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LOK SABHA ___

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

Monday, March 15, 2021 / Phalguna 24, 1942 (Saka) ______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER HON. SPEAKER: On my own behalf and on behalf of the hon. Members of the House, I have great pleasure in welcoming His Excellency, Shri Duarte Pacheco, the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) who is on a visit to India as our hounoured guest. He arrived in India on Sunday, 14th March, 2021. Today he is seated in the Special Box. Apart from Delhi, he will visit Agra and Goa also before departing from India on Saturday, 20th March 2021. We wish him a happy and fruitful stay in our country. Through His Excellency, we convey our greetings and best wishes to all the hon. members in the IPU, the Government and the great people of Portugal. ______

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER Re: Recent Developments Pertaining To The Welfare Abroad Of Indians, Non-Resident Indians And Persons Of Indian Origin In The Covid Situation

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR): I rise to apprise this august House of recent developments pertaining to the welfare abroad of Indians, Non-Resident Indians and Persons of Indian Origin in the COVID situation. This is a subject on which many hon. Members have expressed deep interest. We in the Ministry of External Affairs also regularly receive communications relating to individual cases and respond to the best of our ability. Such concern is natural and I take this opportunity, to place before the House a comprehensive picture on the global state of affairs as a result of COVID, its impact on our people and the Government‘s response to the challenges that have emerged. Hon. Members would be aware that the big issue through the last year was to address the situations of difficulty and distress that many stranded Indians faced abroad. The Prime Minister directed that we undertake the Vande Bharat Mission to bring back our countrymen and women home. This was an all-of-the-Government effort, involving the Ministries of External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Home Affairs, Health, Defence and Shipping, amongst others. A total of 45,82,043 people from 98 countries have returned to India under the aegis of the Vande Bharat Mission. The vast majority came through flights, though there were also some who came by ship and across land crossings. Kerala received the maximum returnees, followed by Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. UAE was the country from where the maximum number of stranded Indians returned, followed by Saudi Arabia, United States and Qatar. Thirty- nine per cent of the returnees were workers, 39 per cent were professionals, 6 per centwere students, 8 per cent were visitors and 4.7 per cent were stranded tourists. While organizing the return home, the Government also focused on ensuring that our people were provided the necessary amenities in foreign countries. This applied to those awaiting repatriation as well as those who stayed behind. It involved a vast range of activities that were coordinated by our Embassies and High Commissions. They included providing food, shelter and transportation to supplying masks, PPEs, medical support and even facilitating hospital stays. It involved intense and continuous interactions with foreign Governments, pro-active and responsive measures by our Embassy staff and close coordination with community organizations abroad. Government expended an amount of Rs.33.5 crore from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), whose mandate was perceptively broadened by the Government in 2017 with such contingencies in mind. I should also add that we facilitated the return from India of more than 1.1 lakh foreign passport holders to 120 countries in the same period. Many of them were PIOs and NRIs. Members would appreciate that the largest repatriation exercise in the history of the world could not have happened without the goodwill and cooperation of partner Governments. And if that was so forthcoming, it is because of the enormous efforts of this Government‘s diplomacy, starting from the Prime Minister personally. Whether it was in reaching out, invoking relationships, using our networking or engaging in direct contacts, we really went all out to ensure the welfare of our brothers and sisters abroad. And let me emphasise this: at the end of the day, the sympathetic response of others reflected their positive image of us. Indeed, this was a real testimony of India‘s enhanced global standing as a result of six years of exceptionally energetic diplomacy. The focus of our efforts in the last few months has now shifted to Indians going back to their usual places of work, study and domicile. To that end, our Government has concluded air transport bubbles that are temporary reciprocal arrangements for commercial passenger services until the resumption of regular international flights. Such arrangements have been concluded with 27 nations so far. The Air India group alone has operated more than 9,500 flights, taking 10.9 lakh passengers abroad. The largest numbers, not surprisingly, have gone to the Gulf. During the pandemic, our Prime Minister had declared that the Government would take care of both lives and livelihood. This guidance has been the basis for the activities of our diplomacy abroad. Just as the Government has led the way for an economic recovery at home, we are also similarly untiring in our efforts to help renew livelihoods for our people abroad. The air travel arrangements are a necessary enabling measure. But beyond that we have been active in urging our partner Governments to look sympathetically at the employment of our citizens as they chart their own recovery pathway. The Gulf has been the focal point of our endeavours though this is a global effort on our part. In recent months, the Prime Minister has engaged the leaders of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Oman. Under his directions, I have travelled, even during the COVID period, to UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman to discuss with the Governments there the welfare of our people. It is because of the restrictions at their end, such travel was not possible to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, but I have been in regular touch with their Foreign Ministers. The Minister of State, Shri Muraleedharan ji, on his part has also gone to Oman and the UAE. I have also recently hosted the UAE Foreign Minister in India and expect to do so with that of Kuwait very soon. Now, during our visits to the Gulf we have interacted with both representative community organisations and the partner Governments. From the community the overall picture was that our people were well taken care of during the pandemic by the host authorities. From the Governments, the message was of appreciation for the responsibility shown by our people amidst the pressures of the pandemic. We were told that the message of discipline and social distancing that was so strongly propagated by our leadership at home had an equally strong impact with the Indian community abroad. The support extended from India for the stay and travel of our citizens was warmly acknowledged by the community and the Governments alike. The provision of medical supplies and food items from India as an exceptional gesture to the Gulf during this period clearly had a powerful resonance. So did the arrival of health professionals and medical staff, especially the dedicated medical team that were sent to Kuwait. From our recent interactions, we have reason to expect that partner Governments in the Gulf would be helpful in facilitating the early return of many who were compelled to go back because of the pandemic. The Government is fully cognizant of the employment concerns that our people abroad have in the context of the COVID pandemic. Especially in the Gulf, there has been tremendous economic and social disruption that has impacted them. We have softened it somewhat. But the real challenges are there to be addressed. Let me assure the House that we take this as a priority. Both my MoS and I and indeed our Ambassadors and senior officials spend time and effort to go into these problems in the greatest of details. We have been in regular touch with most community organisations and get their feedback on both the health situation and the economic recovery.We are aware that there are problems of compensation, re- employment and re-skilling that need solutions. These are today the core of our agenda with our partner Governments. The welfare of students studying abroad has also been a particular concern to all of us. Across the world our Embassies have been given instructions to reach out to them, monitor their situation, and assist their return where required. As with workers and professionals, the focus has now shifted to the going back to universities. Some countries have been more open in this regard than others, obviously reflecting their particular COVID challenge. This, therefore, remains a high priority and our endeavour will be to encourage an early return to normalcy. Seafarers have been another category requiring particular attention. We have been working with shipping companies across the world to ensure their well- being and where required return to India. The challenges presented by crew change procedures were daunting, but the flexibility shown by various stakeholders allowed us to overcome them. Members would also recall the predicament of two crews who were in particular difficulty outside Chinese ports. Their situation was also eventually resolved through great perseverance. We continue to interact with many Governments to devise more friendly SoPs for crew change requirements. Our fishermen have also been affected by the difficulties arising from the pandemic.We saw, in particular, serious problems faced by those who were working out of Iran. Some Gulf nations also witnessed this, perhaps to a lesser degree. Many Members have expressed their anxieties at that time and here too, the repatriation phase is over and there-employment one has just started. In conclusion, let me underline that from the very beginning the Modi Government has been deeply committed to the welfare and protection of Indians abroad. And equally, we value and nurture our relationship with PIOs. The COVID pandemic was a test of our commitment on this matter as on so many others, and whether it was the problems of the worker or the student, the professional or the tourist, we have risen to the occasion. A huge collective effort by nameless and faceless individuals from our Embassies and other organizations, in India and abroad, made that possible. Like the nation at home, they too were inspired by the Prime Minister‘s Leadership and vision. I wish to assure this august House that in the days ahead, as our quest for normalcy progresses; as the global market place and work place resume activities; as centers of study reopen their doors, we will be there to encourage, facilitate, secure and support. ______

THE MINES AND MINERALS (DEVELOPMENT AND REGULATION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2021 THE MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS; MINISTER OF COAL AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI) moved the motion that leave be granted to introduce a Bill further to amend the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. DR. SHASHI THAROOR opposing the introduction of the Bill, said: I wish to oppose the introduction of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill on three grounds. One, it is violative of Article 48 (A) of the Constitution because the Bill fails to acknowledge the adverse impact on environment and biodiversity. Secondly, the Bill threatens the life and well being of the people residing in close proximity to the mines by doing away with the requirement to obtain fresh permits despite change in prevailing conditions. Thirdly, the Bill impinges upon the federal structure of the State as prescribed by the Constitution by awarding the power to the Central Government alone to auction of mines owned by the States. So, I urge the Government to introduce the Bill only after the concerns surrounding have been addressed and approach guided by the sustainable development has been incorporated in the Bill. SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI: The Bill is being legislated under Union List, Entry 54 of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution. It means that the Parliament has full power and authority to legislate it. So, whenever law is passed by the Parliament, the State Government has to enact it accordingly. So far as other two issues are concerned, they are about the merits of the Bill and I am ready to give full reply after the debate. The Bill was introduced. ______

THE JUVENILE JUSTICE (CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN) AMENDMENT BILL, 2021 THE MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND MINISTER OF TEXTILES (SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI) moved the motion that leave be granted to introduce a Bill to amend the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. DR. SHASHI THAROOR opposing the introduction of the Bill said: I am sorry to have to oppose the introduction of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill. Firstly, the Bill violates the Constitutional principle of separation of powers as it assigns the responsibility of issuing an adoption order to a District Magistrate rather than the Civil Court. Secondly, it further violates the Constitutional principle of separation of powers by providing for an appeal against an adoption order to be made to the Divisional Commissioner, instead of giving a Civil Court. Thirdly, it delegates responsibilities to the District Magistrate and Additional District Magistrate including sanctioning and monitoring Child Care Institutions and overseeing the functioning of various agencies. So, for these reasons, I have to oppose the proposed Bill. SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI: I must highlight here that it is very much an Entry 5 in the Concurrent List, which empowers the Government of India to introduce this legislative Bill. Moreover, there have been exhaustive consultations with all the stakeholders, including the State Governments in this regard. There was a positioned officer called the District Child Protection Officer who had the challenge of convening all officers within the district to protect children in a better manner in each district. It was felt incumbent upon administrations, both at the Centre and the States, to empower officially the District Magistrate. Additionally, the Child Welfare Committee is being empowered with regard to qualifications of those who seek to serve in such a Committee. In totality, this is an amendment which helps to protect our children in a better manner. The Bill was introduced. ______

*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377 (i) SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV laid a statement regarding pension related issues of retired bank employees. (ii) SHRIMATI MEENAKASHI LEKHI laid a statement regarding Manual Scavenging. (iii) SHRIMATI MALA RAJYA LAXMI SHAH laid a statement regarding need to include Binhari community of Uttrakhand in the Central List of OBC. (iv) SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR laid a statement regarding need to accord status of central institute to 'Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Women's Institute of Technology', Darbhanga, Bihar. (v) SHRI JAYANT SINHA laid a statement regarding crimes against women in Jhakhand. (vi) SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL laid a statement regarding need to set up a Textile Park in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. (vii) SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI laid a statement regarding need to construct foot-overbridge on both sides of platform of Chaudhary Bandh railway station in Dhanbad Railway Division. (viii) SHRI BHANU PRATAP SINGH VERMA laid a statement regarding need to set up a Trauma Centre in Government Medical College, Orai, Uttar Pradesh.

