LOK SABHA ___

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

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 / Vaisakha 1, 1937 (Saka) ______

SUBMISSIONS BY MEMBERS

(i) Re: Reported alleged communal statement made by a member of Rajya

Sabha against the muslim community.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH) responding to the issue raised by several hon. Members said: We all know that the constitution of India has given right to equality to all its citizens. It does not allow anybody to indulge in any type of discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, race or religion. This Government can never endorse any act of discrimination at any cost.

(ii) Re: Need to investigate into the alleged custodial killing of five persons of

muslim community in Telangana on 7April, 2015.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI RAJNATH SINGH) responding to the issue raised by several hon. Members said: I have with me some information about the matter raised by the hon. Members, but I have sought complete information in this regard from the State Government. After report is

received from the State Government I shall share it with the hon. Member, and if

required I shall also share it with the august House.

*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

(i) SHRI NANA PATOLE laid a statement regarding need to improve public

health care services in the country.

(ii) SHRI PRAHLAD SINGH PATEL laid a statement regarding need to take

steps for proper rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir.

(iii) SHRI C. R. CHAUDHARY laid a statement regarding need to undertake

research to augment production of female bovine population through

artificial insemination in the country.

(iv) SHRI SATYAPAL SINGH laid a statement regarding need to provide

financial assistance to farmers who suffered loss of crops due to unseasonal

rains and hailstorms in particularly in Sambhal Parliamentary

Constituency.

(v) SHRI P.C. MOHAN laid a statement regarding need to frame strong

guidelines to check bank frauds in the country.

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Chair. (vi) SHRI TAMRADHWAJ SAHU laid a statement regarding need to provide

financial subsidy to vegetable growers for irrigation in Chhattisgarh.

(vii) SHRI V. ELUMALAI laid a statement regarding need to take suitable

measures for expeditious repair of National Highway No.66 between

Tindivanam and Krishnagiri in .

(viii) SHRI A. ANWHAR RAAJHAA laid a statement regarding need to probe

the issue of killings of red-sanders cutters in Andhra Pradesh.

(ix) SHRI ARKA KESHARI DEO laid a statement regarding need to take

suitable measures for rehabilitation and compensation to the families whose

land has been acquired for Indra Medium Irrigation Project in Nuapada

district of Odisha.

(x) SHRI BADRUDDIN AJMAL laid a statement regarding need to start

construction of Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge over river Brahmaputra.

(xi) SHRI RAJESH RANJAN laid a statement regarding need to take steps for

expediting setting up of proposed electric rail engine factory at Madhepura,

Bihar.

(xii) SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA laid a statement regarding need to

create a monitoring body for effective implementation of National Electric

Mobility Mission Plan. (xiii) ADV. JOICE GEORGE laid a statement regarding need to review Dr. K.

Kasturirangan Report on Western Ghats.

BUDGET (RAILWAYS) 2015-2016

DEMAND FOR GRANTS (RAILWAYS) 2015-2016

SHRI RAJEEV SATAV initiating said : This budget has disappointed

common people. While presenting the Budget for 2014-15 the then Railway

Minister had said that Railways carry 23 million passengers every day. Now

present Railway Minister has mentioned in his Rail Budget that the Railways carry

21 million passengers every day. Is it the affect of good services of the Railways

that 2 million passengers were compelled to discontinue their journey by trains. In

his Railway Budget for 2014-15 the then Railway Minister had stated that the

Railway have 1.16 lakh kilometer Railway track. But now the present Railway

Minister has claimed that the Railways have 1.14 lakh kilometers Railway track in

its possession. There is decline of 2 million passengers in 10 months but I fail to

understand how 2000 kilometers of Railway track are missing in this period. The

Government must explain it. The Railway fare has not been brought down. It has

been rather raised. The Government talk about bullet trains. Here I would like to

know from the Government whether it has any plan to take care of security of the

passengers. The Government has talked both about manned and unmanned Railway crossing. For this purpose amount of Rs. 800 crore was provided during the year 2011-12. But this year only Rs.350 crore has been allocated for this. Such a meager amount cannot complete this work even in next four years. For the sake of over bridges and under bridges the Government has allocated half of the amount allocated earlier for this purpose. The report of the standing committee was presented in the house yesterday. A serious disclosure has been made in the report that the is in debt trap. On the one hand the Indian Railways is sliding into insolvency, on the other hand the Government talk about introducing bullet trains. My humble request is that the security of common person should not be compromised.

