could progress with the time.

The Bill was introduced.

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STATEMENT BY MINISTER

Re: Indians stranded in Iran due to COVID-19 situation.

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR.

SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR): I rise to apprise this august House of some recent developments pertaining to Indians stranded in Iran as a result of the

Corona virus situation. The House is already aware of the efforts Government had made to bring back Indians from Wuhan in China by mounting three flights to that city. Thereafter, we also brought back the crew and passengers of a cruise ship off

Japan that was affected by Coronavirus. These evacuations also included some foreign nationals. Our focus since has shifted to Iran, in view of the sharp increase of Coronavirus in that country.

As per available information, there are above 6,000 Indian nationals in various provinces of Iran. These include 1100 pilgrims mainly from the Union Territories of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, and the State of Maharashtra; nearly 300 students primarily from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir; about 1,000 fishermen, including from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat; and others who are on longer term stay visas in Iran for pursuing their livelihood and religious studies.

As Government started receiving information about the spike in Coronavirus cases in Iran, as a precautionary measure, direct flights between India and Iran were temporarily suspended with effect from 27 February. Advisories were issued to avoid travel and returning passengers were started to be screened. This is an ongoing exercise.

Our Embassy in Tehran and Consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahidan are naturally reaching out immediately to Indian nationals in Iran and ascertaining their welfare. An advisory was issued asking our nationals to observe appropriate precautions. Emergency contact details of the

Indian Mission were put out. Embassy and Consulate officials have been reassuring the Indian nationals and ensuring that they are in good health and had adequate provisions. I mention this as an overall approach but also with specific reference to the fishermen community whose welfare has been raised with me by a number of hon. Members.

Given the large number of Indians in Iran, it was natural that we should seek to sequence their return, taking into account their location and exposure. The initial focus is on visiting pilgrims. Many of them are in Qom, where Coronavirus incidence has been strong. The nature of residency also increases the risks of exposure. Age is also a factor to be taken into account. As their welfare is being currently addressed, we are now focusing on Indian students. Many of them are studying medicine and are fully aware of the precautions to be taken in this difficult situation. The Embassy is in regular contact with them as a group. Our understanding is that the region where most fishermen are located has not been affected so severely. These factors will guide our approach in the coming days.

Over the last few days, the Government has been making focused efforts for the safe return of the stranded Indians. Given the scale of COVID-19 and its pressure on Iran's own resources, a team of six Indian health officials has been deputed to Iran in order to set up testing and sampling facilities there. The first batch of 108 samples were received in India on 7 March. These were tested and 58

Indian pilgrims (25 men, 31 women and two children), who tested negative, were repatriated in IAF C-17 special flight on 10 March. We have also received samples of 529 more Indians on this flight which have been tested in National Institute of

Virology, Pune. So far, 299 of them have tested negative. Some mort results are awaited. We continue to collect more samples in Tehran and our endeavor is to ensure the earliest possible return of our nationals after appropriate testing and screening. We are working with the Iranian authorities to operate some limited commercial flights to facilitate early return of the remaining Indians after testing them.

Our Embassy staff and the medical team are working round-the-clock under difficult conditions to ensure the objective of earliest possible return. The House will appreciate their operational constraints, given that there have been restrictions that have been instituted for public health reasons in Iran. It is not easy to organize transport, accommodation and other logistics. The Iranian system is very stretched but we do appreciate their cooperation in these difficult circumstances.

During my recent visit to Srinagar, I took the initiative to meet parents of some of the students who are in Iran. Their anxiety at this time is completely understandable. I shared with them in detail the ground situation and sought their understanding. I assured them that Government would facilitate the earliest possible return of their children, as also others who want to come back in coming days and weeks.

Our Consulate in Bandar Abbas are in touch with the Indian fishermen, who are in southern provinces of Iran, including in cities of Asaalouyeh, Chiruyeh and

Kish. Some of them have been visited and others would be soon. Provision of essential supplies to them is being ensured. As per available information, they are all in good health.

I would like to strongly emphasize that Government remains fully committed towards the safety and welfare of our nationals in any part of the world.

This has been the hallmark of our foreign policy. The global Coronavirus situation is being monitored on a continuous basis by a Group of Secretaries headed by Cabinet Secretary and a Group of Ministers, chaired by Minister of Health and Family Welfare. My Ministerial colleague has already apprised the House of measures being taken to control and contain the spread of virus in the country. Prime Minister himself has reviewed situation from time to time. We have been regularly issuing travel advisories and visa guidelines that reflect the situation in country of concern. E-visas and visa on arrival have been temporarily suspended in certain cases. Precautionary measures are also being taken on all our land borders as well as air and sea entry points.

The situation in Italy is now emerging as a cause of great concern. I would like to share with the hon. Members that steps in this regard have already been initiated.

I am confident that the hon. Members of this House will join me in commending the efforts of our medical teams, the officials of the Indian Embassy and Consulates, the Air Force crew, the Air India crew and all those who in India are working tirelessly and selflessly to ensure that our people in Iran and other countries are safe, and can return expeditiously. The Coronavirus challenge will require a focused and sustained effort on our part and we will keep the House apprised of developments.

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SUBMISSION BY MEMBERS

Re: Corona Virus threat in the country

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR.

SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR) responding to the issue raised by several hon. Members, said: At this moment, I want to assure you, we have no coronavirus cases among any of the fishermen in Iran. Screening was instituted at all international airports and we have tightened it since then. Helping the people who are stranded at airports. We are preventing a sense of panic. I also want to clarify that India has not imposed a ban. India has said that people from certain countries have to go through quarantine. We have kept in abeyance certain categories of visas for certain countries where there is prevalence of coronavirus. There has been a very difficult situation in Iran because their own system is under severe pressure and testing facilities are not available. Fifty-eight people have come back and more than 200 would come back soon. We are asking people to come to

Tehran for testing. It is not that we are only quarantining. There is a very-very detailed tracking procedure in place and it is because of that we have been able to keep it to the limit that we have. There are not only 30 students from Punjab but many more students from different parts of the country stuck in Italy. We can only bring them back if they are tested and to test them, we have started the sampling today. We will be setting up a helpline. We have identified a large number of possible quarantine centres. Till now, most of the quarantine is taking in Manesar and close by. We are very-very sensitive to what is happening. With our people who are working in very difficult conditions in the Gulf. So far, in the Gulf the cases have been very limited but we are very much on the alert.

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE;

MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND MINISTER OF

EARTH SCIENCES (DR. HARSH VARDHAN) also responding said: At every moment, 30-35 thousand persons are under community surveillance each movement of whom is being monitored. We issued detailed guidelines when three cases were first reported from Kerala. We receive detailed health report for the day from every State in the evening. Contacts of every positive case are regularly traced. Upto 150-250 contacts of every case are traced and tested to formulate strategy. Presently, we are conducting screening at 30 airports. So, one should not have any doubt about screening. Presently, we have 51 laboratories and 56 collection centres in the country. Which means we are coordinating these activities at more than 100 points. When Iran Government informed that they did not have any mechanism for conducting tests etc, we sent our scientists and complete set up of lab. Those reported negative are being brought back to the country and quarantined. Nobody from there can be flown in without fulfilling the scientific protocol and formalities. The same problem is there in Italy. We are bringing the samples through same process from Italy also which will be tested here. We have sent laboratory equipment there. We expect support from you all. The Government does not want to take any risk in this regard. I want to assure you that this is our responsibility to bring back all the Indians safely. We are in constant touch with all the State Governments.

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*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(1) DR. CHANDRA SEN JADON laid a statement regarding need to

take necessary measures to prevent damage to crops by stray cattle

and boars in Firozabad district, Uttar Pradesh.

(2) SHRI ARJUNLAL MEENA laid a statement regarding need to

utilize CSR funds for welfare of people in Zawar, Rajasthan.

(3) SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL laid a statement

regarding need to set up a FM Radio station in Tharad in Banastantha

Parliamentary Constituency, Gujarat.

(4) SHRI ANURAG SHARMA laid a statement regarding introduction

of training programmes in new trades in ITI, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.

(5) SHRIMATI LOCKET CHATTERJEE laid a statement regarding

alleged illegal and sand mining in West Bengal.

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Chair. (6) SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE laid a statement

regarding need to accord approval to Shade Net House projects under

National Horticulture Mission in Raver Parliamentary Constituency.

(7) SHRI AJAY NISHAD laid a statement regarding need to provide

Kisan Credit Card to fishermen in a fast and hassle-free manner.

(8) SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI laid a statement regarding

gender-based violence and discrimination against women.

(9) DR. UMESH G. JADAV laid a statement regarding drinking water

problem of Kalaburgai in Karnataka.

(10) SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA laid a

statement regarding need to provide AIIMS like medical facilities in

Sayajirao hospital in Vadodra, Gujarat.

(11) SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY laid a statement regarding setting

up of harbour and fishing jellies on Gandak river in Bihar.

(12) DR. RAMAPATI RAM TRIPATHI laid a statement regarding

setting up of an Agriculture University in Deoria Parliamentary

Constituency, Uttar Pradesh.

(13) SHRI RAJU BISTA laid a statement regarding need to confer

Bharat Ratna Award on Tenzing Norgay Sherpa.

(14) SHRI TEJASVI SURYA laid a statement regarding need to merge

CGHS with Ayushman Bharat Scheme. (15) SUSHRI S. JOTHIMANI laid a statement regarding need for urgent

renovation of houses built under Indira Awas Yoajana.

(16) SHRI ABDUL KHALEQUE laid a statement regarding Judicial

enquiry into recent riots in Delhi by a sitting Supreme Court Judge.

(17) SHRI DNV SENTHILKUMAR S. laid a statement regarding

implementation of three water supply projects in Dharmapuri, Tamil

Nadu.

(18) SHRI C. N. ANNADURAI laid a statement regarding tirbal

inhabitants on Jawadhu Hill in Tiruvannamalai Parliamentary

Constituency of Tamil Nadu.

(19) SHRI RAGHU RAMA KRISHNA RAJU laid a statement regarding

recent revision of Crop Insurance premium.

(20) SHRIMATI PRATIMA MONDAL laid a statement regarding

construction of shed on Canning railway platform in West Bengal.

(21) DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE laid a statement regarding

operationalisation of Post Office Passport Seva Kendra at Kalyan

Parliamentary Constituency in Maharashtra.

(22) SHRI MALOOK NAGAR laid a statement regarding need to fill up

backlog vacancies of SC/ST and OBC in government jobs.

(23) SHRI K. NAVASKANI laid a statement regarding setting up of an

industrial park in Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu. (24) SHRI P.R. NATARAJAN laid a statement regarding need to bring

Paramilitary forces under old pension scheme.