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Speaker/Chair. (ix) SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL laid a statement regarding need to install a 1 KW FM Transmitter for operation of FM Radio Station in Tharad city, Gujarat. (x) DR. R. K. RANJAN laid a statement regarding setting up of a citrus park in Manipur. (xi) SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE laid a statement regarding shifting of the Divisional Headquarters of postal department from Latur, Maharashtra. (xii) SHRIMATI SHARDA ANIL PATEL laid a statement regarding underpass on level crossing no. 196 on Mahesana - Palanpur railway line in Mahesana parliamentary constituency, Gujarat. (xiii) SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL laid a statement regarding setting up of National Institute for One Health. (xiv) SHRI K. MURALEEDHARAN laid a statement regarding pathetic condition of Circus artists. (xv) DR. SHASHI THAROOR laid a statement regarding Blue Economy Policy. (xvi) SHRI RAVNEET SINGH laid a statement regarding promotion of bicycle industry. (xvii) SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV laid a statement regarding import of Tuar (Arhar) dal. (xviii) SHRI MAHABALI SINGH laid a statement regarding need to extend basic civic amenities to people living in the forest areas in Karakat parliamentary constituency, Bihar. (xix) SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB laid a statement regarding repair and development of National Highways in Odisha.

(xx) SHRI RAMSHIROMANI VERMA laid a statement regarding need to provide basic civic amenities in areas inhabited by Scheduled Tribes in Shrawasti parliamentary constituency, Uttar Pradesh. (xxi) SHRI KOTHA PRABHAKAR REDDY laid a statement regarding Telangana flagship programme and to increase green cover. (xxii) SHRIMATI VEENA DEVI laid a statement regarding need to construct a bridge over Gandak River in Vaishali parliamentary constituency, Bihar. (xxiii) SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS laid a statement regarding pension scheme for employees of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti. _____

THE UNION BUDGET 2021-22 - Contd. DEMANDS FOR GRANTS 2021-22 MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV resuming said: The railway employees have set an example by facing different sorts of challenges during the Corona Pandemic. The Indian Railways was engaged in taking care of lives and properties of people. At the same time, some of the political parties were laughing at railways. It shows how much the standard of Indian politics has fallen down. I would like to express my gratitude towards both the Union government and the State governments for creating cooperative atmosphere in their bid to combat Corona Pandemic with their might and main. Our government has formulated a realistic budget. Earlier the railway projects were subjected to deviations and procrastination but now the same railway projects are not subjected to the same fate and are being implemented in true sense. Many a time, I have made request for laying rail lines between Bihta and Aurangabad. But the UPA government did not pay any attention to it in the year 2007. Hence, once again I would like to request that this rail line may please be completed. I am from Bihar and hence I would like to make my points inevitably about Bihar. Acting on the instruction of the hon. Prime Minister, the hon. Minister of Railways completed the work of laying railway lines up to Nirmali region of Bihar after 87 years. On the very first day I had said that rail was the lifeline as it connected one person to another. That's why, it has become the priority of our government. Our hon. Prime Minister has said that we will make efforts to bring the neglected and the backward areas of the entire country into the ambit of development on the priority basis. It is the reason that our government has provided 156 per cent more funds to Assam and North-East region during the period from 2014 to 2020 as compared to the UPA Government. Similarly, the UPA Government used to provide Rs.370 crore to Kerala every year during the years from 2009 to 2014. Whereas, the Modi government has spent 143 per cent more fund during the period from 2014 to 2020. When it comes to Tamilnadu, the UPA government has provided Rs.879 crore every year whereas the Modi government has spent 133 per cent more fund there from 2014 to 2020. Under the able-guidance of the hon. Prime Minister, special emphasis has been given on safety and security in the Indian railways. Work on Dedicated Freight Corridor is going on rapidly. Trains are already running on 600 kilometers and transportation of goods is also being done. Dedicated Freight Corridor will prove to be a game changer for economic development of the country. This will create new opportunities for jobs. This will strengthen economy and eradicate unemployment. There will be 100 per cent electrification of broad guage lines of the country till December, 2023 and this will also minimize environmental pollution. In my Parliamentary Constituency, an ROB on Taregana Railway Crossing had been sanctioned. Work on that project is lying incomplete. RUB should be constructed on Phulwari Railway Crossing. Premium waiting lounge should be constructed in Danapur, Bihta and Taregana. Escalators should be constructed at Taregana and Bihta and stations should be beautified. Stoppage of Vikramshila and Brahmputra mail be given at Bihta station. Stoppages of passenger trains be provided at Tineri and Neema on Patna-Gaya and Patna-Mugalsarai line. * SHRI JASBIR SINGH GILL : Survey work of many trains have been completed in Punjab but no new railway lines were laid. Kindly start the work on Patti-Ferozepur route at the earliest. The demand to lay new Railway line at Beas-Qadian route and at Rajpura sector needs the Government's attention. Government wants to improve the railway network in North Eastern states but states like UP and Punjab should not be neglected. Government should restrain from privatising established lucrative routes. We oppose privatization, be it airports or railway stations. Government should focus on our borders where China has taken its Bullet train in Tibet upto North Eastern states. New trains are required on Delhi-Amritsar and Delhi-Katra routes. Amritsar railway station should be made to match international standards. Punjab should be given its G.S.T. and other dues, improve railway infrastructure, Government should agree to the demands of the farmers and scrap the Agriculture Bills. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL: Working on ‗Reform, Perform and Transform‘ mantra, the Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan for India-2030. This Budget is a step in that direction. During COVID-19 pandemic Indian Railways arranged an emergency unique train service in coordination with individual State Governments called the Shramik Special Train with maximum trains to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in response to the State Government‘s requests. The Indian Railways also converted coaches into wards for COVID-19 patients. The lockdown period was used as an

* Please see Supplement opportunity by the Railways to complete more than 200 critical maintenance projects including massive track maintenance exercise, overhauling the freight business and fast tracking of the ongoing infrastructure projects. Total goods revenue for the year 2020-21 is Rs. 1,24,184 crore which is an increase of 9.42 per cent as compared to 2019-20. The Net Revenue Surplus is Rs. 2,800 crore for the year 2020-21, which is an increase of 76 per cent as compared to 2019-20. In the post lockdown phase, remarkable revival in Indian Railways‘ freight loading has been observed. This is due to doubling of average speed of freight trains from 23 kmph to 46 kmph, various tariff and non-tariff measures as well as a first time ever Freight Business Development Portal for online booking of freight. Indian Railways registered the best ever safety record during 2019-20. The zero passenger fatalities in the last year is a result of continuous efforts by the Indian Railways to improve safety performance in all respects. Safety being the topmost priority always, the Railway has undertaken measures for safety improvement. To further strengthen this effort, high density network and highly utilised network routes of Indian Railways will be provided with an indigenously developed automatic train protection system that eliminates train collision due to human error. With Rashtriya Rail Sanrakshan Kosh, it has been possible to undertake very critical safety works of urgent nature and results are evident. A new initiative ‗Meri Saheli‘ was launched for instilling a sense of security among women travelers. More amenities for passengers at stations have been planned and are being implemented. 893 railway stations are now provided with improved illumination levels similar to airport standards. Catering has also been a focus area with compulsory printing of MRP on all food items. Indian Railways is also playing its part in promoting tourism by designing special trains, routes and coaches for providing a wonderful experience to tourists. Indian Railways has launched completely digitized online Human Resource Management System (HRMS) to leverage improved productivity and employee satisfaction. A National Monetisation Pipeline of potential infrastructure assets will be launched under which dedicated freight corridor assets of the railways will be monetised as well. Future dedicated freight corridor projects will be undertaken. DR. ALOK KUMAR SUMAN: Indian Railways plays a vital role in the economy. It has also played a significant role to mitigate the problems of people at the time of calamities. Railways is also useful in transportation of heavy itmes like coal, petroleum and minerals. My Parliamentary Constituency is Gopalganj and Thawe Junction there is very important Junction. Ma Bhavani Temple nearby has been developed as tourist place and people from many places visit it but there is no direct train from Thawe Junction, Gopalganj to major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. Therefore, I request to introduce trains from Gopalganj connecting to various metropolitan cities. Further, this Junction should be upgraded under Adarsh Yojana and Pit line or Railways Pit facilities should be provided there so that Thawe Junction could be developed and people of my Parliamentary Constituency could be benefitted. Many measures have been adopted from time to time to improve financial position of Indian Railways and these measures have shown positive results. Kisan Rail Service for farmers was announced in Union budget 2020-21 and it aims to make available better marketing opportunities to farmers through transportation of milk, meat and fish including perishable farm produce and agro products. The Railways has started Kisan Rail Service on 13 routes so far. The expansion of Railways is necessary for every region so that common man could have access to it. I support the Demands for Grants. SHRI GAJANAN KIRTIKAR: The railways have not yet accorded permission to the State Government to initiate Jhuggi Rehabilitation Scheme on railway land. Harbour line had been started two years back from Andheri to Goregaon. It is my demand that the required Rs.846 crore be immediately released to expedite the work. There is 70 acres of railway land lying vacant between Jogeshwari and Rammandir Railway stations under Mumbai West Railway. A railway terminal should be constructed on this land. I request to install sound proof barriers on both sides of railway line to get rid of sound pollution. I also request the Union Government to get walls on both sides of railway track constructed from VT to Kalyan and from Churchgate to Virar, a length of approx 122 kilometer under the Mumbai Suburban railway to get rid of accidents. SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI : A number of positive changes have been effected in railways since 2014 as a result amenities, quality and standard of railway services have improved. I demand that in my Parliamentary Constituency, a new railway service should be introduced from Lakhimpur to New Delhi, Oyal Railway station of North-Eastern Railway should be upgraded as fully fledged railway station, rail service between Mailani Junction to Nanapara should be introduced, construction work of ROB along NH-730 at Rajapur (Lakhimpur) should be started and a new rail service should be introduced to Dudhwa National Park. SHRI DILESHWAR KAMAIT: Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and hon. Railway Minister Piyush Goyal Ji have done a historic job by inaugurating the Kosi bridge and the railway operation. Gauge conversion from present Raghopur to Farbisganj and Asanpur Kupha to Nirmali- Darbhanga is still incomplete. It should be completed at the earliest. Gauge conversion on Asanpur-Kupahasi-Nirmali section has been completed. This section should be made operational at the earliest. 13205/13206 Janhit Express and 2554/2553 Vaishali Express should be extended upto Saraigarh. Budget allocation for the new rail project namely Araria, Galgalia should be enhanced. 