SHRI SURESH C. ANGADI: Previous governments had not managed the

Railways well. Hence this situation. People of this country are ready to pay more but they want timely service. In our neighbouring countries, the trains are running at a speed of 300 kilometres per hour but our trains are running at a speed of 30 to

40 kilometres. We have to work together for the development of the country. If the previous Governments had thought about it, some employment could have been created for our youth. The previous Governments used to do only 'ghoshna'. The vision of our Prime Minister is that the Railways should serve the poorest of the poor. Only then the country can prosper and develop. Now what are the priorities before us? These are: quality of journey, station re-development, capacity augmentation, safety, technology upgradation, partnership for the development, improvement of the management and processes of the system, resource mobilization, energy sustainability and transparency. When there was a Bhartiya

Janata Party Government in Karnataka the then Chief Minister, had given 50 per cent contribution. Instead of throwing mud at each other, we have to work together. The farmers should also get the benefit of the Railways. The hon.

Railway Minster has allocated a sum of Rs.8,50,000 crore in the Budget. The present Railway Minister has sanctioned two ROBs for my constituency in

Belgaum. Now power has been decentralised and it has been given to the

Divisional Manager. Railways are for the poorest of the poor people. Railways should make the concerned Member of Parliament of the area the Chairman for each district. The Railways authorities are functioning as though they are still under the British rule.

SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN: Even while participating in the discussion on Railway Budget, I had pointed out to the needs and pending projects pertaining to my constituency, Madurai. Unfortunately, I do not find allocation of adequate funds for both the ongoing and new projects. I want to sound a word of caution regarding the borrowings have gone up from 23.9 per cent to 40.6 per cent.

We must not walk into a debt trap. The Railways fail to carry out projects even when State Governments like the Government of Tamil Nadu are coming forward to fund pending projects like the road under bridge in Kolathupalayam in Karur at a cost of Rs. 6.70 crore and in Pasupathypalayam at a cost of Rs. 6.50 crore. The

Government of Tamil Nadu had already released its share of funds from its limited resources. Similarly, Pudhukolathupalayam Road Under Bridge between Karur-

Salem Section is also delayed for want of estimate from the Railways. I urge upon the Ministry of Railways to expedite the completion of all pending projects in

Tamil Nadu in a time bound manner. We have already expressed our disappointment over no announcement of new train services. There is a need to enhance the railway infrastructure in and around Madurai. To convert all trains connecting and Madurai as Super Fast trains. There is also a demand for introducing a Duranto Express at least twice a week between Madurai and

Chennai. There is a need to improve or to upgrade Koodalnagar Station as a satellite railway terminal. Doubling of Chennai - Kanyakumari line must be taken up on priority. Our persistent demand for Chennai - Thoothukudi freight corridor is also pending with the Railways. Right from the days of the colonial era, the

Southern Railways have always earned more revenue for the Railways. In order to save foreign exchange and bridge the fiscal deficit, the Railways must make use of full potential of the ICF, Perambur . An additional train between Madurai and

Bengaluru may be introduced with a First AC coach. I would like to bring to your notice about the construction of the already sanctioned new line between Chinna Salem and Kallakurichi as part of Cuddalore - - Salem gauge conversion project. The Government of Tamil Nadu, has already released 50 per cent of share of which Rs. 64.5 crore is exclusively meant for China Salem and

Kallakurichi new line project.

DR. ANUPAM HAZRA : This Time the speech given by the Minister of

Railways was full of flowery words and some catchy words, like PPP, acche din, etc. Wi-Fi and bullet trains can wait till we get our toilets in trains cleaned, ensure security of the passengers, reduce the number of accidents and run the trains on time. Quality of services matter more than the superfluous modernization. No new train was announced. Fare hike cannot be the sole source of revenue for the

Railways. The Railways needs to be more imaginative in finding solution of its problems and attracting investment. has totally been ignored.