(25) SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL laid a statement regarding need to

provide compensation to farmers who suffered damage to crops due to

unseasonal rains and hailstorm in Rajasthan.

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THE UNION BUDGET-2020-2021 – DEMAND FOR GRANTS

SHRI M.K. RAGHAVAN initiating said: Railway is not just a profit making organisation but a poor man's lifeline of transport. Consistent apathy has been shown towards Railways during the last five years. The C&AG Report indicates dismal position of Indian Railways. It states that since 2016-17, Railways' revenue surplus has been falling which is indicative of falling financial health of Indian

Railways. During the year 2017-18, the net revenue surplus decreased by 66.10 per cent from Rs. 4,913 crore in 2016-17 to 1,665.61 crore in 2017-18. The

Government has failed in reviving the Railways. It appears that the Government wants to privatise the railways. The Finance Minister Budget speech contained just a few references to the Railways. In her 2019-20 Budget speech she had said that the Government would invest Rs. 50 lakh crore over a 12 year period in the

Railways. However, she actually budgeted for only Rs. 1.61 lakh crore in 2019-20.

It is important to note that as many as 274 projects across 16 zones of the Railways have quietly been abandoned. Of these, 132 are new line projects, 40 are gauge projects, and 102 are track doubling projects. The Railways' committed deadline to electrify its entire work by 2022 has been pushed back by at least two years. While speaking about electrification, I must remind the House that these achievements were the results of continuation of policies and projects executed by the various

Congress Governments. In this Budget, it can be seen that the State of Kerala has been completely side-lined as none of the longstanding demands of the State have been fulfilled. I would request the hon. Minister of Railways that he should consider the demands of MPs of Kerala.

SHRI S.S. PALANIMANICKAM: I request the Hon. Minister of Railways not to go for privatization of Railways, as it is the prideful identity of our nation.

There should be a separate Budget for Railways as it was earlier. Only then you can improve upon the functioning of Railways. I request you to convene meetings to be attended my MPs. I want to say something regarding the appointment of employees in Railways as well. Very recently instead of appointing employees of permanent nature, you have started looking for contractual appointments. If you continue with contractual appointments, it will give an impression that the

Government is not ready to protect Railways. While appointing employees or officers in Railways, opportunities were earlier given to the people living in a particular State or the Region. But recently the people belonging to Tamil Nadu are not getting appointments in Railways as it used to be in the past. I request you to find justifiable reasons to address this shortcoming. There should be consultative meetings to be convened at the level of DRMs and GMs in the respective Zones of Railways in consultation with the Hon. MPs concerned. In the recent past, you are more interested in introducing long distance fast trains. If you operate short distance trains within the State or to the nearby States, poor people will be benefitted. There is a night time train that passes through Thanjavur, where

I live, going up to Rameshwaram connecting different parts of our country. But we the people, living in world famous Thanjavur, are not benefitted by that train. I request the Railway Ministry should look into this. I have seen a declining trend in the number of unreserved compartments attached to the trains. In order to travel in an urgency, there is a need for increasing the number of unreserved compartments of these trains in order to benefit the poor people of the country. The Chennai-

Rameshwaram rail route is the oldest among the rail routes in the country. That railway line went for gauge conversion from meter gauge to broad gauge. Please complete gauge conversion within the time limit. There was a rail route via

Viirudhachalam and Tiruchirappalli up to Madurai which was used for goods transport. In a period of 10 years, which you took for broad gauge conversion, the trains that were running in that route were cancelled. I, therefore, wish to say that it is the moral responsibility of the Ministry of Railways to operate all the trains that were run before gauge conversion in a particular route even after the completion of conversion work. I wish to state that rail route that was announced between Tiruvarur and Karaikkudi has not been completed. This route was dismantled for broad gauge conversion between Mayiladuthurai and Karaikkudi approximately 10 years ago. I am seeing the railway line but no train service on this route. As per the new policy of Railways, there should not be any unmanned level crossings. This was a coastal railway line near Thanjavur. If you construct

RUB, there will be water logging in that area. Thanjavur- Pattukkottai, Thanjavur-

Ariyalur, Tiruvarur- Mannargudi- Pattukkottai, Thanjavur- Pudukkottai rail routes are the routes which remain as mere announcements or some of them have been started and incomplete. I request that this should be looked into. I request that

DEMU trains service with 7 or 8 coaches should be operated in large number connecting small towns in Tamil Nadu.

SHRI TAPIR GAO: Today, Indian Railway is competing with Air service. I congratulate the hon. Railway Minister as well as the Ministry of Railways for this.

Today, there is no other life line except rail in India. Even after so many years of

Independence, the people of Arunachal, Mizoram and Manipur have not seen railway but rail facility is available for the people of Arunachal and the North

Eastern states when Modiji came to power. We should see economic feasibility and national security for rail service in North Eastern states. One of the main reason of defeat in the war of 1962 was not availability of rail line. Therefore, this is important for the national security. Construction of rail line upto 30 km. was to be done from Murkongselek to Pasighat but compensation payment has become a big issue and the project remained incomplete till date. This was the dream project of the hon. Prime Minister, Modiji. I would like to request the hon. Railway minister that whatever projects have been sanctioned and whatever survey has been completed for Arunachal and North Eastern states those must be completed.

Construction project has been sanctioned in Nagaland state from Dimapur to

Kohima. Work has not been started yet. Last year, a coach factory was sanctioned for set up in Bongaigaon, but the work has not been initiated till date. There is a lot of horticulture, agriculture and organic products in North Eastern states.

Therefore, a cargo train with refrigerator should be operated there.

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE: I would like to stand here in support of this Demand for Grants. I see a lot of difference in the Railways. A programme called Adarsh Station and 100 stations were picked up. But, no substantial amount of money over a period of time has come for Adarsh Stations.

I do not want it to go like the Smart City. I must compliment that the Stations are definitely cleaner. Toilets really need to be cleaned. There is a sense of what I hear in the Budget that privatization seems to be on the card. I am not against privatization. Are you going to look at privatization or not? If you are going to sell it, who is going to buy it? Who are going to control the whole thing? So, people are absolutely in a panic situation. I do not want Railways to go the same way as Air India. Whenever we demand anything in the Railways, now we are told either take it from your State or MPLAD fund. If we have to use the MPLAD fund for the Railways, if the States have to contribute when States are not getting even their GST money. So, all our social sector schemes are getting affected because of that. That is the way economy is going. Not only my State, every State is complaining today. The other issue is concerning Maharahstra Local Trains.

Millions of people use Mumbai suburban trains. I would urge you to kindly address the issue of safety in Mumbai local trains. Even today touting has not stopped at any station. If you have the money for Bullet Train, give it for our basic infrastructure. I would like to raise some issues regarding my constituency about

Daund Junction which is in Solapur Division. It is much closer to Pune. So, you should move it to Pune Division. Daund also needs an Electric Multiple Unit

(EMU).

PROF. SOUGATA RAY: It is primarily because of Railways Budget being subsumed in the General Budget since the year 2017 that Railways doesn't receive our prime attention even today. The old system of having a separate Railway

Budget should be revived. Further, proposal to merge all the Railway Services into one is being strongly resented by the railway officers as this will destroy the ethos of the Railways. The Government claims that it is expanding the railway network but at the same time the number of employees is being downsized. I demand filling up of all posts lying vacant in the Railways. Of course, unmanned railway crossings has been eliminated. It is a welcome step. The frequent collision of trains continues to be a point of concern though. Moving forward, I would like to flag the issue of East-West Metro projects which holds the distinction of being totally under the Railways unlike the other Metros in the country. In fact, this project has turned out to be a disaster as a great number of buildings collapsed while the digging process was going on. Given that, it must be ensured that further boring does not cause any more collapse of the houses there. During the tenure of Mamata

Banerjee many railway projects had been initiated and a web of Metro trains had been envisaged. Most of them are still languishing. Among other things waiting to be completed Nasipur Railway bridge deserves special mention as bridge was built ten years ago but since the approach has not been built, the bridge over Ganga is still lying incomplete. We have a big suburban train network around Howrah and

Sealdah.. A repeated demand has been made for their replacement but this goes unheard. Besides, I strongly demand the modernisation of Kolkata Metro. The fact of the matter is that the private players simply at minting money rather than doing things for the welfare of the masses. . Revenues originating in freight has increased only by modest degree like our GDP.

*SHRI P.R. NATARAJAN: My Constituency, Coimbatore was identified for

SMART CITY project and development of transport facilities for the public are very much needed there at the earliest. A new over night train service from

Coimbatore to Bengaluru is a dire need which is pending from 2007. Trains on

Coimbatore-Rameshwaram via Podanur, Pollachi, Madurai & Coimbatore-Kollam

* Please see Supplement via Pollachi, Tirunelveli route should be restored at the earliest. A day time intercity train service is needed from Coimbatore to Madurai which will be a financially viable route and will connect all the southern districts. There is no direct train service to Nagercoil which is a Trade & Tourist Centre in Tamil Nadu.

If a direct train from Coimbatore to Nagercoil is introduced via Podanur, Pollachi,

Palani, Madurai it will save more than 2 hours of journey time to the commuters to

Coimbatore and Nilgri districts. New train service from Tirupur to Chennai should be introduced and named as "DOLLAR CITY". A new train to Chennai-Egmore via pollachi should be introduced to cater to the needs of coconut business and allied agriculture products. Rakes kept idle at Coimbatore should be used for the

Coimbatore-Madurai new train service. Railway platform should be expanded for having stoppage of passenger/express trains at Irugur.

SHRI ASHOK KUMAR RWAT:

*ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH: The decision of the Union Government to bear 50 per cent cost of the development projects by the States has affected the progress of pending Railway projects. Most of the states are facing financial crisis and unable to bear the 50% cost of all the projects. Because of this cost sharing condition the state like Kerala is in a situation that it cannot utilize the allocation earmarked in the budget. The budget really neglected the railway needs of the State of Kerala.

The demand for allocation of more funds for doubling and other development works were not considered. The work of Nemom coach terminal is getting delayed due to insufficient fund allocation. The Angamali-Sabarimala new railway line project which was sanctioned in 1997-98 is presently held up and the project cost has increased by five times. Varkala Sivagiri railway station in my constituency was proposed to be developed as a world class station. But no progress has happened on this project. A train connecting famous pilgrim centres Varkala

Sivagiri and Varanasi should be considered. There are 10 level crossings in my parliament constituency which need Rail Over Bridges. Stoppages should be provided for Parasuram Express (16649/16650), Maveli Express (16603/16604),

Amritha Express (16343/16344), Intercity Express (16341/16342) at Chirayinkil railway station. All trains beginning and ending their operations at Kochuveli

Station should be extended to Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station.

SHRI LAVU SRIKRISHNA DEVARAYALU: We all believe that the Railways is the neural network of this country. So, it needs that much of attention. It definitely needs a separate Budget like what we used to have earlier. I appreciate the introduction of Tejas Express which has been a huge success in North India.