58 kilometer long rail line from Pratapganj to Bhim Nagar was damaged due to earthquake in 1934. This line should be restored to provide connectivity with Nepal. ADV. A. M. ARIFF: I express my disappointment over the Government‘s move to privatize the Indian Railways and sell out at cheaper rate to the corporates by announcing the operation of 151 trains in 109 routes by the private sector at an investment of Rs. 30,000 crore. With the private sector coming in, I am sure, it will get further worsened, with train travel becoming unaffordable to ordinary people. Hence, I request the Government to withdraw from privatizing the Indian Railways in the larger interest of the common people of this country. I urge upon the Government to fulfill the long standing demands from the State of Kerala with regard to the development of Railway facilities like establishment of an exclusive Railway Zone and projects like Sabari Rail Line etc. I urge the Government to take the lead in completing the project in a time bound manner to fulfill the dreams of lakhs of devotees coming to Sabarimala temple from all over the country. I urge the Government to allot sufficient funds to improve the facilities in various Railway station in my Parliament Constituency including Alappuzha, Cherthala and Karunagapally. I thank the Government for its resolve to complete the track doubling in the Ernakulam-Alappuzha sector fully utilizing railway funds and urge this Government to expedite the work without further delay. SHRI HASNAIN MASOODI: The initiative of the Government to restore peace at LOC and LAC should be taken forward so that the problems of Jammu and Kashmir can be solved. Although, there is an increase of 25 per cent in this budget but that is focused only at a particular area. Jammu and Kashmir has got only disappointment. This is a welcome step that the Government is going to formulate a national rail plan. However, Jammu and Kashmir has not got desired attention. There is a need to increase the frequency of Baramula-Kajigund train. No attention is being paid to the railways‘ provision of transporting dry fruits. Dry fruit industry and tourism industry have suffered losses of thousands of crores of rupees. In these circumstances, there is a need to provide some special incentives, special programmes and special plans for Jammu and Kashmir. There is a need to pay attention to the Udhampur-Banihal railway line. DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR: In Chhatarpur district of my Parliamentary Constituency a railway cement sleeper unit should be set up. A rake point should be approved at new Chhatarpur railway station and parcel facility should be started from this station to Delhi, Bhopal and Indore. Rail coach factory should be set up in Tikamgarh district and a Railway University and Railway Training Centre should be started there. A FOB should be constructed at platform No. 2 and coach display board should be installed at Tikamgarh railway station, appropriate arrangements should be made for separate platform for arranging rakes and parcel facility should be started 4 General class coaches for labourers should be attached to Khajuraho- Kurukshetra Express and window ticket facility should be started at Khajuraho, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh stations. Dr. Ambedkar (Mau) Prayagraj Express services should be regularized. Stoppage of Dr. Ambedkar (Mau) Prayagraj Express and Kajuraho Mahamana Express should be given at Isha Nagar railway station. Kajuraho Lalitpur track in Tikamgarh should be restored. Kajuraho-Udaipur Express rail service should be operated thrice in a week. Rail service should be provided from Tikamgarh to Varanasi and famous Jain pilgrimage place Shri Sammed Shikhar, Shipra Express running from Indore to Howarah should be operated four times in a week covering Lalitpur-Bakamgarh-Chhatarpur-Khajuraho-Mahoba-Manikpur stations between Beena to Howrah, rail services should be started from Tikamgarh Chhatarpur to Mumbai, a FOB at platform No. 2 and 3 at Niwari railway station and an under bridge at railway crossing situated at Niwari Tikamgarh marg should be constructed, all the trains passing through Orcha station should be given a stoppage there Railway Tracks should be laid at Kajuraho-Chhatarpur-Sagar-Bhopal railway line at the earliest. After conducting survey at Harpalpur-Naugaon Chhatarpur railway line it should be extended upto Maharaja Chhatrasal Ki Chhavani Centre for connecting it to Dhubela Museum. At Harpalpur station a new station building should be constructed using latest technology and a FOB should be constructed at its platform No-2. At N.H. in Harpalpur Nagar a ROB should be constructed. Stoppage of all trains such as Kajuraho-Udaipur Intercity Express, Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti, Bundelkhand link Express etc. should be given at Dumra railway station of Singhpur Gram, district Chhatarpur. Bundelkhand Link Express should be started from Tikamgarh and operated thrise in a week, Khajuraho Kanpur passenger should be operated from Tikamgarh via Chhatarpur to Khajuraho. SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH: Huge allocation has been made in this budget for the railways. Earlier, hefty announcements were made and publicized but they never saw the light of the day. However, the real work is done now. The Government has allocated Rs.1 lakh 10 thousand crore for the year 2021-22 which will be spent on development of railway infrastructure and expansion schemes. This allocation is 53 per cent more than that of the last year. All the areas of the country have been taken care of in this budget. The Government has allocated Rs.6633 crore for creating railway facility and to complete the railway projects in West Bengal. The railways did commendable work during the Covid-19 time. In this connection, even I arranged for food and water for about 60-70 thousand people from my side at Anugrah Narain Road station. The hon. Rail Minister has provided several thousand crore rupees for Dedicated Freight Corridor work in Son Nagar, Aurangabad district of Bihar to Gomo in Jharkhand. Speed of goods trains has also been doubled. The Government has introduced Kisan Rail also. Bihata to Aurangabad railway line of around 127 kilometers has been sanctioned but very little allocation is made for this project. As a result, this work could not be started. Adequate funds should be allocated for this line so that this work can be taken up on priority. The trains which used to run between Deendayal Upadhyay Junction and Gaya should be introduced again. I request the Minister to start the survey work for Aurangabad-Chatra railway line. The Mahabodhi express should be run daily and this train should be provided a stoppage at Rafiganj station. SHRI DHANUSH M. KUMAR : We need to give more importance to Tamil Nadu State and particularly to the Madurai Railway Zone, doubling of lines is very necessary from Virudhnagar to Kollam there. Only three trains are operating from there in a day and at the same time, the connectivity to all other areas is also nil except to Chennai. My Constituency Tenkasi people are expecting a train to Bangalore and also to Coimbatore. Please give importance to upgrade the Railway Stations also in Madurai Zone. Provide more passenger trains in the route from Senkottai to Madurai. SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB : Indian Railways is the third largest network in the world under single management. The total proposed capital expenditure for 2021-22 is Rs. 2,15,058 crore. This is an annual increase of 21 per cent over 2019-20. Majority of the capital expenditure will be financed through the budgetary support. Railways will fund only 3 per cent of this capital expenditure from its own resources. Railways did not contribute as much to growth as it did in other countries. Traffic revenues have been unable to keep pace with the increase in staff costs and pension payments. While the passenger and freight revenues increased by 84.8 per cent from 2010-11 to 2019-20, the staff and pension costs raced ahead at almost double that rate by 157 per cent in the same period. Therefore, the immediate challenge is to achieve a quantum jump in the revenue, particularly on the freight front and drastic reduction in the number of employees. It is in this context that the full commissioning of the two Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) slated to be operational by 2022 assumes great urgency and importance. The Ministry of Railways has prepared the National Rail Plan, 2030 for augmenting its infrastructure during the 2021-51 period. The NRP envisages an additional capital expenditure worth Rs. 5.8 lakh crore during 2021-26 period. But it would be challenging to fund the projects under the NRP from internal resources due to persistently high operating ratio. Yet creation of national infrastructure should not be viewed from the narrow prism of return on capital. Railway projects impact the socio-economic conditions for entire population. If the rate of return is taken as the only benchmark, then only business centres will be having rail connectivity and hinterland will be deprived of it. Railway projects and other infrastructure and safety works regarding this sector will give a boost to the construction industry, resulting in employment generation. Railway capital spending has a huge multiplier effect on the economy. Railways have not been able to meet some key physical targets for expansion and modernization in recent years. It has missed its budget targets for construction of new lines and gauge conversion, and electrification of railway lines. The Centre has allocated Rs. 6,995.50 crore for the development of railway sector in Odisha. But the State had demanded around Rs. 7,200 crore. There is urgent need for expanding rail network in the State to bring the rail density to the level of the adjoining States. New lines/projects are being demanded by the State for important lines such as Puri-Konark, Bargarh-Naupada, Chakulia-Buramara, Jajpur-Aradi Dhamra etc. In order to expedite augmentation of rail infrastructure in the State, special attention needs to be paid on the successful completion of ongoing projects, sanctioning of new line, station modernisation, introduction of new trains, extension of existing trains, improved passenger amenities at stations, on- board services, establishment of rail-based industries, multi-modal logistics parks etc. in the state. There is demand for redevelopment of Puri, Bhadrak, Brahmapur, Cuttack, Jajpur-Keonjhar Road, Khurda Road, Rayagada, Sambalpur, Balasore, Jharsuguda and Rourkela stations to national standards with superior passenger amenities. Intervention to declare three new Railway Divisions at Rourkela, Rayagada and Jajpur to unify railways in Odisha under one administrative zonal headquarters of ECoR, Bhubaneswar has also been sought. The state Government has requested not to operationalise the declared SCoR at Visakhapatnam, which has been done without consultation with Odisha. An efficient and strong rail network with a single administrative structure within the State is necessary to maintain the impetus of growth. Large tracts of land are lying vacant in and around Cuttack Station which can be utilized for commercial purpose which will bring revenue to the Railways. For the first time ever, the Indian Railways were unable to adequately provide for the Pension Fund. The Railway Ministry has sought a loan from the Central Exchequer to meet the shortfall. Railway finances are out of whack and COVID-19 has nothing to do with it. The Railways are in the midst of an unprecedented financial distress and are faced with fundamental organisational issues. SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA: Gunupur-Therubali project was included in the budget 2017-18 and continues to be in back burner. It should be revived urgently. I welcome Jeypore — Nabarangpur Rail Line project but the proposed railway line passes through the heart of Borigumma town and may cause havoc in the lives of local residents. The Railway Ministry should revisit the survey in its present form. I request that the said railway project should be suitably shifted 5 KM away from the centre of Borigumma town. There have been multiple discussions on transfer of railway land for construction of Koraput bypass between NH Division officials and Railway officials along with elected representatives. Hence, I request Ministry of Railways to expedite the approval for land transfer so that construction of Koraput bypass can be restarted immediately. A new day time train from Jeypore/Koraput to Bhubaneswar via Rayagada, Berhampur and Intercity train from Gunupur to Bhubaneswar/Bhadrak should be provided. Rehabilitation of displaced shop owners should be undertaken. Rail underground passages at Darliput - Gorapur Railway Station, at Musuriaguda and Manbar Station on Koraput — Vishakhapatnam rail line should be constructed. Rail underground passages at Kerandiguda — Chancharaguda, at Lataguda of Chattikona, Sana Brundabadi of Bhatpur and at Majhihalma of Chatikona in Rayagada District should be constructed. A Rail Over Bridge at Muniguda town near level crossing should also be constructed. All the trains running prior to COVID -19 like Hirakhand Express, Bhubaneswar Bhawanipatna Link Express, Koraput (Samaleshwari) Express, Rajya Rani Express between Gunupur- Bhubaneswar-Rourkela, Gunupur-Puri Express, Gunupur-Visakhapatnam passenger - Gunupur-Palasa express trains should be restored. DMU Vishakhapatnam — Koraput Express should also be restored. Stoppages to Tirupati Biweekly Express, Korba Covid-19 