Thankfully this Railway Budget has not hiked the price or fares. Yet the hike on freight is anyway going to impact the people in general. With the decrease in diesel prices six to seven times in the last one year, it was expected that the fare should have been reduced.

SHRI BALBHADRA MAJHI: One thing which is beyond my comprehension is that why railway has not sanctioned those lines which can be economically viable and beneficial to railways. There are six economically viable projects in Odisha namely Raigada-Ambaguda having ROR of 14.78 per cent Theruvalli-Gaunpur with 14 per cent, Bargarh-Nowapura road with 18 per cent,

Rajargarh-Khurda road with 19 per cent and Talcher-Anugul with 32 per cent.

There is a need to attach additional coaches in various trains. It is also needed to introduce Duranto train from Bhubaneswar to Mumbai, Puri to Jodhpur,

Bhubneshwar to Pune, Bhubaneshwar to and Puri to Surat. It is my humble request that daily Rajdhani train should be introduced from Bhubaneshwar to via Sambhalpur. Trains from Vishakhapatnam-Allahabad, Titlagarh to

Bhubaneshwar, Kyonjhar to Howrah, Badbill to Vishakhapatnam, Rourkela to

Delhi and Bhubaneshwar-Chandigarh-Kalka should be introduced. There is a need to run second intercity train between Puri-Tata, Bhubaneshwar-Tata-Brahmapur,

Jaipur-Bhubaneshwar via Kota, Parlakhmadi to Bhubaneshwar, Brahmapur to

Howrah, Raigarh to Bhubaneshwar and Bhubaneshwar to Rourkela. Similarly, a express train is also needed between Brahmapur to Rourkela via Kyonjhar and

Baspani. A passenger train between Puri and Badbil, Raigarh and Bolangir and a express train between Jagdalpur to , Brahmapur to Puri should be introduced. A direct train from Jagdalpur to Delhi should be introduced.

Frequency of Puri-Bhubaneshwar-Shirdi train should be increased and a train should be introduced between Bhawani, Patna to Bhubaneshwar via Sambhalpur.

A train should be introduced between Puri and Bhopal via Jhansugura and

Baripada-Bhubaneshwar. It is our demand that Pantry car facilities should be provided in long distance running train such as Bhubaneshwar-Kurla express

(12145-12146), Puri-Tirupati Express (17479-17480), Bhubaneshwar-

Secundarabad Vishakha express (17015-17016), Puri-Surat express (12743-

127344), Puri-Kamakhya express (15643-15644) and Puri-Patna Baidyanathdham express (18449-18450). It would be very convenient if EMU train services are introduced at Bhubaneshwar-Cuttack- Bhubaneshwar, Bhubaneshwar-Khurda-

Puri, Bhubaneshwar-Khurdaroad-Brahmapaur, Bhubaneshwar-Dhenkanal,

Cuttack-Paradweep routes. Vishakhapatnam-Nizamuddin Samta express should be run daily. Frequency of Puri-Ahamedabad express which runs via Sambalpur on a single day and via Vijaynagaram on four days should be increased to four days and five days respectively. Kurla express originating from Bhubaneshwar should be run on four days a week. Puri-Howrah express services should be made by-weekly and Bhubaneshwar-Howrah Janshatabdi should be run daily.

DR. RAVINDRA BABU: I have been specifically pressing for one

Konaseema Railway line which runs parallel to the East Coast Railway for various valuable and reasonable considerations. This railway line would be commercially viable. This Konaseema area is very beautiful and scenic and it can also improve eco-tourism in that area. It will also be an alternative route to the East Coast

Railway line. This Konaseema area being the hub of the KG Basin, all the oil companies like ONGC, Oil India Limited, Cairn Energy, GHPC, Reliance etc. have their drilling operations there. These companies are very keen to invest in the

PPP model and also CSR. Especially my suggestion would be that in any long- distance train travelling more than 1000 kilometres, free food and water may be provided to the passengers travelling in the third-class compartments, second-class compartments, unreserved compartments. After bifurcation length of railway line in the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh is only 3500 kms. Konaseema line will add at least 300 to 400 kilometres in addition to the existing railway line.

Konaseema line is very much required for economic development of the area.