We expect more of the Tejas Express trains to be commissioned and if the

Government can provide one Tejas train from Visakhapatnam to Chennai, it would boost the commerce and industry of Andhra Pradesh. The Railway Ministry is requested to expedite the work on south coast Railway zone. The new zone has the potential of becoming India's most profitable zone Second request is about retaining the Waltair Railway Division. Besides, the process of completing braod- gauge line between Vijayawada, Guntur and Amravati needs to be expedited.

Coming to my constituency, I am thankful for Nadikudi-Srikanahasti line, which connects Guntur to Tirupati. In this whole process, I would request the

Government to add pit line in Nadikudi.. Intercity Express to stop near Nadikudi, which is between both the stations. Uday Express, needs to be extended from

Vijayawada to Guntur.. During rainy season most of the RUBs get submerged under water This aspect must seize deserved attention of the Government.

DR. SUBHASH RAMRAO BHAMRE: There has been demand of people of

North Maharashtra for construction of new railway line, i.e. Manmad- Indore

Railway line. This railway line is very important for this region because it will boost industrialization and generate employment. In 2016, Rs. 9000 crores were sanctioned for this project. But Railways decided to contribute 50% and remain

50% by the State Government of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra

Government showed the willingness to contribute its share but Madhya Pradesh

Government showed its inability to contribute their share. Recently in 2019,

Railway Minister had sanctioned Dhule- Nardana 40Kms railway line project and

Rs. 499 crores were sanctioned and foundation stone was laid by the auspicious hands of our Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modiji on 16th February, 2019. I would urge Railway Minister to expedite the work between Dhule- Nardana

Station and start the process of land acquisition of Dhule- Nardana Station as early as possible. SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: As a part of the new agenda Mumbai-Ahmedabad

Bullet train has been launched. In fact, Mumbai lacks space for expansion. In such situation people are not happy with added emphasis being laid on the introduction of Bullet trains instead of going for substantial improvement in the local trains. If at all Bullet train is required it should be run along Mumbai-Delhi route instead of

Mumbai-Ahmedabad. Here we talk of tourist destinations. To put it in the perspective let me submit that the entire Konkan region is a tourist zone. If the

Government plans to divert money to Maharashtra as well work should be commenced on Alibagh to Goa border. Mumbai-Goa Railway track gauge conversion would be a step in a right direction. The announcement should be made in the regional languages also as this would be to the huge convenience of the passengers belonging to various parts of the country. There has been noticeable improvement in punctuality yet it is far from being satisfactory enough. This apart the incidence of fire is on the rise like never before which must not escape our attention. Further, there has been a long pending demand to name Mumbai Central

Terminus after Nana Shankar Seth. It must be addressed without further delay. The local trains in Mumbai must be equipped with toilet facilities at least for women.

Railway catering facility needs to be strengthened further. For the removal of wastes accumulated at and around the railway stations procurement of vacuum cleaners can be resorted to. It also happens to be a part of Swachhata Abhiyan.

Nanded division of Maharashtra should be brought under the Central Railways. Installation of Shivaji Maharaj's statue opposite CST is long overdue. I reiterate my demand for the installation of his statue. Slums located along the parcels of railway land need to be re-settled elsewhere. Elevated rail corridor project is a must in Mumbai as we do not have space for expansion.

SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR: Railways are said to be the lifeline of the country.

The revenue of the railways has been constantly rising and the railways have all along been moving towards progress. There has been sharp decline in train accidents during the past years. My area is of 'Seemanchal' and it is a backward area. Kursela-Bihariganj railway section has been sanctioned in my area way back in 2003. I demand that this project be taken up seriously as it is related to public interest. Besides, Jalalgarh to Kishanganj railway section project be taken seriously. I also demand that Radhikapur-Katihar-Tejnarayanpur to Bhaluka railway station project be commissioned as well. It is my demand that a washing pit be made of the railway at Purnia Court and Jogmani railway stations. It is my demand that another Superfast train from Jogmani to Delhi be introduced and trains should be run from Purnia Court to Delhi, Kota and other places. I demand sanctioning of new railway project from Purnia to Dalkola. Two trains should be introduced in the Purnia-Saharsa railway section during day time. The Saharsa

Rajyarani Supperfast train no. 12567 and 12568 be extended upto Purnia Court.

The intercity train which runs from Katihar to Patna be made to run from Jogbani. I would like to urge upon the hon. Minister of Railways and the hon. Prime

Minister to work for taking ahead my area in terms of railway connectivity.

SHRI MALOOK NAGAR: I would like to request the hon. Minister of Railways to develop the real estate of the railways. It will yield immense revenue and the

Ministry will be able to fulfill all the demands of the hon. MPs. The Government must find out the reasons as to why a private sector train, Tejas earns profit whereas the Government owned trains are running in loss. I demand that a statue of the Gurjar king Mihirbhoj be installed in Delhi. The Government is requested to run a direct train from Delhi to Dehradun via Bijnor and lay the metro line from

Delhi to Hastinapur in public interest.

SHRI K. MURALEEDHARAN: In this year's Budget, our State has been totally neglected. There is a long pending demand for constructing a new railway line from Thalassery to Mysore via Mananthavady. I would request this major project should be introduced soon. The Sabarimala railway line is very important. If

Sabari line comes, 14 Districts of Kerala would be in the Railway map. It is a long pending demand from Kerala to introduce a Shatabdi Express in the State. There is no pit line from Cochin to Mangalore. If pit line comes to Kannur, it would be appreciated. We demand a MEMO service from Shoranur to Mangalore.

Doubling of railway line from Kollam to Ernakulam via Kottayam and Kollam to

Ernakulam via Alappuzha should be completed as early as possible. The Rajdhani

Express from Trivandrum to Nizamuddin should be made seven days a week. As regard my Constituency, the renovation work should be started at Koyilandy,

Vadakara and Tellicherry railway stations. The privatization of Railways should be stopped.

*SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY: I would like to demand that at the important stations like Marwad Junction, Rani, Falna, Pali Marwad, Jawain Bandh, Sojat Road,

Somesar, Mathania, Pipad Road, Pipad Road, Osian located in Pali Parliamentary

Constituency trains may be provided with stoppage of train no. 12957/58,

11089/90, 17037/38, 22965/66, 12547/48, 19411/12, 19411/12, 15013/14,

22481/82, 22477/78, 19107/08 respectively. Besides, Marwad Junction, Rani,

Falna, Pali Marwad, Sojat Road, Jawain Bandh, Somesar, Banta, Pipad Road,

Asarnada, Banad , Mathania, Tivri Railway Stations should be equipped with infrastructure facilities like tin sheds, RUB, toilet facility, safe drinking water, lift/escalator. A container depot and multi-model logistics park be set up at Marwar

Junction under Western Dedicated Freight Corridor project. Time interval of stoppage of train no. 12462-Mandore Express be reduced.

SHRI ANNASAHEB SHANKAR JOLLE: Indian Railways has been a life line for so many Indians. The Government has given primary importance to infrastructure, especially in railways. Dedicated freight corridors are being developed to improve logistics across India. I request the Hon. Minister to kindly

* Please see Supplement consider Kolhapur- Belagavi rail line which will help lakhs of citizens in border areas of both the States of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

SHRI UDAY PRATAP SINGH: For last 5-6 years, the railways has made steady progress. I think provisions for construction of new rail lines need to be raised.

Similarly, provisions for passenger facilities also should be enhanced. Railway has a lot of surplus land. Thousands of kilometers are covered with thousands of acres of land along rail track all over the country. The Government has made a programme to set up solar energy plant. Sohagpur railway station is a key station of tourist in our Madai tourist center. This should be upgraded and provision for stoppage of more trains here should be made. Better facilities should also be provided here. The railways need almost Rs.50 lakh crore for investment in it for the period between 2020 and 2030. We have to opt for PPP mode in this regard.

DR. SANGHAMITRA MAURYA: I would like to request the hon. Minister to provide direct train from my Parliamentary Constituency Badaun to Lucknow-

Delhi. Alongside, the train namely Bandikuin Bareiley Passenger passing through

Danari Station as well as Mahakal Express passing through Gunnaur based Babrala

Station be provided with stoppage at Badaun.

SUSHRI S. JOTHIMANI: The Government must take immediate steps to reduce the rush-hour crowds in local trains and metros in cities, especially in Mumbai,

Chennai and Delhi. New railway lines be constructed in Aravakurichi, Karur,

Viralimalai and Manapparai assembly constituencies situated in the Karur Parliamentary Constituency of Tamil Nadu. A subway or Rail Over Bridge near

Mayanur railway station level crossing be constructed. A Rail Over Bridge (ROB) needs to be constructed at railway crossing along the Velayudhampalayam-Erode

TNPL Paper Mill road. Trains that are going to Mumbai, Delhi and Tirupathi be given halt at Manapaarai railway station. Pazhani Express train should be given stoppage at Eriyodu and Gujiliyampaarai under Vedasanthur assembly constituency. Employment opportunities be enhanced for the differently-abled and especially-abled persons at Railway stations and under the Ministry at various levels. A medical centre/ 24x7 assistance booth be set up at the railway stations in

Karur at the earliest. Doubling of Salem-Karur-Dindigul railway lines be carried out to improve the connectivity. The Railways‟ budget is not in the interest of the common people.

*SHRI K. SHANMUGA SUNDARAM: New Overnight train service from

Coimbatore to Bengaluru should be introduced. Coimbatore-Rameswaram via

Podanur, Pollachi, Madurai and Combatore-Kollam via Pollachi, Tirunelveli train service be restored. Coimbatore to Madurai Intercity new train services may be introduced in public interest. Coimbator to Nagercoil via Podanur, Kinathukadavu,

Pollachi and Madurai train service should be started. New direct train service from

Tirupur to Chennai be introduced. Coimbatore-Chennai Egmore via Podanur,

Pollachi, Udumalpet, Palani, Dindigul, Salem direct train service is needed.

Railway platform be expanded at Irugur for having stoppage of passenger/express trains. Night trains should be given stoppage at North Coimbatore Railway

Station. I shall be thankful if you would kindly consider the above said train facilities required for the people of Coimbatore Constituency and arrange to sanction the new train services which would benefit the business community, traders, pilgrims and tourist centres.

DR. S.T. HASAN: The Moradabad city is famous as a brass city. A train be introduced from Moradabad to Mumbai. Substantial subsidy be given on freight for export so that exporters could carry out their exports and foreign exchange could be accrued. The crossing between Roshanpur Bahedi and Sitapur be opened so that people could move across it. Thakurdwara is quite a big area in my

Constituency. It should also be connected through this line. Overbridge between

Monapandey to Mankare be constructed at the earliest. Moradabad is a famous city. Beautification of its railway station is urgently needed and it should be turned into class 'A' station.