Special should be provided at Bissamcuttack and Jemadeipentho. Samta Express and Anantpur Exam Spl should also be given stoppage at Jemadeipentho. Construction of New platform and maintenance of drinking water facilities are required at Laxmipur, Kakriguma, Singaram. There is also need of reservation ticket counters at Tikri, Laxmipur, Damanjodi, Padua, Kakriguma. DR. UMESH G. JADAV: I would like to demand that Railway Division in my Kalaburagi Parliamentary Constituency should be established at the earliest. In a recent development stoppage of many Express Trains and Intercity Trains has been withdrawn from the Shahabad Railway Station, I request that the stoppage of Konark Express, Husain Sagar Express, Hubli Secundrabad Express, Chennai Express, Mumbai-Hyderabad Express, Mumbai - Nagarcoil Express, Bhavnagar- Kakinada Express and Vishakhapatnam Lokmanya Tilak Express should be restored at Shahabad Railway Station. Alongwith I also request that Secundrabad-Hubli train should be extended upto Belagavi and Solapur-Kolhapur Express, Solapur-Mumbai Express and Chennai-Hyderabad Express should be extended upto Kalaburagi. Kalaburagi – Bengaluru overnight Express via Guntkal, Kalaburagi – Mumbai overnight Express via Solapur, Pune, etc., Kalaburagi – Aurangabad Express via Bidar, Kalaburagi – Bellari intercity Express , Bengaluru – Mumbai Express via Guntkal and Kalaburagi and Kalaburagi- Kolhapur new trains be introduced. Bidar – Yeshwanthpur train should be diverted via Kalaburagi to run from Bidar – Kalaburagi – Yeshwanthpur. Similarly, Secundrabad – Yeshwanthpur train should be diverted to run from Secundrabad to Kalaburagi and from Kalaburagi to Yeshwanthpur. Rajdhani Express from Bengaluru Station to Nizamuddin should be diverted to touch Kalaburagi Railway Station. Stoppage of Train No. 18519/18520 at Ghanagapur Road Station should be provided. FOB at station Ghanagapur road and Coach indicator facility should be provided. Operator for escalator at Kalaburagi Railway Station should be provided. The route of Bengaluru – Secundrabad – Vaishno Devi Train to the originally planned route of Bengaluru – Kalaburagi – Vaishno Devi should be restored. Under bridge facility at Shahabad Railway Station should be provided. SHRI MAGUNTA SREENIVASULU REDDY: After the COVID pandemic, we need to develop the railway stations. More capital expenditure is required to revive everything. It has to be provided in the Budget itself. My State of Andhra Pradesh contributes a lot for the Indian Railways. But the expenditure in that area is very low. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to look into the matter. I request the hon. Minister to set up the Vishakhapatnam Zone and develop the South-Coast Railway. There are other long pending issues for the construction of new railway lines like Gadwal- Macherla, Jaggayyapeta Town-Miryalaguda, Tenali-Epalle, Mahaboobnagar- Gooty, Dharamvaram-Pakala, Singarayakonda- Kanigiri, Kadapa-Bangalore, Nadikudi-Srikalahasti. I request you to consider all these things. Railway under bridges and Railway over bridges should be constructed with hundred per cent contribution from the Ministry of Railway. I request hon. Railway Minister to form the Committee and try to give new stoppages for all our MPs. The second class coaches has to be continued. All the physically challenged people also need special coaches in those areas. DR. SANGHAMITRA MAURYA: I support the Demands for Grants pertaining to Railways for the year 2021-22. During COVID-19 pandemic Railways has done appreciable work of transporting the stranded migrant labourers to their destinations and solving the problems of farmers by introducing Kisan Rail. My Parliamentary Constituency Badaun still lacks railway facilities. The proposal of railway connectivity from Badaun to Lucknow and Delhi should be accorded approval to ease the travel. Work of Zari-Zardozi is being done at large scale in Badaun. Railway connectivity will boost their business and curtail the problem of unemployment. The trains plying from Bareilly to Delhi and Lucknow should be extended upto Badaun for development of this region. SHRI RAJU BISTA : I thank the Indian Railways family for being the lifeline of our people during the COVID crisis. The Indian Railways embodying the mantra of ―Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikash, Sabka Viswas‖ that stepped up and ferried lakhs of workers from various parts of India back home to Bengal. During the COVID crisis, Indian Railways operated more than 4600 Shramik Special Trains. They ferried over 63 lakh migrant workers, safely back to their homes and family out of which over 10 lakh migrant workers were from West Bengal State. Railways has converted 5601 Train Coaches to serve as COVID Care Centres, over 5000 beds in 17 Railway Hospitals were earmarked for COVID care, generated over 14 Lakh Man- days Employment under PM Garib Kalyan Rozgar Abhiyaan and between Ist April 2020 to 30th November 2020 transported more than 4.4 crore tons of food grains 5.5 lakh PPE kits, 1.5 lakh liters sanitizers and 20 lakh reusable face-covers. Revenue and revenue expenditure for 2020-21 have increased as compared to the previous years. Rs.100 lakh crore will be invested on infrastructure over the next five years. Long-term strategic National Rail Plan will provide a common platform for all future infrastructural, business and financial planning of the Railways and developing Railways Infrastructure. Due to electrification of rail-lines on high priority, 66% of track length has been electrified by November 2020 and by 2023, Railways aim to complete electrification of entire broad-gauge network. Pilot project of 1.5 MW solar energy plant has been undertaken and ambitious vision of generating 20GW solar power by 2030 has been set. Railways has developed Dedicated Freight Corridors like East Coast Corridor from Kharagpur to Vijayawada. East-West Corridor from Bhusaval to Kharagpur to Dankuni and North-South corridor from Itarsi to Vijayawada. Kisan Rail has been started for transportation of various through seamless national cold-supply chain for perishables, including vegetables, fruits, milk, meat, fish through Public-Private-Partnership Mode. Railways has a vision of connecting all NE State capitals by rail by 2023. Rs.8060 crores have been allocated for the NE Frontier Railways including Darjeeling-Siliguri-Kalimpong-Dooars region and also providing resources to convert shut-down Kurseong Railway Press to DHR Heritage Museum. Indian Railways proposes to introduce indigenously developed Vistadome Coaches to boost Tourism sector. Highest ever railway budget allocation to West Bengal has been made in the current Budget. There has been a hike in this budget allocation to 2.5 times as compared to average amount allocated between 2009-2014 Budget. Sevoke Rangpo Rail Project will connect our critical border region with mainland train system and boost tourism in the Darjeeling Kalimpong, Sikkim and Dooars region. I request the Government to address the problems of the people living along Sevoke-Rangpo Rail Line. I urge the Government to establish a Separate Division for preserving the Heritage Rail Lines and recruit the trainees who have completed Apprentice Training. Allocation for doubling of rail line between Maynaguri-Gumanihaat in North Bengal will help the train commuters living in Alipurduars, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and rest of North East India. SHRI MITESH PATEL: Tarapur Junction is an important railway station in my Parliamentary Constituency. 16 trains have their stoppage at this station at present. But, it is still deprived of hault category facilities as per the standards set by the Railway Board. Tarapur Railway Station should be beautified. Tarapur- Bhavnagar railway line should be approved. Khambhat DEMU should be extended to Ahmadabad. Grants should be given for the doubling of Anand-Khambhat section. DR. AMAR SINGH: The net internal revenue of the railways has been falling continuously since 2015-16. The House should be informed of the reasons of this fall. The extra budgetary resources are continuously being increased which are burdening the railways with loans. I would like to know from the Minister as to his future plan in this regard. The privatisation of the railways has not been met with success in the world and we need to learn from this experience. The hon. Railway Minister should enlighten the House about the viability of the Bullet Train Project. We need to know whether this will be self sustainable and no Government subsidy will be given. The budgetary support to the railways should be increased. I would like to know why there is no normalization as yet in the functioning of the railway operations. I feel that Punjab is being targeted because of the ongoing farmers‘ protest. The route of important Punjab bound trains like Sachkhand Express, Hemkund Express, Frontier Mail has been diverted. This diversion should not be there because it will deprive us from their religious places. I request the hon. Minister to provide railway connectivity to Raikot in my Parliamentary Constituency. SHRI P.R. NATARAJAN: The demand for overnight train service to Bengaluru and restoration of Coimbatore- Rameshwaram, Coimbatore- Kollam express trains are unattended for more than 10 years. There is a need to fulfil these demands. The next demand is related to restoration of train service from Coimbatore-Rameshwaram via Podanur, Pollachi, Madurai and Coimbatore-Kollam via Pollachi, Tirunelveli. A new intercity train from Coimbatore to Madurai should be started. A direct train from Coimbatore to Nagercoil via Podanur, Kinatththukadavu, Pollachi, Madurai should be started. A new direct train service from Tirupur to Chennai should be provided. A direct train from Coimbatore to Chennai Egmore should be started. I request the expansion of railway platform for having stoppage of passenger/ express trains at Irugur. SHRI SUDHAKAR TUKARAM SHRANGARE: I support the Demands for Grants of the Railways presented in the Union Budget for the year 2021- 22. I would like to draw the attention of the Government to certain problems of my Parliamentary Constituency Latur and make following demands. Latur city does not have railway connectivity for various major cities of the country. The pit line should be constructed at the earliest at Latur railway station and new passenger trains for various major cities of the country should be introduced. The condition of Latur road railway station is quite poor and there is absolute shortage of passenger amenities. There is no proper arrangement for restrooms and waiting room at the station. There is also a dire need to construct two new platforms at this station. Immediate measures should be taken to convert this station into smart railway station. Even after submitting the survey report for Latur road to Nanded railway line to the Railway Board the final approval has not been given. It is requested that approval to the above said project should be provided at the earliest and it should be completed on priority basis. Kurduwadi-Latur railway line should be completed at the earliest. The survey of this railway line should be completed and further action should be taken at the earliest. The electrification of Miraj-. Kurduwadi- Latur railway line should be done at the earliest. Display board providing information of the arrival and departure of trains on platform no. 2 of Latur station should be installed. A new railway station on Asta Mor between Latur and Latur road stations should be constructed. LHB coaches should be attached in train No. 22107/8 and 22143/44 and 24 racks should be made available for these trains. Miraj-Kurduwadi fast passenger train should be extended up to Latur. Two additional sleeper coaches should be attached with train No. 51426 on regular basis and it should also be extended up to Sangli. A new train from Tirupati-Latur-Tirupati via Gundkal, Mantralaya Road, Gulbarga, Humnabad, Bidar, Latur road and Latur should be introduced. Hyderabad/Pune, Amravati/Pune and Kolhapur/Nagpur trains should be run on daily basis. If trains are converted into super-fast category, railway income will also be increased. Train No. 17013/14 Hyderabad-Pune-Hyderabad tri- weekly train should be run on regular basis. The weekly train No. 11415/16 Kolhapur-Bidar should be extended up to Hyderabad/Secunderabad. Train No. 17009/10 Hyderabad Bidar Intercity Express should be extended up to Latur. The second new train from Kolhapur to Dhanbad via Miraj, Pandharpur, Latur, Parli Baijnath, Parbhani, Nanded, Adilabad, Nagpur should be introduced. New train from Hyderabad to Mumbai via Bidar, Latur and Osmanabad should be introduced. SHRI DNV SENTHILKUMAR S. : The State of Tamil Nadu has been waiting and want to know the status of the Tindivanam-Nageri line, Karaikudi- Kanyakumari line, Karaikudi-Thoothukudi line, Ramanathapuram- Kanyakumari line, Tirunelveli-Sankarankovil line, the Viranjalur-Nagercoil Chetti Kulam line and the Erode-Palani line. These projects are getting inordinate delays due to lack of funds. The Government is planning to privatise 13 routes in Tamil Nadu. I would like to bring to the notice that DMK will oppose this decision tooth and nail. I request the Ministry to consider an elevator at Dharmapuri station and construct the remaining two blocks of the Railway Over Bridge at Adhiyamankottai in my constituency Dharmapuri. I request the Minister