SHRI P.R. SUNDARAM : In the financial year 2014-15 Central budget,

2014-15 many railways project funds were announced for Tamil Nadu but remain without any improvement. Our beloved leader Puratchi Thalaivi Amma met our

Hon'ble Prime Minister on June 2014 and gave a memorandum regarding railway needs in Tamil Nadu. Out of these requests made by our Amma Chennai-

Kanyakumari two way broad gauge line, Avadi-Gooduwancheri, Avadi-Tiruvallur-

Ennore Railway line works have been initiated by the Southern Railway. But sufficient funds have not been allotted to carry out the works. Hon'ble Railway

Ministe may consider my request and take necessary steps to complete the laying of new approach Road to link Namakkal Railway station. Railway route from

Salem junction to Karur be soon made double line track. I also request Hon'ble

Minister to take necessary action to electrify this railway route. The Chennai express running from Chennai to Salem may be extended up to Namakkal. The passenger train running from Salem to Karur may be extended up to Tiruchirapalli.

A computerized reservation counter may be set up in Rasipuram Railway Station to benefit general public.

SHRI V. ELUMALAI: I recall that this year's budget mentions about the increasing of the speed of passenger trains which may help us to go for optimum utilisation and introduction of more trains. Safety and security of the rail travel is to be taken care of with the use of modern technologies. Our visionary leader,

Amma has referred to certain aspects of this year's budget like the need to go in for

Special Purpose Vehicle. I hope the Railway Minister would include all the ten projects like doubling of line between Chennai and Kanyakumari and high speed passenger train links between Chennai and Kanyakumari, Madurai and

Coimbatore, Coimbatore and Chennai. I urge upon the Railway Minister to take up the project linking the coastal area along the East Coast side between Chennai and

Tuticorin via. Puducherry, Cuddalore, Karaikkal, Nagapattinam, ,

Devakottai, Thiruvadanai, Thondi, Devipattinam, , Kizhakrai,

Sayalkudi.

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT: Konkan Railway is a corporation but it should be under the administrative control of Indian railways. But unfortunately whatever provisions should be made by the Konkan railways in the interest of consumers have not been materialized so far. Due to single track passengers commuting between Panwel and Roha have to wait for more than 2 hours at railway crossings. It is our demand that concerned administration should be advised to replace those rail tracks which have been declared risky by Rail

Safety Commission. It is my humble request that a meeting of representatives of this area should be convened and complaints of passengers should be addressed therein. There should be special train for the passengers travelling between

Maharashtra to Goa. I urge upon that private investors should be invited through

Indian Railways for the pending project of doubling of Konkan Railways.

Similarly, electrification is also a major issue which needs to be addressed immediately. Electrification work between Rohas to Madgao should be taken up in the first stage. Port connectivity is essential for Konkan Railway to make it profitable. It is my humble request to sanction the proposal regarding Mangalore

Port connectivity.

SHRI C.R. CHAUDHARY: I should congratulate the Hon. Railway

Minister Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu and our Hon. Prime Minister Narendra

Modiji for giving the country a forward-looking , pragmatic and strategy-oriented, budget with an innovative approach. It is a revolutionary budget for the holistic developments of the Bharatiya Rail. Hon'ble Railway Minister has rightly sought the partnership with key stakeholders to make the Bharatiya Rail a better transport system in the country. Including state as rightful partner reflects the spirit of cooperative federalism. Minister presents umpteen opportunities for the private sectors to look for economically viability ventures in their investments. Minister has attached priority to ''Safety'' component by allocating nearly 1.27 lakh crore by the end of Financial Year 2019. Towards enhancing speed of the Trains, the

Budget plans for investing 65,000 crore and for the passenger amenities it plans to invest nearly 12,500 crore. Budget has proposed to have best ever operating ratio for operational and business efficiency. The Minister himself has committed himself to adhere to highest level of transparency and accountability in the

Railways Governance. Our Minister declared profoundly his decision of delegating

''Tender Approving Power'' to general managers. This will cut precious time within the system and will act against centralisation of authority. In sync with

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Railways will undertake Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat.

Bio-toilets are being fitted in coaches. The Budget has proposed an all India 24*7 helpline to provide real time information to customers on its arrival and departures.