SHRI NAMA NAGESWARA RAO: There is a need to develop railway infrastructure in the country. Railway connectivity has not been enhanced even after 73 years of Independence. Today, economy of our country is very down. To improve the goods transportation is very important. „Izzat Pass‟ was delivered to the poor people during 15th Lok Sabha, now an MP can release this pass to them.

Now, poor people are not getting this Izzat Pass because of not producing revenue certificate. Railway network must be enhanced. There is no escalator and CCTV camera installed at Khammam railway station. Passenger facilities are also not available there. At least 50 CCTV cameras must be installed at Khammam railway station. This station must be upgraded as A1 grade. I would like to request the hon. Minister to take up all pending projects of Telengana at priority basis.

SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR: Indian Railways faces lot of challenges.

The Tarakeshwar railway need to develop as a model railway station. There is a need to provide adequate fund to complete Tarakeshwar-Bishnupur Rail Project.

The quality of food served, the blankets supplied and trains running late are the concerns the railways need to worry about and address.

DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR:

SHRI BENNY BEHANAN: I would request the Government to operate one

Vande Bharat Express between Thiruvanandapuram and Kasargode, which would help daily commuters. The Government is examining routes where 150 more trains can be run by private operators. I think this is the first step to disaster.

Privatization means putting the Indian Railways on sale breaking the backbone of country's transport infrastructure. The existing railway network in the State is also not suitable for the faster travel. I request to the respected Railway Minister to initiate steps for the speedy completion of Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore semi speed line. Sabarimala Railway Project is a major railway project in the State.

The estimated cost of the Sabarimala Railway Project is Rs. 2,815 crore, but in

2019-20 Union Budget, only Rs. 1 crore has been allocated. Please expedite the work of the coach factory at Palakkad and sanction the zone at

Thiruvananthapuram. The quality of railway services in the State has fallen drastically. The quality of the coaches of the trains in Kerala is in worst State.

There are no timely repairs and maintenance of the tracks. Kerala still gets the lowest funds and infrastructure allocations in the country.

SHRI RAKESH SINGH:

SHRI S. RAMALINGAM: Hon. Chairman, the hon. Minister proposed a budgetary allocation of Rs. 70,000 crore for the Railways. The railway connectivity in my Mayiladuthurai Constituency is underdeveloped. I request the restoration of railway line between Mayiladuthurai and Tharangambady. It is regretted that the rail link from Mumbai to these two key places, Kumbakonam and

Thanjavur, has been omitted in the last many years in spite of many representations. The hon. Minister can consider introducing new pairs of trains keeping Thanjavur as the origin. There is 40 acres of railway land in my constituency. It is owned by the railway department. It can be used for solar power generation or for ancillary industries for Railways, which is situated near

Kumbakonam.

SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT:

SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI: For the last few years, we have seen that the number of passengers who use the Railway is coming down and so is the income from passenger traffic, resulting in a loss of Rs. 38,000 crore. The Government is expected to realise that it is not a commercial enterprise as it serves the people at the lower strata of society. No new proposal has been made to strengthen the railway network in the union territory. The steps should be taken to connect

Poonch, most neglected area in Jammu. I would expect the hon. Railway Minister to give some kind of consideration to the proposals that I have made. First proposal is the Jammu-Poonch railway line, second one is the Baramullah-

Kupwara and the Lolab railway line, and the third one is the Qazigund-Pahalgam railway line.

SHRI UNMESH BHAYYASAHEB PATIL:

DR. DHAL SINGH BISEN:

SHRI TIRATH SINGH RAWAT: With the efforts of hon. Prime Minister and

Minister of Railways, now Bangladesh has also been connected with a rail link and the Rail Budget has been increased by 10 per cent, there has been a decline in rail accidents and the revenue too has increased manifold. I would like to make a demand here that a new rail line and expansion must be carried out from Ramnagar to Chowkhutiya Gairsain. A scheme must be formulated to interlink Najibabad to

Kotdwar rail ine with new Kotdwar-Lansdowne-Satpuli-Paudi-Srinagar rail line.

A survey of the Dehradun to Rishikesh-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Tanakpur railway line in Uttarakhand region must be carried out alongwith its expansion. SHRI OM PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR: Our Hon. Prime Minister had announced a rail project connecting Solapur-Tuljapur-Osmanabad in the year 2014 but unfortunately the pace of this project in very slow. Tuljapur is a pilgrimage centre and on Dussehera, the crowd here goes upto 12 to 15 lakh. This is a very important rail route. I would like to request that Solapur-Tuljapur-Osmanabad rail project should be completed at the earliest. This project was earlier monitored by

Pune division of Central Railway but now it has been transferred to Bhusawal

Division. It is very difficult for officials of Bhusawal Division to govern this project from there so, I would request that it should be handed over to the Pune

Division once again for better implementation. I would urge the Minister of

Railways that a new intercity train connecting Pune-Osmanabad-Latur should be started at the earliest. There has been a long pending demand for stoppage at

Kalamb Road and Dhoki railway station. I would like to request that a Mail

Express train stoppage should be provided at Kalamb Road or Dhoki railway station. Osmanabad is a district and a rake point at Dharashiv alongwith rakes are available at this place. During monsoon, farmers need fertilizers and seeds for farming. By providing rakes, the needs of farmers can be fulfilled. So, I would request hon. Minister to construct proper platform and shed at this place as per the requirement for rake operations.

 Originally in Marathi. ADV. A.M. ARIFF: All the profit making public sectors are under the process of privatisation and now railway is also on the way to privatisation. For the last 4-5 years Railway is puposely avoiding Kerala state. In kerala 3 lakh people are using the train services and nearly 240 trains are passing through Kerala every day and for this only 600 Railway Protection Force people are working in place of 1500.

Kerala state is asking for a separate peninsular zone for the last two decades. I request the Government to withdraw any decision for dividing the

Thiruvananthapuram division in Kerala. Land acquisition between Ernakualam-

Ambalappuzha in lagging for the last 15 years.

Karunagapally railway station has 6000 passengers daily and the only way to get in the station is to cross the railway track. Modification work is needed for the increasing of Loop track speed to 35 KMPH and after these modifications only, stops for more trains could be given at Karunagapally station. A new platform is needed at Mararikulam railway station for the second lane. In my Constituency 3 railway stations, Alappuzha, Cherthala and Mararikulam had been declared as

Adarsh stations 8 years back. The development of these stations have not been met till now and no adequate funds have been allotted for the development of these stations.

SHRI KAUSHLENDRA KUMAR: I have a certain demands to make here. A new railway line from Islampur to Natesar in Nalanda has been completed but has not been made operational due to non-availability of time from the Government. I urge that Budhpoornima Express must be given a stoppage at Harnaut railway station so that local people and the employees working in Rail Coach Factory there could get some relief. Sikandrabad -Danapur Express must be extended upto

Islampur. A direct Express train must be introduced from Howrah and Mumbai to

Rajgir. The train running from Rajgir to Fatuha via Daniawan should be extended upto Patna and Danapur and in view of the large number of passengers, one more round trip of this train must be started. Diawan and Rahui in Nalanda use to be railway stations in the past, but now they have been converted into halt stations. I would request that status of Rahui and Diawan must be retained as stations only so that trains could be given stoppage there. The work on Daniawan to Shaikhpura rail line upto Bihar Sharif has been completed. Train is already running between

Bihar Sharif to Daniawan but the track between Bihar Sharif to Shekhpura is pending till date. I would request that the said work must be completed at the earliest. Trains have a stoppage at Rampur halt on Daniawan to Bihar Sharif rail block but there is not ticket counter facility available, therefore arrangement for a ticket counter facility at this place must be made. National Highway No. 82 crossing is very close to Bihar Sharif railway station which is why there are long traffic jams at this place. A railway overbridge must be constructed at this place.

Nalanda and Rajgir are international tourist places therefore, I would request that a direct train must be run from Rajgir to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai and Katra. The height of all the haults in Bihar Sharif rail block and Fatuha to Islampur rail block must be increased. The low height of platforms at all the haults in my

Parliamentary Constituency is causing a lot of difficulty to the elderly people in boarding and deboarding the trains. I would also urge that at present there is only one round trip of Islampur-Patna Passenger train running here, this must be increased to two round trips.

DR. UMESH G. JADAV:

SHRI S.R PARTHIBAN: In this budget, Hon. Finance Minister announced to set up Kisan Rail to build a national cold supply chain for perishables, including milk meat and fish, to be set up through PPP arrangements. I request you to set up facility of refrigerated Express and Freight Coaches in Salem Constituency, famous for fruits, vegetables and flowers for the benefit of farmers. With a focus on safety, Rs.880 crores have been sanctioned for new road over bridges and road under bridges , particularly of Golden Quadrilateral Diagonal routes (Chennnai-

Gudur/ Chennai-Arakkonam- Renigunta) Central government is focusing only on

North India States development, no significant new railway lines and trains introduced to South India.

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIYA: The Government has proposed to introduce model train through PPP (Public Private Partnership) model for providing modern facilities to remove inconveniences and problems being faced by passengers, traders and common man. A comprehensive plan has been formulated for safe transportation of dairy products, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and flowers. It will protect the interests of farmers, which is a commendable step taken by the

Government. Pipavav-Surendranagar broadgauge line was laid in 2003. The affected farmers of Rajula, Bherai, Rampara, Uchaiya, Kadiyali and Bhachadar should be given adequate compensation. Gariyadhar and Palitana areas under my

Parliamentary Constituency are ancient religious places of Jainism. Railway connectivity should be provided there. The guage conversion work on Khijariya-

Visavdar section in Bhavnagar division of my Parliamentary Constituency should be undertaken through RVNL.

SHRI MOHANBHAI KUNDARIYA: The budget has provided several big largesse to Indian Railways. Railway land will be utilized to generate solar energy.

150 Tejas trains connecting major tourist places of the country will be introduced.

By 2024 Indian Railway will be electrified totally. Wi fi connectivity has been provided at 550 railway stations and 27 thousand kilometre railway track will be electrified. 150 Passenger trains and four railway stations are proposed to be operated through PPP mode. The work on Express way between Delhi-Mumbai and Chennai-Bengaluru should be expedited. On behalf of the public of Saurashtra and Rajkot I request the Ministry of Railways to extend Ahmedabad Rajdhani

Express upto Rajkot. Stoppage should be provided to 12267/12268 Mumbai

Central-Rajkot Duranto Express at Borivali. The work of doubling of 116 km railway track between Surendragarh and Rajkot is going on at a very slow pace. It should be completed on priority basis. SHRI KHAGEN MURMU: I request to start Hamsafar, Bande Bharat and Tejas like direct superfast trains from Maldaha to Delhi. There is a need to provide a direct superfast train from Maldaha to Bengaluru. Besides, one train from trains running from Dibrugarh to Delhi should run from Dibrugarh to Maldaha via

Katihar. The work should be started for sanctioned flyover at L.C. Gate number

NC – 10. The stoppage of Train no. 12377/12318 Padatik Express should be provided at Samsi station. The additional coaches should be provided to Train no.