to provide a stoppage at Bommidi and restart the train running from Mettur to Chennai. The Dharmapuri-Morappur line has been laying pending since long. I would request the Minister to complete the survey of this line as soon as possible. With regard to all the 10 lines in Tamil Nadu, I request the Railways to allocate some funds so that the survey can be completed and the work can be taken up at the earliest. We would like to introduce a Pilgrimage Circuit and a Tourist Circuit in Tamil Nadu. Metro train be introduced in Tiruchy, Madurai and Salem. The cleanliness of the railway coaches should be improved. The increase in the rate of PlatformTicket should be rolled back to the previous level. I hope that the Government would take necessary steps to eradicate manual scavenging in the Railways. SHRI JAYADEV GALLA: No allocations were made in 2018 and 2019, for new Amravati railway line announced in 2016 and this year just Rs. 1,000 crore have been given. Amravati, the new capital of AP, is located close to Vijayawada and Guntur but is deprived of rail connectivity. My appeal to the hon. Railway Minister is not to neglect our new capital. There is a need to set up new railway zone in the State. When is the new RRB going to be set up in Vizag? I wish to know the status of 66 ROBs and RUBs sanctioned by the Ministry. Tenali-Guntur doubling line with electrification should be completed in a fixed timeframe. Guntur station needs to be developed and given the status of 'capital station'. Mangalgiri station situated between Vijaywada- Guntur should also be developed as it has new AIIMs, new capital and heavy passenger traffic. We should not disinvest or privatize any and every public sector blindfold. Operating Ratio, the indicator of Railways' spending and earning is pegged at 96.2% in 2021-22. It is reasonably good during pandemic times and this issue should be looked into seriously. Alternative sources of energy should be focused to manage fuel expenditure of Railways. Solar plants can be set up extensively to bring down the fuel expenses. There is discrimination in payment of honorarium to AYUSH and Allopathic doctors working in Railways under Staff Benefit Fund. What budgetary allocation has been made by the Ministry in 2021-22 for Artificial Intelligence? PROF. ACHYUTANANDA SAMANTA: I understand that the year 2020 has been a very tough time for every sector including the railways. Odisha as an industrial hub has immense contribution to the railway revenue of the country. Khurda-Bolanagir line project has been in limbo for several years and has been the demand of all Odiya people. Since this project had commenced way back in 1994-95, it is high time that this project is taken to its completion so that the local population can be benefitted from the connectivity. I would like to point out a case of my own Parliamentary Constituency, Kandhamal, which still has little or no connectivity to the main routes in the form of railways. I had requested the hon. Minister previously also regarding the need to connect the district headquarters of Kandhamal, that is, Phulbani. The inclusion of a small annexe from Phulbani to Puranaktak will allow many residents of Kandhamal to enjoy rail access to the rest of Odisha and the country. The wagon manufacturing unit in Ganjam, Sitalapalli will be a huge boost to the region. The Centre had previously agreed to set up an electric loco periodical overhauling workshop at Kalahandi for which land has been allocated. This year only a nominal budgetary allocation has been made for this project. This project should be expedited. There is a need to expedite the process to introduce passenger trains on the Haridaspur-Paradip line. I would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to introduce a new train from Cuttack to Kolkata, from birth-place to work-place of Netaji, in his memory. This year, in March we celebrate 100 years of the arrival of the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, at the railway station of Cuttack. I request the hon. Minister to transform the Cuttack Railway Station as a model heritage railway station. This will be a befitting tribute to the Gandhiji. I also wish to put forth some small requests of increasing the revenue distribution as well as the budgetary allocation to the State. SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE: Daund railway station should be given suburban status under Pune railway division. Suburban services should be provided to the commuters from this region under Pune Division. A suburban train service should be provided on Daund-Pune route as Daund Junction is a major stop for passenger trains and is a major freight hub. Quadruple track between Lonavala - Pune - Daund section (4 lanes) should be constructed in order to contribute to faster operation of trains. MEMU services in between this section should be introduced under Pune Division. Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation (MRIDC) headquarters should be established in Pune. Rehabilitation for residents of Daund labour slum at Vasahat should be done. New railway stations at Sahajpur, Kasurdi, on the Pune-Daund railway line should be provided. Foot Over bridges (FOBs) in Patas, Daund Taluka of Baramati constituency should be constructed. Trains running on the route between Bangalore and Rajasthan should be given a stop at Daund railway station and a separate quota for passengers residing in Baramati, Daund and Bhigwan should be provided. Land opposite Baramati railway station should be provided on rent to Baramati Municipal Council for construction of service road. New railway stations The Ministry must focus on removing constraints for ensuring timely arrival and departure of trains. To decongest the Nagpur station, Ajni station should be developed. More than 15% of railway posts are vacant in all categories. Centre must ensure 100% release of funds from Nirbhaya Fund to respective Ministries, including Railways. The infrastructure and connectivity in the urban and suburban lines needs to be improved so more funds should be allocated. SHRI TAPIR GAO: I congratulate the Ministry of Railways and hon. Prime Minister that Indian Railways now ranks second in the world. We all would like to see the Indian Railway network at the top in the world. After 70 years of our independence, Arunachal Pradesh has been connected with the railways network under the inspiring leadership of our Prime Minister. The North Eastern States have got a distinct characteristic as the entire area is a hilly terrain. The Ministry of Railways has undertaken survey of three major works but work has not begun on any of them. Survey and investigation work has been completed from Murkangslake to Roing, Teju, Namsai and Rufaai. These works ought to be launched immediately so as to establish the rail connectivity. The survey has been completed and DPR has also been prepared from Lekhapaani to Kharson. Survey from Margerita to Devmali has also been completed but no decision has been taken to commence the work on this section. I would request the hon. Minister of Railways to commence the work on these projects. Our government has announced to construct a rail line from Misamari i.e Tejpur Assam to Tawang. This project was not meant for Arunachal Pradesh alone but for all North Eastern States. In the year 1962 we lost the war and lack of railway connectivity in that area was one of the major reasons for our defeat. In British days, the Britishers proposed to construct road from Doom Dooma in Assam to Rima. I wish that Britishers had made the proposal to construct this rail section then we would not have lost the war in 1962. I would like to say that Pasighat is my hometown. Pasighat should be connected with Tuting via Maryang, Yingkyong and Palling as these are important places. Large scale organic farming is undertaken in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur etc.. Therefore, a refrigerated train should be introduced from Northeast. SHRI DULAL CHANDRA GOSWAMI: My Parliamentary Constituency Katihar which comes under the State of Bihar is an aspirational district and also a Railway Division. Along with repair and maintenance of electric locomotives and expansion of construction of electric loco shed, there is also a need for setting up a training centre for loco pilots. The doubling of railway should be done from Katihar to Kumedpur, Katihar to Mukriya, Barsoi Junction to Radhikapur, Katihar to Jogbani and Katihar to Tejnarayanpur. The operation of passenger trains should be re-started along with long distrance trains like Amrapali-Express Seemanchal Express, Garib Nawaz Express, Tata Katihar Express. SHRIMATI VEENA DEVI: I would like to raise certain problems relating to Railways in my Parliamentary Constituency of Vaishali in Mujjafarpur District. These projects have for long been in limbo. Such as, survey work from Mujjafarpur, Kanti, Motipur to Sahebganj rail line was undertaken but there is no information available as to what is the latest position. Hazipur, Vaishali, Suboli rail line via Sahebganj and Paru is incomplete and has been progressing at a very slow pace. The work on Sitamarhi rail line has been commenced but the construction work on Hazipur-Suboli rail line is still incomplete. The reserve coaches for poor labourers in the trains should be restored. The price of platform ticket has been increased to Rs. 50 which is not justified and must be reduced. SHRI DEEPAK BAIJ: The Rail Budget is as much important as our Union Budget. Owing to lockdown on account of COVID-19, the rail network was shut down on 23rd March, 2020, and the whole country witnessed the utter failure of the lockdown. The people came onto the roads but the Government was in slumber. The Government had no clue as to from which State and how many labourers were working in other States. When entire labour force came onto the roads, the Government woke up. I would like to thank the leader of my party for making an announcement that the Congress Party would pay the cost of all tickets of all labourers. Then only the government announced that it will pay 50% and the state Governments would pay the balance 50% of the ticket price. This Government has decided to privatise the railways. The backward and tribal area of Bastar needs rail connectivity. I would, therefore, request the Hon. Minister to provide rail connectivity in Bastar as it is their very much right, otherwise people will be compelled to launch a movement for this purpose. SHRI LAVU SRIKRISHNA DEVARAYALU: I would like to congratulate the Ministry for many things including increase in the speed of the freight trains, increase in the speed of the passenger trains and drastic decrease in the accidents. However, the operational ratio of the Railways has worsened from 90 per cent in 2012-13 to 96 per cent in 2021-22. This higher operational ratio reflects that the expenses of the Railways have been rising faster than the revenues. This happened when there was COVID-19 situation across the country and when the tracks were not being used. We felt very happy when we heard about freight corridor between Vijayawada and Kharagpur and Vijayawada and Itarsi. The Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014 had committed that the Ministry would create a new Railway zone in Andhra Pradesh within six months. People of Andhra Pradesh are still waiting for the work to begin on the South Coast Railway Zone. The promises made to Andhra Pradesh have not been fulfilled. We also request that the Waltair Division be retained as it is as it serves the important functions of providing freight services for Andhra Pradesh. With regard to Nadikudi – Kalahasti railway line, the work is on for so many years, but it is not being done at a pace at which it should be done. Likewise, Gadwal- Macheria railway line is also very important. It connects Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The distance is not that much. But somehow it has not seen the light of the day. The design of RUBs is a huge issue in our constituencies. Water keeps accumulating in the rainy season. There is some kind of design flaw. The issue with ROBs is that the State Governments has to chip in with 50 per cent of the amount. But most of the municipalities where these ROBs need to come up, do not have this kind of revenue to fund these ROBs. Coming to upgradation of Narasaraopet Railway Station in my Constituency, I hope the Ministry will look into it so that upgradation of this Station will happen as soon as possible. I would also like to request that the upgradation of stations in the Secunderabad- Guntur line, that is Sattenpalli, Piduguralla, Nadikudi, etc. may please be taken up. Please include Tirupathi also in this upgradation plan. It is a town where a lot of pilgrims come, I hope the Ministry will look into these issues and ensure that everything is taken into consideration and the problems are solved as soon as possible. SHRI CHANDESHWAR PRASAD: This is a visionary budget which will help railways to solve its financial crisis. Rail over bridges should be constructed near Arval Mor Raja Bajaar and Kargil Chowk in Jahanabad. The operation of trains should be restored. Patna-Dhanbad-Ganga Damodar Express should be extended to Kolkata. Mahabodhi Express should be started from Jahanabad in place of Gaya. Stoppage of Palamu Express should be given at Tehta Railway station and a ticket reservation counter should also be set up at the said