Under the ''Operation Five Minutes'', now each customer will get tickets, and they do not have to wait longer period to get a ticket. The elimination of warrants will help soldiers to travel. The Digital India Initiatives would be helpful to install Wi-

Fi in all A1, A and B category stations. The commissioning of Udhampur-Katra was like a dream come true and so also efforts being made to provide rail connectivity between Jammu Region to Kashmir Vally through the Banihal

Tunnel. Arunachal Pradesh to Delhi train is now also a reality. I congratulate the government for taking necessary initiatives to make bullet trains and high speed train as a reality.

SHRI KESINENI SRINIVAS: It is a practical and pragmatic budget instead of dwelling on populism. The four goals, of cleanliness, safety, modernization of infrastructure and making the railways financially self sustainable, are most appropriate and well conceived. Overall, the Railway Budget

2015-16 has laid down a road map for the future with clear timelines and an overarching vision to make the Railways financially self-sustainable. It plans to expand and modernize overall infrastructure capacity to cater to the needs of the

Indian economy changing gears to a high growth trajectory. Many specific areas have been indentified for augmentation of network capacity and to achieve these physical outputs, Union Minister has been able to put together an innovative financial strategy including financing through market borrowings, tapping of pension/insurance fund, setting up of infrastructural fund and monetizing assets rather than selling them out. Vijayawada being the central hub of activities in the newly formed AP state, it would have been a boon if the assurance of special

Railway Zone in the AP re-organisation Act been announced besides taking necessary action to provide rolling stock. DR. BOORA NARSAIAH GOUD: I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister that there are other projects in the Telangana region, which require considerable budget. I will take this opportunity to invite Hon'ble Minister to lay the foundation stone for Manoharabad-Kothapally Rail line take note of

Bhadrachalam-Kovvuru project and increase the allotment. I would request the hon. Minister to expedite the process of further allotment for Macherla-Nalgonda railway line as 7,500 ulra mega thermal power project is coming there. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to take note of Bhadrachalam-Sathupally railway line project and Akkannapet-Medak project and increase the allotment. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to increase the allotment for Kazipet-

Balharshah railway line. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to give more allotment to Secundrabad-Mahboob nagar doubling project. I would request him to allot a Railway University to Secunderabad. Similarly, a Railway Medical

College is the need of the hour. There is a long pending demand to sanction a

Railway Zone at Kazipet. I would request the hon. Minister to take note of it.

Similarly, a wagon factory was almost sanctioned 10 years back but no mention of any allotment in the Budget. Doubling of the line between Bibinagar and Nadkudi needs immediate attention. Sufficient funds should be allotted for this project. I request the recruitment of 'C' and 'D' category posts must be done at the zonal or at the State level. I request him to concentrate more on safety of the Railways. SHRI K. ASHOK KUMAR: I appreciate the Hon'ble Minister for taking the new initiatives for better functioning and performance of the Indian Railways.

At the same time, the Railway Minister has totally ignored the welfare of Southern

Railway and Tamil Nadu people. A new line survey from Tiruppattur to

Krishnagiri may be extended up to Hosur from Krishnagiri. Some infrastructure facilities may be provided in Rayakkotta Railway Station. The total of 20 express trains are passing through Rayakkotta Railway Station, but no train is stopping there. The frequency of the train service may be increased from Rayakotta Station.

The frequency of train service between Hosur to Bangaluru may be increased.

Railway line between Baiyappanahalli to Omalur may be converted in to electric one. The Hosur-Omalur single railway line may be converted into double/dual line.

The stop/halt of West-Coast Express be given at Samalpatti Railway Station and the Platform No. 1 in Samalpatti Railway Station should be extended. The service of train No. 6620 (Salem-Katpadi) may be extended up to Tiruppati. I request the

Hon'ble Railway Minister to take necessary efforts to increase the financial assistance to those who are died and injured persons in the train accidents.