13153/13154 Gaur Express. The stoppage of Train no. 15941 up and 15942 Down.

Jhajha Dibrugarh Express and Train no. 15227/15228 Muzaffarpur - Yesvant

Express should be provided at Samsi Railway Station.

SHRI SURESH PUJARI: Following are the demands of the people of my

Parliamentary Constituency:

Inclusion of laying of new railway lines from Bangarh to Nuapara via

Padampur. Early morning Intercity Train from Bangarh or Balangir to

Bhubaneswar. Extension of 18303-Sambalpur-Puri Intercity to Bangarh. Koraput-

Rourkela 18108 can be delayed by 2 hours. Train No. 18507/18508 (VSKP-ASR) can be increased daily. Washing and watering facilities at Bangarh Road Satation.

Increase of halting time to 5 minutes for all Express trains at Bangarh Station.

Connection of Railway portion roads from NH 26 to Khuntapali-Turanga-

Tumgaon Road. Increase the length of 2nd platform and provision of an escalator or ramp. Stations near Khuntapali between Bargarh Road Station and Barpali Station. Upgradation of platform facility and shed over 2nd platform at Attabira station. Stoppage of all express trains at Barpali Jharsuguda be declared a separate

Railway Division under East Court Railway. Jharsuguda may be temporarily placed under Sambalpur Division. Hirakund Expres, Gondwana Express, Puri

Habibganj Humsafar and Puri Indor Humsafar trains should be given stoppage in

Jharsuguda Junction Station. If a passenger train is given between Jharsuguda to

Sardega, the people of this area will be largely benefitted. Public urinals in all platforms should be provided. Stoppage of Duranta Express at Jharsuguda

Junction should be provided. Hirakud Express, Puri Valsad and Sambalpur

Varanasi should run as daily train. Adequate facilities in the platform of

Jharsuguda Junction should be provided. The facility of pantry car in Danapur

Express should be provided. Stoppage of 22839 Rourkela Bhuvaneswar Intercity

Express at Bagdihi Railway Station should be provided. Modernisation of

Brajrajnagar railway station should take place. Stoppage of all trains at

Brajrajnagar should be provided. Belpahar railway station should be modernized with provision of basic passenger aminities.

SHRI S. VENKATESAN: Rs. 12,000 Crore are required for implementing

10 Railway Projects in Tamil Nadu. But in the current Budget only Rs. 10,000 for all these 10 projects have been allocated. An amount of Rs. 22,000 Crore is required for executing several Railway Projects implemented in Tamil Nadu. But only Rs. 1800 Crore have been allocated. For Madurai-Kanniyakumari doubling project too, Only 60 per cent of the project cost has been allocated. More funds are required for the Electrification work. Privatization is affecting Indian Railways to the worst. 11 trains will be privatized in Southern Railway. Tejas Train will be privatized. 8 Factories including the Integral Coach Factory, ICF will be privatized. It will lead to total privatization of Railways. I therefore insist that the idea of privatization should be given up at any cost.

SHRIMATI GITAVBEN V. RATHVA: The Government is making Railways more lucrative and comfortable. It has provided wi-fi facility at 550 stations and 27 thousand kilometre railway track will be electrified. The Government will introduce more trains like Tejas by adopting new technology. Further work should be done at Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway Project and 150 new trains will be introduced under PPP model. The Government proposes to connect famous places through rail networks. I demand to restart Naswadi, Tankhala old rail line in my Parliamentary Constituency, Chhota Udaipur in Gujarat. Also old rail line from

Vadodara to Halol Pavagadh, Shivrajpur and Pani Mines should be restarted. The train from Ankleshwar to Rajpipla should be extended to statue of unity Kevadia

Colony.

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: I hail from Jamshedpur Lok Sabha

Constituency which is famous as mini India. The facilities for train passengers are negligible in our Dhanbad Division. A coach industry should be set up in Sini in collaboration with Tata Steel. The construction of sanctioned ROB at Chakulia and Ghatsila should be started immediately. I request the Government that survey work of Chandil-Bodam-Padmda-Katin-Bandwan has been completed and construction work should be started. The survey work of Chakulia to Budamara via Behragoda under eastern Singhbhum district and Kandra to Namkul rail line has been conducted and these are sanctioned lines so tenders should floated. The

Bhuvneshwar Tata Badampahar rail line should be extended to Keojhar. A stoppage should be provided at Kokpara lying between Dhalbhumgarh and

Chakulia.

The train should be restarted from Tatanagar to Bhagalpur. A Bhagapur

Intercity Express should run from Tatanagar – Asansol via Bhagalpur, Kiul

Jamalpur, Sultanganj. If there is any technical problem in Tatanagar – Jaynagar –

Darbhanga – Sakri line then Puri-Jaynagar train should run from Hijli – Tatanagar instead of Kharagpur. After separating a Katihar link from Tata Chhapra train no.

18181 new rail service Katihar-Jalpaigudi –N.J.P should be started.

A vending zone should be set up for railway employees of Tatanagar under

Chkradharpur rail division. Tata Danapur train should be extended upto Deendayal

Upadhyay station or Buxar. A weekly Tata – Bilaspur train should be extended upto Mugalsarai. A new Memu train should run from Tata to Digha. A stoppage to

Utkal Express should be provided at Rakhamines station. The Shalimar-Gorkhpur train should run twice in a week. Tata-Ranchi Memu train should be extended upto

Chakulia. The Tata Ranchi Express should run from Tirildih to Ranch via Muri instead of Purulia. Tata- Chakradharpur Memu train should be restarted. All the stations, halts at Tata-Badampahar section should be upgraded. A stoppage to

Howrah- Koraput Express should be provided at Ghatsila. Tatanagar Kharagpur local train should be extended upto Howrah. Increase the frequency of Ranchi –

Howrah Intercity to run it on daily basis.

DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR:A new train service from Igatpuri to

Manmad may please be introduced and implementation of Manmad-Indore railway project be speed up.A new railway project from Nasik to Surat or Manmad to Surat be started . I request You to start new train biweekly from Mumbai-Nashik-Tirupa and Rajdhani Express from Mumbai-Nashik-Delhi (Central Railway) and vice versa for all days.

SHRI GIRISH CHANDRA: Stoppage of Delhi-Garhwal Express should be provided at Keerathpur railway station in my Parliamentary Constituency Nagina.

Railway over-bridge at Nagina-Bijnor railway crossing and Seohara-Noorpur road should be constructed. Arrangements of cleanliness should be made at Nagina,

Dhampur, Seohara and Shahpur railway stations and waiting rooms should be constructed there. A new train should be introduced from Nagina to Mumbai.

SHRI KAPIL MORESHWAR PATIL: Indian Railway is the life-line of our country. I belong to Bhiwandi Lok Sabha Constituency. Bhiwandi and Surat are the major textile hubs, people of Bhiwandi will reach Surat within an hour and it will benefit the business community. The work of Rail upto Murbad should also be completed as early as possible to facilitate the people. I request the Railway

Minister to complete the work of home-platform at Badlapur station at the earliest.

There is a need to operate a local train from Mumbai to Bhiwandi and connect the trains coming here from other areas to Bhiwandi. I request the Railway Minister to sanction the demand of Gurholi station near Titwala, the survey of which has already been done, at the earliest.

SHRI SHRIRANG APPA BARNE: Now, Private participation has also been introduced in Railways. The target of electrification of 27 thousand Kilometre railway line has also been fixed under it during the next financial year. Free wi-fi service has also been introduced at 550 stations of the country. Mumbai is the economic capital of the country. Lakhs of people travel this place for jobs and business for which trains are not sufficient. A large number of people travel from

Pune to Mumbai I demand to construct a new route for local train which operates from Pune to Lonawala via Khopoli, Chowk, Panvel to CST.

I request the Railways to take necessary action to introduce a new train on this route for connecting it with Konkan Railways by constructing a new railway track between Roha-Mangaon via Pimpri, Chinchvad, Hinjewadi, Pord, Mulshi. I also demand to take necessary action for laying a third and fourth suburban line between Pune and Lonawala.

I request the hon. Railway Minister to give a stoppage at Chowk station coming under Khalapur Taluka for the trains running between Pune to Mumbai. I request to construct a new railway line by making Lonawala-Khandala ghat section. There is a need to improve all old railway stations. There is also a need to provide lift facility for disabled and senior citizens on these stations.

Improvement in Suburban local service is also required and there is a need to start more local trains in these suburban areas.

New train from Mumbai to Konkan via Pimpri, Chinchvad, Hinjevadi, Paud,

Roha will facilitate rail passengers. I request to construct a subway in Khanda village at the earliest so that local people are benefitted.

I request the Government to amend the rail policy and grant permission to fresh juice/fruit sellers to sell the rail neer, biscuit, chocolate etc. on the stalls at the railway stations all over the country to solve the problems of small vendors so that they can look after their families properly and fulfill their requirements.

SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER: In the Railway Budget, the State of Kerala has been completely side lined. None of the long standing demands of the State has been properly addressed. The demands presented earlier have not been considered. Thirunavaya- Guruvayur rail line will be very helpful to the people. We need stoppage of trains like Kochuveli- Chandigarh Sampark Kranti

Express, Kochuveli- Amritsar Express, Tirunelveli- Hapa Express, Kochuveli-

Dehradun Express, Jammu- Tawi- Mangalore- Navyug Express, Tirunelveli-

Dadar Express, Coimbatore- Bikaner Express, Trivandrum- Nizzamuddin Express, Trivandrum- Nizamuddin- Rajdhani Express, Trivandrum- Nizamuddin SF,

Trivandrum- Nizamuddin Weekly SF and Jan Shatabdi at the district headquarters.

I am suggesting that special consideration for passenger amenities in all these stations like Parappa Nangadi, Tanur, Kuttipuram and Pallippuram should be given. I would like to say about cleanliness in the compartments. Special attention should be given to that.

SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI: Railway Budget for the 2019-20 was Rs. 68,105 crores which has been increased to Rs. 70,250 crores this year. Due to this increase Rs. 6,549 crores alone have been provided to North East region for

Railway connectivity. Stoppage of Punjab Mail and Utkal Express should be provided at Tughlaqabad Railway Station and waiting room of this station should be air conditioned. Similarly stoppage of Chetak Express should be provided at

Palam Railway Station. It was decided in 2008 that a Railway Station would be constructed at Brijwasan for trains coming from Mumbai but work has not been started on this project. Vacant railway land at Palam should be transferred to MCD for development. Boundary walls around Shahbad, Brijwasan, Tughlaqabad and

Palam railway stations and parking at Okhla railway station should be constructed.