station. The arrangement for laying proposed new rail line between Bihta to Anugrah Narayan Road Rail station should be made at the earliest. Jahanabad railway station should be expanded, modernized and beautified. SHRI NAMA NAGESWARA RAO: There is a Sri Ram temple at Badrachalam which needs to be connected with a rail line. Badrachalam Kuvur rail line is not connected with Andhra Pradesh beyond Telangana unless it is connected with main railway station of Rajmundri, it would be of no use. I demand the setting up of a rail coach factory at Kazipet in Telangana. No allocation has been made in the Budget for laying rail lines at Patanchuru, Sangareddy, Vikrabad, Peddapalli, Kazipet, Bhongir, Sankrapalli, Nizamabad, Nirme-Adilabad,Garhwal, Macheria, Bodhanbidar, Jabirabad. Khammam railway station needs to be extended length-wise apart from being equipped with toilets and cameras. This needs to be completed on priority basis. The construction of ROB and RUB should be done exclusively with the Central funds. An ROB has to be constructed at Madhuri. Once again, I request the Government to fulfill all the promises made for the two states specially for the state of Telangana in the Reorganization Act. SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA: The railways has set new dimensions in incorporating facilities for the travellers during the last years. In this Rail Budget, the Government has formulated a National Rail Plan which will be very important for all round and comprehensive development of infrastructure of railways till the year 2030. I would like to draw your attention towards the subject related to railways. The operation of passenger trains was discontinued due to Covid-19. Now, passenger trains are being run again but it is being seen that these trains are not stopping at those stations where they earlier had been given a hault in the past. I would like to demand that stoppages of all trains including the said trains should be resumed as before. The stoppages of Indore-Jodhpur, Udaipur-Jaipur Intercity and Jaipur-Haridwar Express should be provided at Raila station of Bhilwara. The height of platform of Barundani railway station should be raised so that the passengers do not have any inconvenience in boarding and deboarding the trains. The stoppage of Mandsaur-Kota passenger local train should be provided at Uparmal Railway station. There is a level crossing near Hamirgarh station in my Parliamentary Constituency, Bhilwara on Ajmer to Chittorgarh railway line in Rajasthan where a Railway Under Bridge is being constructed. Due to continuous water logging, it cannot be used for coming and going. Therefore, a railway over bridge should be constructed there at the earliest. Rail line from Jaipur to Nathdwara via Malpura, Shahpura Lambiya should be constructed. SHRI LALLU SINGH: Ayodhya houses three stations namely Faizabad Junction, Ayodhya railway station and Ayodhya halt. Ayodhya is set to emerge as the largest center of devotees not only at home but at the world level. Around one lakh devotees would be visiting Ayodhya for darshan. He want that Faizabad junction should be constructed and Ramghat halt which is the only halt of NER. Therefore, a proposal has come before the Board to merge it with NR. As per estimate, nearly one to one and a half crore people would be visiting there in the time to come. All the three stations must be developed to meet the passengers‘ facility. Ayodhya and Chitrakoot are inextricably intertwined from spiritual point of view. Whosoever is willing to visit Ayodhya is invariably desirous of making a visit to Chitrakoot as well. But, there is no direct rain from Chitrakoot to Ayodhya. Therefore, I urge upon the hon. Minister to introduce an inter-city between Ayodhya and Chitrakoot at the earliest. This is the will of all Ram devotees. There are two to three Mumbai bound trains which run crowded. A train should be run from Ayodhya to Mumbai on daily basis. A special train should be introduced for Jammu and Kashmir also. Addition of new coaches to the train running between Ayodhya and Faizabad has been sanctioned. However, it is yet to be added. I request to add it without further delay. SHRIMATI SUMALATHA AMBAREESH: I would like to congratulate the hon. Union Minister for Railways, for his sincere efforts to make the Indian Railways as world class institution to provide the best service to its passengers. Adequate funds for laying of new railway line between Hejjala- Chamarajanagar should be provided. A new railway line between Hejjala- Chamarajanagar should be laid. This will provide an economic and social upliftment to the people of this region. New railway line from Hejjala- Chamarajanagar should be treated as a priority project and adequate funding for the railway project should be provided. RUB should be constructed on Level Crossing No. 73 in Mandya City. Srirangapattna is one of the many historical heritages and religious importance places in our country. However, a number of trains have not stoppage in such a significant tourist destination. Mysuru-Chennai Central- Mysuru, Cauvery Daily Express, Chamarajanagar- Tirupati Daily Express should be provided stoppage here. Bengaluru- Mangalore via Mysuru train should be run on daily basis. There is a need for restoration of passenger train services on Bengaluru- Mysuru section. There is an urgent need for speedy completion of the electrification project of Mysore- HASSAN-Mangalore Section. There is a need for restoration of season ticket facilities also. DR. SHAFIQUR RAHMAN BARQ: Sambhal has not yet been connected with rail lines. I would like that Sambhal should be connected with Gajraula via Hasanpur in order that it may be connected with Delhi. Merely 16 kilometer long track will have to be put in place to connect Sambhal with Chandausi. In case of their being connected, Sambhal would be connected with Allahabad and even with Delhi. I did hold meetings with officers of Center and the State Government in this pursuit and brought it to their notice. In turn, they promised me but no action has so far been taken on the ground. I have requested the Department of Railways to undertake this work on priority basis. SHRIMATI ANUPRIYA PATEL: There are two primary sources of Railways‘ revenue. One is the freight traffic, the passenger traffic and the other is miscellaneous sources. We are largely dependent on the bulk transportation of coal. Slowly and gradually, it is decreasing day by day. So, I want to understand from the hon. Minister what exactly we are doing to expand our limited freight basket so that we can increase our revenue. Secondly, the Railways have been constantly losing the share of the freight traffic to the other modes of transport on account of price competitiveness and the carrying capacity issues. Another thing is this. Railways have a tendency to utilize the profits earned from the freight traffic to compensate for the losses made in the passenger traffic. Are you hopeful that the passenger traffic is going to return to normalcy level in these COVID times? Coming to the revenue expenditure side, which is proposed to be Rs.2,10,899 crore, 45 per cent of it will be spent on staff wages, 26 per cent on pension fund and 13 per cent on fuel and electricity. The allocation to the pension fund is estimated to be Rs.53,000 crore. To the depreciation reserve fund, it has been Rs.800 crore. What I want to understand from the hon. Minister, are we going to be appropriating less to the pension fund as well as to the Depreciation Reserve Fund? The more we rely on our extra budgetary resources, the more the financial situation of the Railways is going to worsen. So, our operating ratio becoming lower is an important issue. Over the past few years, it has remained at more than 90 per cent. that remains the core issue for the Railways to be addressed. SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK: I support the Demands for Grants for the Railways of the Union Budget for the year 2021-22. My Parliamentary Constituency is devoid of any railway facility. Lalitpur-Singrauli railway line is an important project of this area. This project was sanctioned in the year 1997-98, its cost was Rs. 827.24 crore at that time, its current cost is Rs. 8248.50 crore. There is a railway tunnel in Chhuhia valley which is 3338 meter long. This is a historical tunnel which is nearing completion. The land from Sidhi to Singrauli has not been acquired due to paucity of funds. Some additional Budget should be allocated for this project. Additional Budget should be provided for Rewa to Singrauli project as per the revised estimate. The people from whom land has been acquired for this project should be provided employment. The construction of an over bridge on National Highway 39 (Sidhi-Singrauli route) from Barigawan was a long standing demand of my constituency. There is a dire need to provide adequate Budget for the double electrification of Singrauli to Katni railway route. It is such a project of my Constituency through which we can demand more new trains. The operation of trains from Singrauli to Bhopal and Singrauli to Nizammuddin has not begun in the wake of Covid. It is requested that both the trains should be restored at the earliest and should be run twice a week and Bhopal bound train should be plied daily. The train from Singrauli to Jabalpur was sanctioned, however, its services have been discontinued. It is requested that this train should be restored at the earliest. An under bridge should be constructed in village Jharosi, Gram panchayat Raspur, District Shahdol. It is requested that the Union Government should contribute 100% to the existing 50% amount being provided by the State Government. A crossing gate is required in Gram Panchayat Dhuadol and Legislative Assembly Dhoni. An under bridge should be constructed in Gram Jumgarhi. An over bridge is required to be constructed on the main railway crossing in Gram Panchayat Sarai, district Singrauli. An over bridge is required in Gram Samud and Bharseri, district Singrauli from Mahua Gao to Sarai. An under bridge is required to be constructed on Railway crossing from Pathraula to Vastoa, district Sidhi, an over bridge is necessary in Gram Bhadora, district Sidhi from Tikri to Kusmi route. An under bridge on railway crossing from village Bhalugarh and Juvgarh in district Singrauli is necessary. SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE: This budget has appeared out of the tradition in which the budget has been focused on agriculture and farmers, the poor and middle class people instead of the popular announcements. The basic emphasis has been laid basically, which will strengthen the economy of the country. Railway has started work on the scheme of operating Kisan trains across the country, this will greatly benefit the farmers of the country and their income will also increase. Provisions have been made to provide better facilities to passenger in trains and to develop railway stations like airports. There is a need to make a provision in the Railway Budget to meet the railway needs of my Parliamentary Constituency Gadchiroli-Chimur, which is under a very backward tribal dominated inaccessible area. So that the area could have all round development and the employment could be accessible to the youths of this area and could be brought to the mainstream of the country. There is a need to make budgetary allocations for various railway projects in the region. The problem of Naxalism can be tackled to a great extent if there is a continuous effort to bring tribals to the mainstream of the country by making all round development of tribal-dominated areas. Provisions of funds needs to be made on priority basis in the interim budget for the construction of over bridge on Wadsa and Amgaon railway lines. Expeditions approval should be given to operate Demo shuttle train from Gondia to Durg via Amgaon, Salekasa- Dongergarh and two trains after 12 noon to facilitate movement of the poor people in tribal dominated areas. There is only one railway station Wadsa under my Parliamentary Constituency Gadchiroli-Chimur. Hence, arrangements for stoppage of all trains should be made at Wadsa railway station. All development related projects should be given early approval for all the above mentioned projects of Gadchiroli-Chimur tribal district. SHRI C.P. JOSHI: I would also like to thank the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister of the country. Who have presented this budget for the country, keeping in mind the interests of every section of the country. The National Rail Plan 2030 has been prepared for the development of infrastructure. Dedicated Freight Corridor Projects will be launched under this plan. I would like to draw the attention towards problems related to railway in my Constituency. The survey of new rail line has been completed from Mandsaur to Pratapgarh and Pratapgarh to Banswada. New rail line should be laid for said railway line. The survey of Neemach-Singoli- Rawatbhata- Kota route has been completed, there is a need for approval of the railway line. Chittaurgarh Udaipur route should be doubled. Udaipur- Himmatnagar Gauge conversion needs to be expedited. Mavli- Barisadari Gauge conversion also should be expedited. There is a need to restart the local trains after lock down. SHRI RAM SHIROMANI VERMA: Shravasti district is among the aspirational districts of the country which is quite backward even today. This area is