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB: I would say there is an urgent need to evolve a National Policy of the Indian Railway which should be the guiding force for the railway network; irrespective of the Government in power. The

Railway have to reinvent itself as a vehicle of social engineering and sustainable development and as an organisation with a social responsibility. It is not merely a commercial entity with a profit motive. We are aware that World Bank and JICA have already been tied up for the Eastern and Western Corridors for the dedicated freight corridor yet Odisha does not figure in the list though large number of freight traffic is there in Odisha. One is aware that 65 percent of the revenue of the

Railways comes from freight earnings. There is a need to enhance freight traffic volumes and highest priority be given to the Dedicated Freight Corridor Project so that on its completion, the carrying capacity of the Railways as well as earning could be progressively increase. I must mention here that ther is an attempt to carve out a new zone for newly state of Andhra Pradesh by diving South Central

Railway Zone.

SHRI JOSE K. MANI: Indian Railway is the life line of the nation. The maximum passenger traffic and probably the maximum revenue for Railway in

Kerala is in Ernakulam - Kayamkulam sector via Kottayam. All the long distance trains, either terminals in Ernakulam or Tiruvantpuram enroute via Alleppy.

Solution for this is only by starting a coaching terminal at kottayam. Kottayam is the Hub of Centre Kerala commonly known as Hub of Centre Travancore. I request the Government to declare Kottayam Railway Station as world class station and t he same may be upgraded. We request you to take up this Sabri Rail Project as Special National Project and expedite. I would like to bring to your kind notice of long pending demand mainly Kollam-Kottayam passenger. I request to extend this train to Ernakulam which will be beneficial to hundreds of passengers and also as we cannot have any more new trains because of overload on the tracks.

SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN: Railway Ministry has to consider the critical analysis of the Standing Committee with regard to the functioning of the Indian

Railways. Better passenger amenities and safety should be given the highest priority in the Railways. The Railways should not compromise the safety side just to reduce the number of workers and to curtail the expenditure. The Government has a large number of enquiry reports on which are still pending. So, in order to avoid accidents in future, such reports have to be studied and also be given due importance. Safety of the passenger is another big concern of the Railways. Even the women passengers are attacked. Theft is also another common crime in

Railway. The Railways should recruit more RPF personnel and make a better coordination with the State police. Introduction of CCTVs in compartments and in the Railway Stations should also be installed to find out the culprits and avoid such attacks. The Government has introduced a cost sharing system in which States like

Kerala finds it difficult due to their financial difficulties. So, the proportion of 50 per cent for the completion of the projects should be waived. I request that the frequency of the Sampark Kranti and must be increased for two days. I appreciate the decision taken by the Government to start a passenger train from Bandiyur to Kasargod. But it should be extend the train to Kannur or

Guruvayoor. In two districts of Kerala, Malapuram and Kasaragod, the headquarters have no stoppages for the Rajdhani Express. These two districts have to be covered.

SHRI RABINDRA KUMAR JENA: It is important to note that the bulk of the Budgetary Planning for the Ministry of Railways this Union Budget of 2015-16 has been dependant on the expectation of revenue from increased FDI in Railways, and sufficient private capital being infused into the system. This Budget has made a targeted operating ratio for 2015-16 at 88.5% against 91.8% in 2014-15, heralding it best in the last 9 years, one must be cautious about the plausibility of such a target. Having said that, improving its operating ratio should be one of the most important targets for the Railways in order to improve their financial health and I sincerely hope that this Budget stands up to its promise. It is also significant that new work has been sanctioned for Digha-Jaleswar, Rupsa-Baripada, Balasore-

Ranital and the Kharagpur-Bhandrak lines. All of this will amount to better connectivity in Balasore and North Odisha in general, connecting it better to the rest of the country and especially to the neighbouring states of West Bengal and

Jharkhand. Balasore, the main station of my constituency, also a ''completed''

Adarsh station by Government records, still has no exclusive reservation counters for Women, Senior Citizen & Physically Handicapped. The Nilagiri station also doesn't have adequate drinking water and lighting facilities or an adequate passenger shed yet. I support the Standing Committee's recommendation that there should be a National Policy for Railways.

KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE : Railways are the growth engine of

India's development. I am representing Udupi and Chickmanglur districts. Udupi district is the birth place of Sri Madwacharya, origin of syndicate and corporation

Bank, well know for Sri Krishna Mutt and premier higher educational institutions.