Dr G. RANJITH. REDDY: I request to extend the first phase of MMTS from Lingampally to Vikarabad . I request you to kindly provide a stop for Hubli

Express, Link express, Hussain Sagar Superfast express at least for two or three minutes at Navangi station . Garib Rath and Padmawati Express trains to be stopped at Tandur station and Konark Express be stopped at Vikarabad.The ROB to be built at local town in Tandur. One more Foot Overbridge should be provided at Vikarabad railway station and Garib Rath should given stoppage at Vikarabad

SHRI SUBASH CHANDRA BAHERIA: A stoppage of train no. 14801/14802

Indore – Jodhpur, train no. 12991/12992 Udaipur-Jaipur Intercity, train no.

19606/19610 Jajpur-Haridwar Express should be given at Bhilwara to Raila

Station of North Eastern Railways and train no. 13424 Ajmer-Bhagalpur of Central

Railways at Mandalgarh station. A 1st class AC coach should be provided in train no. 12982 Chetak Express. The height of Barundani railway station and under- bridge No. 387 near it should be increased. A local train between Udaipur – Kota should be introduced. A stoppage of train No. 29020 Meerut city Mandsaur link

Express at Barundani and Uparmal station and train no. 59834 Mandsaur - Kota passenger local train at Uparmal station should be given. A new railway line should be laid between Jaipur to Nathdwara via Malpura, Todaraisingh Kakdi,

Shahpura Lambia. The construction of Memu coach factory in Bhilwara district should be done for which land was allocated to Railways.

SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI: I support Demands for Grants on Railways and would like to request the Government and hon'ble Minister of Railways to restart the Mailani-Nanpara railway line falling in my Parliamentary Constituency and to convert it into broad gauge and by the time arrangements are made for an alternate route this rail service should be continued. After conducting survey on new proposed Palia–Nighasan–Belrayan railway line in my Parliamentary

Constituency, its construction should be completed at the earliest, Mailani-

Katarniya rail bus service and construction of rail museum at Mailani-Bhira should be expedited. Rail services should be started at Mailani-Nanpara at the earliest.

SHRI AKSHAIBAR LAL: A major long standing demand from my

Parliamentary Constituency Bahraich has been to connect approximately 60 Kms distance between Bahraich to Jarwal railway line. The meter gauge line between

Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalganj and Bahraich to Mailani Junction via Nanpara.

Mihinpurwa-Bichiya should be converted into broad gauge and trains should be operated between Bahraich to Lucknow-Delhi via Gonda and Chhapra-Varanasi-

Prayagraj.

Discontinuing train services between 150 Kms long meter gauge railway line of North Eastern Railways from Bahraich railway station to Mailani Junction, the connectivity of poor people with many towns and cities will be hampered which not only increase monetary burden on them but also travel time. Therefore, my demand to the Government is to continue the operations of trains running between Bahraich to Mailani Junction in public interest.

SHRI BHOLA SINGH: Indian railways is the world's third largest network with more than 68000 kilometre railway line. Indian railways have accorded atmost priority to the safety norms due to which the number of accidents during 2018-19 have come down from 73 to 59. Railways has also focused on doubling new rail lines, electrification and increasing sanitation facilities which is commendable. The

Government has started Kisan trains equipped with refrigerators for the benefit of the farmers to transport their produce from one place to another. I urge upon the

Government to complete the work on Delhi route connecting Secunderabad,

Bulandshahar, Jahangirabad, Anupshahar via Narora linking Moradabad and

Aligarh as survey work on that route has been undertaken. I also urge upon the

Government to provide stoppage for KGCR Khurja passenger train at

Bulandshahar and also provide stoppage to link express Dehradun-Prayagraj and

Mahakal express at Dibai station of Bulandshahar. Allahabad-Kolkata route trains going towards Punjab may be diverted towards Saharanpur instead of Delhi to enhance the number of trains. There is a need to start a new Kisan train from

Bulandshahar to benefit the farmers for the transportation of their produce.

SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL : I urge upon the Government to transfer the

Marathwada region from South Central railway to Central railway zone and provide a separate railway corporation for Marathawada region in the lines of

Konkan railway corporation. I also request the Government to fulfil the demand pending over 20 years for doubling and electrification of Parbhani-Manmad line.

There is a need to provide a Fit-line and coach maintenance facilities at

Aurangabad and construct a RUB at Shivajinagar and Mukundwadi area of

Aurangabad. SHRI MITESH PATEL : There is a historical temple of Shri But Bhavani Mata at Arnej village in Dholka Taluk in Ahemabad. A new railway line should be laid between Tarapur in my Parliamentary Constituency to Arnej and Arnej station should be upgraded as „B‟ category station.

DR. M.K. VISHNU PRASAD: In my Arani constituency, there are two new projects called 'Tindivanam-Nagari' and 'Tindivanam-Thiruvannamalai' are yet to start for almost ten years. It seems these two projects are delayed due to land acquisition. Kindly expedite the process and complete the project. I request for stoppage of trains at Mailan (Villupuram-Tambaram Express Passenger) and Polur

Stations.

SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL: I would like to extend my thanks for giving support on the demands for grants of the railways. There has been expansion of

Railways in the Kashmir valley. Today North-East is connected to the entire country through the broad gauge, however there have been issues in which the government policies have not been a great success. 'Clean train-station', 'Clean my coach', 'Coach mitra' schemes have emerged as a big challenge in terms of sanitation for the Indian railways. The government should take cleanliness seriously. The safety of railways is also an essential matter, so is the railway security which needs our immediate attention. The safety mechanisms like anti- collision system and automated train safety mechanism should be effectively implemented across the country so as to pre-empt any loss to life and property. The quality of food and catering services being provided in the trains is not very satisfactory. The quality of these services should be improved at the earliest.

CCTV camera should be installed in the moving pantry cars to improve cleanliness and quality. QR code or sticker should be put on the food packets. Guwahati,

Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata commercial centres should also be provided railway connectivity from Marwar and the frequency of trains should be increased from these centres. Shatabdi and Rajdhani category trains should be introduced from

Delhi to Jodhpur via Merta, to Gujarat and Maharashtra. Duranto trains should be introduced from Bikaner to Hyderabad, and Chennai in South India via Nagore.

The number of reserved coaches should be increased in the trains bound for

Jammu, Chennai, Guwahati and Kolkata from Marwar to facilitate smooth journey for the Marwari youth. A train should be provided during the world famous fair of

Nagore to facilitate the journey of passengers going to Meerut, Muzzafarnagar,

Bihar. There are several schemes pending for various reasons pending in my parliamentary constituency like laying of railway track from Falaudi to Nagore,

Medta city and Pushkar and Nagore to Didwana which should be started at the earliest. The modernisation of raiway stations is also quite necessary. Escalators need to be provided to facilitate journey for 'Divyangs' and old age persons at major railways station of Nagore, Merta road, Degana, Makrana, Kuchaman,

Didwana etc. To facilitate un-interrupted movement of traffic on national highways, R.O.Bs should be constructed at the earliest to avoid traffic jam due to closing of railway crossing on national highways and the eventual loss of time and money.

SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH: I would like to give few suggestions and to present demands while supporting Railway Budget. The DRM office should be opened at Surat station which collects more than 300 crore revenue. Surat-Mahuva weekly train 12945-46 should be run every day Mumbai-

Ahmedabad Shatabdi train should be extended upto Gandhinagar.

SHRI N. K. PREMACHANDRAN: Indian Railways is described as 'the lifeline of the nation'. That is why from the British period, for ninety-two years, we had been having a separate budget. Unfortunately, in the year 2017-18, it was merged with the General Budget which is quite unfortunate. So, I urge upon the

Government to review the position so as to have a separate railway budget.

Privatisation of services and running Tejas and bullet trains with private-public participation is adversely affecting the poor commuters in the country. So, that has to be relooked. Privatisation of Indian Railways is against the spirit of national interest and it is detrimental to the interests of the common people. So, that has to be reviewed. The fourth point which I would like to make is regarding the operating ratio of Indian Railways. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India expressed grave concern regarding the operating ratio of the Indian Railways. I would like to appeal to the Government to address the issue of operating ratio. So, please improve the operating ratio so as to have better efficiency in the Railways sector. Kollam-Chengotta rail line in my Constituency has been converted to broad gauge. About Rs. 600 crore have been spent but no new trains have been run so far.

I urge upon the Government to restore all the trains. Secondly, tourism friendly coaches may be introduced in that sector. Kollam should be developed as international model station

SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL: I request that demands related to

Railways pertaining to my Parliamentary Constituency Maharajganj of Bihar be included in the Budget. Durodha-Mashrak passenger train which runs on the newly constructed rail line from Maharajganj to Mashrak junction should be run twice a day. A new D.M.U. Intercity train should be introduced from Siwan Junction via

Durodha-Maharajganj-Mashrak to Patna junction. Funds should be sanctioned in the budget for early completion of construction works for ROB, approach road construction of station and other construction works between Maharajganj railway station to Mashrak junction. Ekma Railway station should be declared 'A' Grade station and should be developed. A new Rajdhani Train should be run daily between Chhapra junction via Gorakhpur junction to New Delhi. One of the superfast trains out of the trains running from Delhi, New Delhi or from other major railway stations of other states should be run via Maharajganj and Mashrak junction. Rake points should be constructed on the vacant land of Maharajganj railway station and Chainva railway station. The railway bridge construction work should be expedited on Saryu (Ghaghra) river in Majhi. SHRI ANUBHAV MOHANTY: Socio-economic development is the key to a developed future. The current rail infrastructure in the State is grossly inadequate to handle the projected growth and aspirations of the State. Since India's

Independence, only five major BG rail links have been fully commissioned in the

State. The State Government has taken numerous steps to promote the rail-based projects across the State. The State has been decisive in certain important ventures like promotion of tourism, industrial growth and socio-economic development across the State. The work on Khurda Road-Balangir rail line project should be expedited. The Jeypore-Malkangiri project should be approved at the earliest.