devoid of railway facilities. A new railway project to provide railway connectivity to Shravasti was sanctioned during the regime of the erstwhile Government which is pending even now. What is the extant status of the long pending Baharaich-Khalilabad via Bhinga-Shravasti-Balrampur-Utraula- Doomariaganj-Mehdaval and Basi new Railway line project? How much allocation has been made for this project in this Budget? This project should be completed at the earliest and it should also be connected with the Buddhist circuit. The second district is Ambedkar Nagar. There is a pitch road from Ashrafpur to Barwa via Ninampur-Pilakhua-Ashagarh-Chandpur from Faizabad road in Pratapur Chamurkha of development block Katehari. The work of doubling of railway track is going on, due to which the routes have been closed. I demand an under pass on this railway line so that no inconvenience is caused to the people of this area and those commuting from that area. There is a railway line from Tulispur to Barni adjacent to the development block Gaisadi, Gram Panchayat Dalpur of Legislative Assembly Gaisadi of Shravasti district. A railway underpass is required to be constructed there to facilitate the movement of the people of that village. Several trains like Gorakhpur to Gonda passenger train (MEMU) were closed during Corona period in my Lok Sabha Constituency Balrampur. These trains should be restored at the earliest and a level crossing should be constructed on Fulwaria bypass in Balrampur city. The railways played an important role in supplying food to the migrant labourers and the needy during the Corona crisis, however, it is being privatized today which is not in the interest of the country. Hefty fares will be charged from the passengers which will deprive the poor, the lower middle class and the middle class to travel by train. SHRI SHRINIVAS DADASAHEB PATIL: Full compensation should be provided to the farmers living on either side of the rail line which was covered under Pune –Miraj-Korhwan doubling and electrification project of my Lok Sabha Constituency Satara. It is also requested that land records were not modified then. A comprehensive joint survey of 900-100 km line for the doubling project is required to be done which will determine the compensation to be provided for land acquisition. An under pass is required in Boregaon – Takle village in Koregaon Taluka near Satara. An under pass is also required to be constructed in Lonand city. One member of the family whose land has been acquired for this doubling project should be provided employment to enable them to live conveniently. The building of police station of Satara city is pending construction even after elapse of so many years. The land for Karad- Chiplun railway route was acquired and Bhoomi Pujan was also done, however, it has not become operational. SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA: We are passing through the period of pandemic Corona. The railway was found lacking in providing services during this period. When Corona pandemic hit us, these hapless labourers were left in the lurch. No special trains were run for them. On Batala- Qadian-Tanda route, 30 kms railway track is needed. Garhshankar- Jaijon- Una route needs 10 Km railway track. Chandigarh- Rajpura route via Mohali needs 18 Kms of tracks. Phillaur-Nawanshahar route needs 20 Kms of tracks. Mor Mandi- Talwandi needs 16 Kms of railway track. Double lining of tracks from Amritsar to Pathankot is needed as a lot of military movement is there on this route. Sultanpur Lodhi should be joined via railway track to Goindwal Sahib. Amritsar is a tourist place and visitors from all over India and world visit this holy city. We do not have direct trains to South India. Only Cochi train runs once a week. Businessmen, passengers and army men, all travel via this train. Amritsar- Hyderabad train should be started. Nanded-Bidar train is also needed. Amritsar-Pune-Goa train should also be introduced. The 12716 Amritsar- Nanded train‘s time needs to be changed. The 12472 weekly train goes to Hazur Sahib. 3 months reservation is there. This train should also be made daily. This train to Hazur Sahib should ply via Tarn Taran, Khadoor Sahib, Beas. On Dera Baba Nank- Verka- Tarn- Taran- Goindwal- Khadoor Sahib route, DMU train is the need of the hour. People go to Kartarpur Sahib to pay obeisance. This is a chain of holy places. So, a DMU is needed. There is an acute shortage of railway staff at Amritsar railway station. At least 200 strong staff is needed there. The position of taxi and auto-stand need to be improved. Amritsar railway workshop has 1550 workers. Adequate work should be given to them. Bhandari bridge needs a reconstruction. Lohgarh bridge and other manned railway gates need to be repaired. The Patti-Makhu rail link will help reduce 225 Km railway line in J&K, Himachal and Punjab and inter-link these States. Trains should not be run on PPP mode, train fares will increase. Amritsar railway station should be made into an international railway station. A bullet train should be provided between Amritsar and Delhi. SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL: This General Budget presented for the financial year 2021-22 is a record budget with regard to provisions. I would like to thank and congratulate Hon. Prime Minister, hon. Finance Minister and especially Rail Minister from the core of my heart in this regard. Kisan rail is a moving cold storage. This Kisan rail is proving a milestone in doubling the income of farmers. Sitamarhi and Sheohar districts of Bihar should be connected with trains. I would like to thank the railway staff particularly for running freight trains and transporting material from one place to another on a large scale during the time of Corona. Chapra and Champaran should be connected with rail corridor. This will provide facility to lakhs of people and the same number of people will get employment from it. A pair of MEMU train should be introduced from Siwan to Patna via Dhuraundha-Maharajganj-Mashrakh so that thousands of people particularly those engaged in business, who travel daily can be benefitted from it. A stoppage of Patliputra-Lucknow Express, train no. 2529 and 2530 should be provided at Ekma railway station again. Stoppages of the Avadh Assam Express train no. 15909-15910, Amrapali Express train no. 15707-15708 should be provided at the same station. An underground RUB should be constructed near Chainpur village in the east of Manjhi railway station on Chapra Varanasi rail section. The work of doubling and electrification of Chapra Varanasi rail section and construction of railway bridge on Saryu river in Manjhi on this rail section should be completed at the earliest. SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL: When the Minister for Railway had presented Rail Budget, it drew praise of some hon. Members even as it drew that ire of some other. Nanded division is the second highest profit making division of South Central Railways. However only a provision of Rs. 98,75,02,000 has been made for it. Parbhani-Manmaad rail line is very important for entire Marathwada region. We have been making efforts for the doubling of this line for several years. The distance from Aurangabad to Chalisgaon is only 88 kilometers. I would like to request you to complete this work at the earliest in view of the fact that DMRC-Delhi, Mumbai Industrial Corridor is coming to Aurangabad and the railways is going to get a huge freight business. The approval for upgrading Aurangabad railway station as modern railway station was given and for the last five years, railway officials have been saying that the work is about to start and the tender is about to be notified. Therefore, I would like to know from you as to what is the current status of it. Survey of entire Aurangabad-Ahmednagar line should be conducted. If Aurangabad is connected with Pune, then the youth especially working in IT sector will get benefitted from it. If people are demanding and if their demand is legitimate one then I would like to request to call a meeting of all the Members of Parliament and officials in Mumbai to meet those demands. SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL: Today the House is discussing Demands for Grants for very important department such as railway. Hon. Finance Minister had announced the allocation of 1.10 lakh crore rupees for railways in this Budget and it has also been said in this Budget that the India railways have formulated a national railway plan for by the end of the year 2030 so that logistic cost of industries could be minimized and 'Make in India' could be promoted. Through you, I would like to request the Rail Minister to provide funds for new projects in economically backward states so that the projects pending for long years in those states could be completed. The government needs to relax the criteria for the important works such as modernization of railway stations, approval and doubling of new railway lines. Increasing privatization in railway sector has created a huge doubt in the minds of staff working in railways and the common people. I request the hon. Minister that while replying to the discussion on this Demands for Grants, he should mention as to how this privatization is likely to affect the prospects of the incumbent vacancies in the rail department and the time by which the posts of various categories in railways lying vacant are likely to be filled up so that the common people of the country could become aware of the intention and clarification of the government in this regard and the youth of the country could become hopeful again. Budget should be allocated for the development of various stations of Nagaur district as per their requirements. Leelan Express should be introduced at the earliest. New railway line from Nokha to Sikar of Rajasthan should be laid. In view of religious and strategic importance of Rajasthan, the Minister should propose to conduct the survey for the approval of new rail line from Nagaur to Falaudi and Didwana to Kuchaman. Along with it the Union Government should approve long awaited Medta-Pushkar rail line by allocating budget on its level. Nagaur rail line should be developed. I would like to make one more demand that the announcement for setting of MEMU coach factory in Gulabpura of Bhilwara district has been made, so this project should be completed. SHRI ARUN SAO: I rise to speak in support of Demands for Grants of the Ministry of Railways. The path of the progress of the country and Indian Railways opened under the leadership of Hon. Narendra Modi ji. Today Indian Railways is moving towards all-round development. Railway is modernizing, passenger facilities are increasing and accidents have reduced. Today, Indian Railways is playing an important role in the creation of "Aatmnirbhar Bharat". Today Indian railways is seen as the fourth major rail network in the world. Today, India ranks second in the world in the terms of passenger transportation, after Japan. Today Indian Railways has constructed more than one lakh fifty thousand bridges. Today Indian Railway is also assisting farmers. Indian Railways is moving fast towards realizing Prime Minister Hon. Modi ji's dream of doubling farmers income. The East-West Dedicated Freight Corridor has been announced in this year's budget. Today there is a need to fast forward the various development schemes of railways meant for Chhattisgarh which have been prepared by our Government. There is a need to increase passenger facilities at Uslapur-Kota, Belgahna, Pendra Road, Bilha, Chakarbhata and Jayramnagar stations under my Parliamentary Constituency. A coach factory should be established, so that youth can get employment. The local train may be introduced between Bilaspur-Pendra Road. SHRI KRUPAL BALAJI TUMANE: The contribution of railways in the development of India is very important. It is very important to complete the work of Ramtek-Khapa railway line. Sewagram Express should be extended upto Ramtek. There is also a need to give stoppages to some important trains at Butibori. The train running from Amravati to Mumbai should be extended upto Narkhed. SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT: Indian Railways known as the lifeline of the nation. Vadodara is the 48th railway station in the country, where Wi-Fi internet service has been provided. Chhayapuri railway station of my Parliamentary Constituency may be approved as satellite railway station. I congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman ji and Union Government for progressive and transparent General and Railway Budget 2021. I fully support the budget. SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER: The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has created a lot of obstacles in our ways. The question before us is how to save Indian Railways from the economic crisis. Ninety per cent of the total revenue is from the budgetary means only. There are only two ways before us. One is to reduce the expenditure and the other is to develop non- budgetary revenues. In my Constituency, Thirunavaya-Guruvayoor railway route and Nanjangud railway line, are long pending. I request the Minister, to take care of these things. MEMU in Trivandrum-Palakkad Division also may kindly be developed. I humbly request the Government to desist from privatization of railways. SHRI SHANKAR LALWANI : I would like to bring a few points in the notice of the Hon'ble Minister of Railways. Firstly, Survey work of Indore- Manmad rail line was started earlier but no allocation has not been made for it in this budget. Indore-Dahod rail is an important project, therefore it should not be put on hold and work should be started. Indore –Khandwa-Akola gauge conversion should be expedited. The doubling work of Indore-Dewas-Ujjain line should be executed, the doubling work between of Dewas and Ujjain is almost complete but work between Dewas and Indore line should be expedited. Most of the trains were suspended during Corona Pandemic. Certain trains out of them have been resumed and rest of the trains should be resumed at the earliest. Indore-Jaipur Link Express should be restored. Indore-Gandhinagar Express trains should be extended to Mount Abu. A Super Express train from Indore to Mumbai and Indore to Delhi should be introduced. A survey should be conducted for Indore-Mumbai bullet train because it faces traffic congestion. A local train for Indore Mahu – Dewas – Ujjain should be introduced as local passenger traffic is heavy there. The long pending demand of construction of five overbridges at Rajendra Nagar, Raiti Mandi, Indore, near Mangliya, Chandrawatiganj, near Laxmibai Railway Station and at Kesarbagh Road should be fulfilled. SHRI ANURAG SHARMA: I would like to congratulate the hon. Railway Minister and the hon. Prime Minister especially for running Shramik Trains in my area. I requested for eight Shramik Trains during Corona Pandemic and those eight trains plied round the clock until 4.50 lakh people of my area reached their home in Uttar Pradesh. No major rail accident has occurred this year. The significant budget has been provided to Railways since the Modi Government came into power. 