Adequate provision for the project of extension of Nuapada-Gunupur new BG line upto Theruvali should be made and necessary clearance by the CCEA should be given. Devotees from all over the world come to Puri during rath yatra. Approval to Puri-Konark project should given at the earliest. Haridaspur-Paradip rail line via

Kendrapara should be commissioned at the earliest so that the people can get the benefit of railway. Four projects for undertaking traffic study and financial appraisal such as. Brahmapur-Phulbani-Sambalpur new line, Rajatgarh-Kaipadar

Road bypassing Bhubaneswar, Bargarh Road-Nuapada, and Banspani-Barbil should be taken up at the earliest. A wagon or Coach Manufacturing Factory should be set up at Sitalapalli. Adequate provision should be made for development of mega multi-modal logistics parks. Suburban train services from

Balasore-Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar-Khurda Road-Puri, Bhubaneswar- Khurda Road-Brahmapur, Bhubaneswar-Dhenkanal-Angul/Talcher, Cuttack-

Paradip and Bhubaneswar/Cuttack-Keonjhar need to be provided. Adequate funds should be allocated for introducing Mass Rapid Transit System. Every railway station should provide facilities for divyang people. The Centre should provide incentivised rehabilitation to help the State in its land acquisition process. LHB coaches should be used in all the trains. Special diabetic food should be provided in all the trains.

SHRI JASWANT SINGH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR: I support the Rail

Budget 2020-21. Indore to Dahod railway line project whose total length is 205 kilometers with an estimated cost of Rs.678 crores which has now increased to Rs.

1643 crore. An amount of Rs.876 crore only has been sanctioned. This project is going on at a snail pace owing to very meager budget. The hon. Minister is requested to sanction sufficient budget at the earliest so that this project could be completed. Besides ramp or lift should be provided for going to platform no. 1 to

2/3 of Dahod railway station to facilitate the journey of the people. Owing to less number of platforms at Dahod railway station passengers are facing lot of difficulties so platform no. 4 should be constructed at Dahod railway station. This will also facilitate additional platform for the stoppage of trains. Dahod to

Ahmedabad via Godhra Aannad new inter-city train should be introduced which will directly benefit the passengers from my constituency and will also earn additional revenue for the railways. Another platform no.2/3 should be extended in Limkheda. The number of general coaches should be increased in Firozepur Janata

19023/24, Avadh Express 19037/38, train no. 19039/40 and Bandra Dehradun

Express 19019/20 to mitigate the problems of passengers. A foot over bridge should be constructed at Bordi railway station. The stoppage of Jaipur-Pune train,

Ajmer-Ernakulam train and Ghazipur-Bandra train should be provided in Dahod.

The time schedule of Ratlam-Dahod MEMU train no. 69188 should be restored at

4.25 a.m. The provision of a permanent physician, Gynecologist, and pediatrician should be made in Dahod railway hospital.

SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL: The union budget has allocated Rs. 6549 crore for the Railways. In the union budget, Rs. 12,000 crore has been allocated for construction of new lines. The railways has kept a target of commissioning new lines, gauge conversions and the doubling of board gauge sections in 2020-21to

3,750 kms. FM has also said that the Railways will set up a Kisan Rail through public-private partnership model, for transportation of perishable goods. I express my profound gratitude for introducing new train service between Yesvantapur and

Karwar. Railway administration, while introducing the above said train, had cancelled the existing two trains running between Bengaluru city-Karwar. The above said cancelled trains were catering to the need of public of the region since last 8 years. I therefore, request you to kindly review the decision of cancellation of Train no. 16516/14 and Train no. 16523/24 and restore the service of the same. I would like to mention that Mangaluru Central Railway Station in my Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha constituency was built hundred years ago. Now it is in a dilapidated condition as there is no effective maintenance of the station. Therefore

I would to request the hon'ble Railway Minister to take steps for construction of a

New Building for Mangaluru Central Railway Station. Formation of a separate railway division or joining the Mangalore railway station to the South Western railway or with the Konkan Railway is essential. Mangaluru central railway

(MAQ) should be converted/reconstructed as World class station since it is closely attached to the city outskirts. Mangaluru Central Railway Station is having only 3 platforms where more than 25 trains starts daily. It requires at least two additional

Platforms i.e, 4th and 5th. Funds have been sanctioned for the construction of these platforms, but the process not been started till date. Doubling of Mangaluru-

Bengaluru Railway Line, Doubling of Arsikere - Miraj Railway line and

Electrification of Mangaluru - Bengaluru Railway Line should be taken up at the earliest. At 8 places of Mangalore section Between Subramanya road up to

Mangalore new ROBs/RUBs should be constructed. A direct train from Mangalure to Bidar via Hassan-Arsikere-Chikkajajur-Chitragurga-Bellari-Guntakal Junction-

Mantralaya Road-Raichur-Yadgiri-Wardi-Gulbarga-Humnabad route would be most suitable. A new direct train should be introduced between Mangaluru to

Rameshwaram. Mangalore-Vijayapura Tatkal Train should be regularized.

Shatabdhi Express between Chennai to Mangaluru should be started. Mangaluru - Madagaon intercity train to Train No. 22636/35 may be converted into superfast express train and it may be extended upto THANE OR CST.

SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH: I would like to draw the attention of the government towards the demands for grants of the railways for the year 2020-21.

The Tory-Balumath railway line has been extended upto Shivpur under the Coal connectivity scheme. A passenger train should be introduced on the railways line at the earliest. Tori station has now become a junction, a Yatri Niwas and other passenger amenities should be provided there. The final survey of Chatra to Gaya railway line project is complete. Sanction should be provided to the two separate schemes from Gaya to Chatra and Gaya to Natesar. Gaya-Chatra-Shivpur-Tori by connecting Chatra to Shivpur line is very useful for the transportation of coal.

Chatra to Shivpur line should be constructed with the co-operation of coal India. A very meager amount has been provided in the budget for the survey of new railway line from Chatra to Tori. Sufficient budget should be allocated for this line. The operation of Tori-Shivpur-Chatra-Gaya line will prove to be very significant for the country's financial health. This project will expedite the transportation of mineral wealth and facilitate the progress of extremely backward region from transportation point of view. So, sufficient budget should be allocated for the completion of this work. Chirmiri to Ambikapur railway line has been constructed under Burwadih-Chirmiri railway line project. The construction of railway line from Burwadih to Ambikapur is pending. The hon. Minister of Railways is requested to sanction sufficient budget for this project and provide for regular monitoring of this project. The work on the proposed railway line project from

Gaya to Daltonganj via Sherghati, Imamganj, Dumariya, Chakmanatu is going on at snail pace in left wing terrorism infested region. The completion of this project will rein in extremism and facilitate transport to a huge population. Measures should be taken to expedite the completion of this project besides increasing the budgetary provision. Immediate measures should be taken to upgrade Latehar,

Barwadih, Tori, Chandva, Balumatth, Mahuamilan and Chipadohar raiway stations as Model station and provide passenger amenities at the earliest. It is extremely necessary to increase the height of platforms constructed at these stations in the past. A railway over bridge is required to be constructed on Chandva-Dobhi route near Tori station. Since it is situated on national highway and there is heavy passenger traffic on this road. ROB is sanctioned here which should be constructed on the bypass road. Under pass located near the Chandva railway crossing should be immediately started to streamline the current traffic passing through the route.

ROB and FOB should be constructed on Latehar-Saryu road near Latehar station on Barwadih junction and Chipadohar railway station. New trains should be introduced from Western and Southern parts of the country including Ranchi.

Barwadih-Chirimiri railway line is pending till date which has arrested development of this region. These pending projects are useful to the public and are capable of playing a long term role in the strengthening of the country's economy. A zonal office of the railways should be set up in Jharkhand and Bokaro division should either be separated from Aadra division or connected with Dhanbad or

Ranchi division or set up as separate Bokaro rail division.

SHRIMATI QUEEN OJA: The Railways contribute in a big way in the economy of our country. Electrification work of 27 thousand kilometer railway track will be done which will be very much beneficial for the upgradation of the railways. Provision for construction of four railway stations under PPP model has been made which will further facilitate the regional development. There is a provision to set up solar energy grids along the railway tracks. The construction work of the proposed coach factory in Bongaigaon should be started. There is urgent need of two railway lines, one from Barpeta road to Guwahati via Barkhetri and Hajo and second upto Mangaldoi. Air-conditioned train should be introduced for the farmers in Assam so that they can transport their products all over India.

Food should be served through trolley in trains so that it will be hygienic.

Adequate arrangement for handicapped persons should be made at the stations.

SHRIMATI POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM: Indian Railways is one of the pillars of our economy. Connectivity is the key to progress of any country. Indian Railways has registered the best ever performance in the areas of rail safety and modernisation. It has become sleek, comfortable and consumer- friendly. Introduction of new railways lines have improved connectivity between rural and metropolitan areas. The initiative on "Kisan Rail" through the public- private partnership (PPP) mode with refrigerated coaches for transportation of perishable goods to assist farmers is a historic step. With commitment to rail safety, the Indian railways has recorded a steady decrease in railway accidents.

Jamnagar has the largest production of brass items in the country. People of

Jamnagar and Dwarka district faced a lot of problems w.r.t. upgradation of facilities, amenities and infrastructure of railways. Doubling of rail lines, doubling project of Rajkot-Surendrangar, Rajkot-Kanalaus Doubling Project, New Humsafar

Express between Jamnagar and Bandra Terminus, modernization and infrastructure upgradation of station premises, new train stoppages have been given. Now, modern infrastructure facilities have been provided resulting in running of more trains which will benefit farmers, businessmen, artisans and other sections of people.

KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE: Hon. FM has proposed a 148 Km

Bengaluru Suburban Transport Project which would have fares on the metro model. I welcome this proposal. FM has also proposed setting up of a “Krishi

Rail” through PPP arrangements. There will be refrigerated coaches in express and freight trains as well. Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh was created to provide for passenger safety. With the Railways struggling to meet its expenditure and declining internal revenues, it is unclear how Railways will fund the remaining amount of Rs. 95000 crore for the Rail Sanraksha Kosh. A Survey was conducted to connect temple town Sringeri with Coastal city Mangaluru, Government of Karnataka and the Railways agreed to connect the town from two sides-

Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga. I would welcome and congratulate the State

Government for taking up this project which has been pending since 2014-15. The concerns of environmentalists can be addressed by constructing tunnels instead of cutting mountains. I whole- heartedly thank the Government for giving approval for laying of Chikkamagaluru- Belur- Hassan railway line, which had been included in the Budget. Survey for Chikkamagaluru- Sringeri- Shivamogga railway line has also commenced. I would request the Government to expedite the

Survey. I am thankful for giving approval for increasing the speed of

Chikkamagaluru- Yeshvantpur train. People of Chikkamagaluru have been demanding an overnight Fast Passenger train between Bangalore and Chikmagalur

Town. This night train would help tourists and other commuters of Malnad region.