273 km third line between Jhansi and Mathura and also third line between Jhansi and Beena is being constructed. Doubling of 206 km between Jhansi and Kanpur railway line and 411 km of Jhansi-Manikpur-Bhimsen line works are being undertaken. One big project to set up a rail coach factory at the cost of 450 crore rupees was announced for my area and I am hopeful towards it. Doubling of Jhansi- Lucknow line is being undertaken. The railway crossing on Jhansi-Gwalior road, which is main route to Jhansi, remain closed often and the city faces traffic jam for one and half to two hours. It is therefore requested that construction of over bridge should be expedited. The Goods shed at the heart of the Jhansi should be shifted outside the city. The intercity Express from Jhansi should be extended to Lalitpur and it will become a big tourist place as it has many big Jain Temples. Deogarh is an old tourist place and it has many ancient temples. It will be very generous on your part if Dhaura Railway Station is named as Deogarh Railway Station. The headquarters of North Central Railway is situated in Prayagraj and Railway Training Centre is in Chandigarh, therefore, I request to shift training centre of North-Central Railway from Chandigarh to Jhansi. SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA: In this budget a provision of Rs. 1,01,000 crore has been made for Railways that ensures its modernisation and development. I thank you for setting up a training centre for officers and employees of Railways in my Parliamentary Constituency Ujjain. Ujjain-Fatehabad gauge conversion work has been completed. A special package should be provided for development of railway stations in adjacent districts of Ujjain railway station to facilitate crores of pilgrims coming in Simhastha Kumbha Mela. Indore-Puri Humsafar Express which was discontinued in Corona Pandemic period should be restored at the earliest. Ajmer-Rameshwaram Humsafar Express should also be restored. A new train from Ujjain to Chittorgarh via Nagda-Khachrod should be introduced. Stoppages of several trains at Nagda- Khachrod, Mahidpur Road and Aalot should be restored in Public interest. Stoppage to Rajdhani Express should also be restored. I support this budget. SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH: I support the demands for grants pertaining to Railways. Surat-Mahuva weekly Train No. 12945-46 should run daily. More than 900 Shramik trains transported stranded migrant workers from Surat to their destinations. Eight Sampark Kranti trains and twelve Duranto trains should be run on the lines of Rajdhani Express and August Kranti trains and all these trains should be provided stoppage at Surat World class station. Mumbai-Ahemdabad Shatabadi train should be extended up to Gandhinagar. A high speed Vande Bharat train should also be introduced for Gandhinagar via Ahemdabad. There is a railwy line from Kribhco plant to Kosad in Surat, which is used by Kribhco goods train once or twice a day. I demand that hourly a Memu train from Kosad to Olpad via Jahangira and Hazira should be introduced to facilitate villagers. Water vending machines are lying closed at Surat-Udhna, Vapi-Navsari railway stations for the last two months that should be made functional. Platform of Surat railway station is on first floor so escalator and lift facilities should be provided there. The problem of shortage of staff at Athvagate and Udhana Railway Reservation Counter should be resolved. Keem and Uttran railway stations under Vadodra Division should be upgraded. SHRI RAMESH CHANDRA MAJHI : There is no railway project in 7 districts out of 30 districts in Odisha. Nabrangpur and Malkangiri districts, situated in my Constituency Nabrangpur, are aspirational, naxal affected and tribal sub-plan areas. Railway projects are constructed where there is more than 14 percent rate of return. I request the Government to provide more grants for Jaipore-Nabrangpur and Jaipore-Malkangiri railway projects. SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH : This Rail Budget is socially and economically important. Special attention has been given on some important things during the last five years like not increasing the passenger fare, cleanliness, catering, help line number, new platforms and redevelopment of stations etc. Araria Lok Sabha Constituency, is situated on Bihar Nepal border and it is adjacent to West Bengal. There are only two trains for commuting to Delhi from here, one is Seemanchal Express and other is from Jogbani to Kolkata. I request the Hon. Minister to run the triweekly Jogbani- Kolkata train on regular basis and funds should be provided for Supaul to Araria and Araria to Galgalia line to complete the work on this line. The gauge conversion work of Saharsa – Farbisganj line should be taken up speedily. Amrapali Express should be run from Jogbani to Amritsar. There is no train for Patna, intercity express which starts at 5 in the morning should be originated from Jogbani. One new train should be introduced from Jogbani to Banaras. Jalalgarh to Kishanganj project should be started. Old projects like Supaul to Araria, Araria to Galgaria should be introduced immediately, doubling work from Katihar to Jogbani should be taken up and electrified lines should be made operational. Facility of pit line should be provided at Jogbani and Bathna points. DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR: I support the Rail Budget 2021-22 and thank the Government for providing good facility for the transportation of agricultural crops through Kisan Rail. Traders and farmers are being benefited by getting 50 percent grants on agricultural crops transporting through Railway. Passengers are being benefitted by the Rajdhani Express from Mumbai to Delhi which is running on daily basis now. Grapes and Onions are exported to Bangladesh at large scale from Dindori and Nasik districts. So I request the Government to provide special train or wagon for Bangladesh from Nasik. There are large number of pass-holders at Nangaon station of Nasik for travelling to Mumbai. Special trains are running due to COVID. Its stoppage should be given at Nangaon. Special new trains should be introduced from Nasik to Tirupati and Ajmer. DR. (PROF.) KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI: The works on first bullet train of India has started I appeal to Maharashtra Government to cooperate in this. I express my gratitude to hon. Minister of Railways and Hon. Prime Minister for introducing eight trains from various states and directions of the country to each Statue of Unity. The 51 kilometer long Patan to Bhiladi railway track was sought for years, this railway line has been laid, it should be made operational. Chanasma is my native place. Chanasma to Radhanpur is 65 kilometers. There is a railway line from Radhanpur to Kutch. This line should be connected. In north Gujarat, there was a railway line from Kadi to Katosan and Kalol, it should be connected. Rajdhani train had a stoppage at Sabarmati Railway Station which was discontinued due to Corona it should be restored. The work of an over bridge at Kalol is lying pending it should be expedited. A direct train from Patan to Mumbai should be introduced. DR. JAI SIDHESHWAR SHIVACHARYA SWAMIJI : A major step has been taken to strengthen the life of farmers by introducing Kisan Rail from Sangola, district Solapur to Shalimar, West Bengal. A stoppage of Mumbai- Hyderabad bullet train should be given at Solapur. Till date there is only one train from Solapur to Delhi therefore a new train should be introduced from Solapur to Delhi. The distance of Solapur to Mumbai is about 440 Kilometers on which only train Siddheshwar Express runs. A Vande Bharat train should be introduced on this route. Akkalkot railway station falls after Solapur and Hudgi. A stoppage of Basava Express train should be given at Akkalkot railway station. A goods shed situated next to a small Tikkarwali station adjacent to Solapur should be converted into a terminal. SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI: Railways is the third largest network in the world. Dozens of new railway line projects have been pending for years which includes Sitamarhi to Bapudham Motihari via Sheohar railway line project of my Constituency. My demand is that approval should be accorded to the project of LC 56 of the year 2013-14 of East Central Railway Zone under my Parliamentary Constituency regarding construction of ROB between Barsoni- Sitamarhi which is pending in the absence of administrative approval from the Railway Board. ROB or Underpass should be constructed in the public interest near eastern railway crossing 12C of Ghorasahan Adarsh Railway Station which is located in the main market. Stoppage of express trains should be ensured at Ghorasahan and Reega railway stations located at Darbhanga-Sitamarhi-Narkatiaganj railway section of my Constituency. Sitamarhi should be developed from the point of view of tourism. It should be ensured that train no. 02557/02558 Saptakranti Express, 03419/03420 Jansewa Express, train no. 05215/05216, train no. 01061/62 Pawan Express and train no. 02565/02566 Bihar Sampark Kranti Express run via Sitamarhi. Automatic washing plants should be installed at Sitamarhi and Reega. SHRI RAMCHARAN BOHRA: I rise to speak in favour of Demand for Grants of the Ministry of Railways. Announcement has been made to introduce Kisan Rail Sewa in the Union Budget 2020-21. I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Minister of Railways towards some of my demands. In the previous railway budget provision of 950 crore rupees was made for doubling of Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur railway line . However, the work of doubling of railway line has not yet been started . The work of doubling of the said railway line should be started at the earliest. There is a need to construct ROB and RUB at gate no. 73 in Kalyanpura between Durgapura-Sanganer considering heavy passenger traffic and in view of the fact that it is situated in the midst of the city. The width and height of railway underpass no. 74 at Jaipur Diggi Malpura Road should be increased to facilitate the people. Boundary walls have been constructed along the railway lines in several places in the city however it has not been constructed at some places due to which the movement of animals cause accidents and those places have become accident prone area. There is a need to construct boundary wall at those places also. Sanganer is famous worldwide for its dyeing and printing work. However Sanganer station is undeveloped. There is a need to upgrade this station so that stoppage of express trains can be provided at this station. It will benefit the traders of this area. There is a need to make provision of escalators, lifts and shelter at platforms of Jagatpura, Khatipura, Sanganer, Kanakpura, Dhehar and Balaji Station. There is a need for second entry at Sanganer. DMU and EMU trains should be introduced in Jaipur. A direct train should be introduced from Jaipur to Shirdi. The facility of double decker train, which used to run between Jaipur and Delhi and the services of which was discontinued due to Corona, should be restored to facilitate the people of that area. A fast train ‗Vande Bharat Express‘ should be introduced between Jaipur and Delhi. If Mandor Express which runs between Jodhpur and Delhi is named after Veer Tejaji, it will boost the morale of people of western Rajasthan. Provision of rail coach maintainance was made in the previous Budget however it has not yet commenced. Hence, I request to start the same. ** ** ** **

UTPAL KUMAR SINGH Secretary General

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