SHRI AJAY TAMTA: With the installation of solar power plants on the vacate lands of Railway will increase and new corridor will also meet the power requirement. The goal of electrification of 27000 km long rail line is also commendable. The construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar (Jauljivi) rail line is pre- independence demand. It has been surveyed in the year 2006 and in the year 2011 after independence. The construction of the said railway line should be done as earliest. The survey of Ramnagar Chaukhutiya Gairsain railway line has been completed in the year 2018-19. The long distance train should be started from

Tanakpur Station of my Parliamentary constituency. SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA VISWANATH: In Andhra Pradesh,

South Coastal Railway Project was sanctioned last year. I would like to request that the total sanctioned fund may be released at the earliest. I request that electric loco manufacturing unity may kindly be set up in Kakinada. I request Hon.

Minister to sanction Kisan Rail for our State. The long pending railway line between Pithapuram and Kakinada can be de-freezed by making small deviation to the third line between Vijayawada and Vishakapatnam. I also request the Minister to help our state in getting the projects regarding RUB‟s and ROB‟s completed.

The Tunnel near Kondavari peta, Tuni needs to be expanded.

SUSHRI PRATIMA BHOUMIK: I demand that the rail line from Bhairvi to

Sairang should be extended upto Mandala, Mayanmar. I also request the hon.

Railway Minister to expedite and complete smoothly the work related to broad gauge rail line in the North Eastern states. The Rajdhani train from Delhi to

Agarthala should be run daily and the Tripur Express should run from Udaipur to

Delhi. An Intercity Express from Silchar to Agra and a Janshatabadi Express from

Guwahati to Agarthala should be introduced. I demand two new trains from

Agarthala to Kolkata and from Agarthala to Haridwar. The rail line from Lamding to Agarthala should be doubled and a new rail line from Bangladesh to Bilonia in

Tripura should be laid. I request that a railway station and a halt should be provided at Nalgadia and the Railway Recruitment Board should be set up at

Agarthala. DR. T. SUMATHY(A)THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN: Southern

Railway has been allocated Rs. 3,340 crore in the budget for the year 2020-21.

This is nearly 19 per cent lower than the Rs. 4,118.80 crore allotted in 2019-20.

This is absolutely insufficient. Surveys for the three routes Morappur-Dharamapuri via Mukkanur, needmangalam-Pattukottai via Mannargudi, Madukkur,

Rameshwaram-Dhanuskodi have been initiated but require funds and works need to expedited. Doubling too needs to be completed very soon. Southern Railway would need around Rs. 10,000 crore to complete all pending projects. It is unfortunate that the Railway Board has asked Southern Railway to stop funding of

10 projects in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The Metropolitan Chennai has been growing rapidly and traffic volumes have increased greatly. Expansion of the

Chennai Metro Rail Project Phase II is very important for the people of Chennai particularly my South Chennai Constituency. I urge upon the Government to support the Phase II of the Metro Rail Project of Chennai. Many important bridges and railway crossings near Central and Egmore Stations and in Chennai needs to be renovated and strengthened. Therefore, I urge the Government to take up the redevelopment and modernization of railway stations at Chennai Central and

Egmore.

SHRI THOMAS CHAZHIKADAN: Railways is a common man's mode of transport. During the recent years, the Government seems to have been neglecting the Railways. The Budget allocations are getting reduced every year. The initiative is to privatize Railways also. No fresh projects are being taken up for developent in

Kerala. The funds allocated are not even sufficient for completing the projects already taken up. The doubling of railway line between Ernakulam and

Trivandrum is going on, but it is not yet completed. The renovation and modernization of Kottayam Railway station is also in progress. The work is not completed so far. A proposal for construction of under pass at Kumaranlloor,

Kottayam is pending for long. There is a demand of a separate Railway Zone at

Trivandrum. The rakes or bogies in all the trains from Trivandrum to Delhi are very old. I would request the hon. Minister to consider replacing these old rakes.

SHRI ARJUN SINGH:

SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA: As regards the Rail Budget for 2020-

21, for the State of Odisha, I would say that we have been neglected. The

Naupada- Gunupur broad gauge which was extended up to Therubali covering a stretch of 79.15 kilometers was approved in 2017-18. The Ministry of Railways have said that the Rate of Return is only -3.19 per cent, and if the State

Government shares 50 per cent of the cost and gives the land free of cost, then they will be able to revive the project. The State Government is willing to provide the money and also the land free of cost. The Ministry of Railways is also willing to do it but nothing is happening for the last one or two years. There was one more project which is Gopalpur to Rayagada via Gunupur, Bhismagiri and Digapahandi.

The survey for this project was also completed in 2011-12 and subsequently it was included in the Capital Investment Programme in 2017-18. It is still pending.

Recently, one more project was announced which is Sambalpur- Gopalpur new railway line. If we can re-align these projects, the Government can save at least 71

Kms and they will no longer be commercially unviable. Similarly, Jeypore-

Nabarangpur and Jeypore- Malkangiri lines, again these were included in the

Budget of 2016-17. It is very unfortunate that this line of Jeypore- Nabarangpur which runs for 38 Kms took three years for the Ministry of Railways to complete the Final Location Survey. Recently, they completed the Final Location Survey.

In Rayagada Division, no progress has been made in the last one year. I would request the Ministry to please expedite this project. I would request the Ministry to kindly consider a new division to be set up a Rourkela and extend the jurisdiction of East Coast Railway to include Banspani- Padaphar, Rupsa- Bangriposi and

Bhadrak- Laxmannath Road under a new division with headquarters at Jajpur. We need a day- time train from Jeypore/ Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Rayagada and I would request the Government to extend Lokmanya Tilak Express which is

Mumbai- Visakhapatnam to Rayagada, Bhubaneswar to Bolangir Intercity Express to Rayagada and Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam Intercity Express to Koraput via

Araku. Ispat Express may be extended up to Visakhapatnam; Sambalpur- Raigarh

Superfast Special may be extended to Rayagada and Koraput; Sambalpur-Puri

Intercity Express may be extended till Rayagada, a new Intercity Train may be introduced from Gunupur to Bhubaneswar/ Bhadrak and Durg- Jagadalpur Express may be re-run.

SHRI BHAGWANT MANN:

SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE: I would like to request that Delhi

Rajdhani train via Mumbai- Nasik- Bhusawal which is running four days in a week should run daily and a technical stoppage should be given at Bhusawal. The

Government has approved the proposal of Jamner- Pachhora in my Constituency.

The said work should be started at the earliest after its survey. Bhusawal is a large division and a training institute is also there. A demand was made for LHB

Coaches and POH Workshop there. The local youth of that area could get employment through these workshops. The Government should focus on the safety of women in railways.

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB: Indian Railways with over 68 thousand route kilometers is the third largest network in the world under single management.

Modernisation of Station though is a continuous process we were told that around

1253 railway stations have been identified for development under Adarsh Station

Schemes. Why does not the New Bhubaneswar Station is being developed and also Cuttack Railway Station? Ministry of Railways had announced to re-develop

12 stations in Odisha. Recently, the MoU was signed on 20.09.2019 between

Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and East Coast Railway (ECoR) to construct a World Class Station Building at Bhubaneswar. I would like to know when will Railways plan for the balance 11 stations, as declared by the Ministry?

What is the plan of Ministry of Railways to develop Green Field Stations to a

Model Station with World Class facilities? Odisha has repeatedly asked for unification of all Railway assets over Odisha State under ECoR HQ at

Bhubaneswar. Now that SCoR has been formed on State boundary lines and at the cost of ECoR, why would Railway not respect the long standing and justified proposal of doing the same for Odisha? For improving efficiency of the biggest earning Railway, Ministry must consider the proposal of Odisha to bring all

Railway lines under one jurisdiction of ECoR. More Tejas type trains to connect iconic tourist destinations and to actively pursue high speed train between

Ahmadabad and Mumbai, nothing much is seen in the ground. The track from

Sambalpur to Talcher track electrification need to be taken up with full earnest. I would request the Minister to consider in the State by sanctioning the missing link projects namely Bangiriposhi- Gorumahisani in Mayurbhanj District, Odisha and

Buramara- Chakulia in Odisha and Jharkhand to provide much needed connectivity to augment the existing railway network. It has been a long pending demand to sanction the following new projects, such as Baragarh- Padmapur- Nuapada;

Rupsa- Bangriposi- Gorumahisani; Badampahar-Keonjhar; Talcher- Gopalpur via

Narasinghpur; Bhadrachalam Road (Andhra Pradesh)- Malkangiri- Junagarh-

Lanjigarh Road; Talcher- Bimlagarh Malkangiri- Jeypore and Talcher-

Bimlagarh;Rayagada- Gopalpur via Gunupur- Bhismagiri and Digapahandi;Paradip Port- Dhamra Port and Anandpur- Champua.I would insist that Talcher- Gopalpur stretch of 245 Kms is a viable project and needs to be taken up in full earnest.

SHRI HEMANT GODSE:

SHRI GANESH SINGH: A comparative study of the development of railways would show that from the year 2014 the development in the sector has been unprecedented. The construction of new railway lines is showing massive development. The construction of Satna to Nagore railway line was to be completed by December 2019 but so far 30 percent progress has been made. The said railway line should be completed under fast-track. Jabalpur, Katni, Satna to

Allahabad railway line should be electrified at the earliest. Kaima, Sakaria, Vagdai

Turkey railway stations should be developed adequately. Kshipra Express should be plied daily and first class coaches should be attached to Kamayini Express.

Stalls should be alloted at Satna and Maiher stations to enable 'Divyangs' and widows to earn their livelihood. Coach depot should be set up by developing

Kaima station of Satna as a major station.

SHRI GOPAL SHETTY:

SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI:

SHRI THIRUMAAVALAN THOL:

SHRI RAJU BISHT: The rail connectivity in the country will improve after this

Budget. The salient features of this Budget is that the Rail Kisan has been announced. A large quantity of fruits and flowers are being produced in my area which will get national and international market. DHR is the lifeline of Darjeeling.

I demand that a separate DHR division should be created for its upgradation.

Upgradation of DHR workshop is required. The rail project of Siliguri Sevok to

Sikkim of 45 Km is underway. 24 villages come under this entire area. Hundreds of people from Darjeeling and Kalimpong have not received their compensation.

Gulma railway station is a heritage station. It is required to upgrade this station. It is necessary to give special attention to Sevok- Rangpo rail project.

SHRI PARBHATHBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL:

SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT: In my Parliamentary constituency Supaul, the gauge conversion work of Saharsa-Supaul-Saraigarh and Forbesganj section has been completed and rail operations are also going on there. Funds should be allocated for new Railway Project Supaul-Ararai-Galgalia in my Parliamentary constituency. 57 kilometer rail section of Pratapganj-Bhimpur-Bathnaha located at

Indo-Nepal border should be sanctioned. The operation of Vaishali Express train,

Janhit Express Train and Hate Bazare Express Train should be extended upto

Saraigarh so that the earnings of the Railways will increase and people will also get the facility of transportation in this bordering backward area.

** ** ** **

SNEHLATA SHRIVASTAVA Secretary General

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