Chickmanglur district is ''Origin of Coffee'' in India. World famous Shringeri

Sharadamba Temple established by Jagadguru Sri Shankaracharya Swamiji and many other Hindu and Jain pilgrimage centres. I request Hon'ble Railway Minister to speed up the railway work from Chickmagalur - Belur - Sakaleshpur. We suggest to take up the survey for the new railway line from Belur - Hassan, which will be help for the people of this region to reach the Bangalore by shortest route.

Establishment of Mangalore Division will provide more facilities and benefits to the passengers and goods traffic and will boost the economic and social development of the entire west-coast area. I, urge the Railway Ministry to take immediate decisions to establish Mangalore Division under the control of Konkan

Railway.

SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN: I am wholeheartedly supporting the

Demands for Grants of Railway. I want to draw an attention to the Hon'ble Railway Minister towards the long pending demand for my Constituency i.e.

Kheda in Gujarat State. There is long pending demand of gauge conversion and extension or rail project of Nadiad-Mahudha Modasa-Shamley Udaipur Rail Line.

If this project is completed, it will be more helpful to the people of area as well as more revenue collection for railway also. I would request to allocate amount for this project in this Rail Budget, 2014.

SHRI NISHIKANT DUBEY: The Indian Railways (IR) has played a crucial role in the social, political and economic life of the country. IR's transportation network has helped greatly in weaving India into a nation. IR's role in times of war or natural calamities has also been commendable. It is because of all these reasons that IR is one of the foremost institutions of the country today. As the growth of the country's economy accelerates, the supply of all transportation services will also have to accelerate accordingly. India being a large continental economy the role of Indian Railways in providing such competitive services will be a critical part of the solution to India's infrastructure needs.

SHRI K. PARASURAMAN : Under the able guidance of our Hon'ble

Makkalin Muthalvar Puratchithalaivi Amma, I express my sincere thanks on behalf of Thanjavur Constituency people and myself. Railway projects have recently accepted by the Government and sanctioned fiscal allocation during the Railway Budget 2015-16. It is not enough for the lakh of people all around India who will be attended the Kumbakonam Mahamaham Festival.

SHRI Y. V. SUBBA REDDY: Railways need to be professionally- managed, and for that you need professionals in all areas of its operation and maintenance. Indian Railways is a largest transport network and has tremendous revenue-generating capacity. All vacant posts at various levels should be filled up, particularly, loco-pilots. Any short fall in trained manpower will compromise with safety of the passengers. There is need for coordinated crime-fighting effort by the

Railway Protection Force. It is a welcome initiative to install surveillance cameras on a pilot basis in select coaches and ladies compartments. Cleanliness in the

Railway stations, trains, platform, etc. are most important. The Ministry should prescribe time limit for completing the pending projects? The Reorganised State of

Andhra Pradesh had high expectations from the Railway Budget as rail connectivity is vital for the development of the State. We request the Government to provide sufficient funds so that the long-pending projects in Andhra Pradesh could be started. It would be appreciated if a new railway zone in Andhra Pradesh is created into which Waltair Division should be merged. The Government needs to address the issues to make the Railways a good transport service for the general public. SHRIMATI BIJOYA CHAKRAVARTY: I must congratulate the hon.

Minister who has taken pains to see that every village is connected with the railway network so that poor people can get the advantage of railway travel. All the stations in Assam, except the Guwahati Railway Station, are very dirty and they should be taken care of. At the time of floods, the culverts under the railway lines are very narrow, they cannot carry the excess rainwater and as a result, they have flooded the adjoining areas. I would request the hon. Minister to take care of it and renovate all the culverts under the railway lines. Our hon. Minister has promised that the Lumding-Badarpur railway line will be completed within this year itself.

Bogibeel project would be completed clearly. My second demand is that they should increase the frequency of goods trains and the long-distance trains between

Dibrugarh and Delhi or Dibrugarh and Bengaluru or Dibrugarh and Pune. I would urge the hon. Minister that a special Recruitment Zone for the North Eastern

Region should be created on the lines of the Army and that of the Ministry of

Home Affairs so that the people of the North Eastern Region may get jobs.

Electrification of the railways is very necessary. I would urge the hon. Minister to introduce doubling of tracks up to Dibrugarh. He should also electrify the trains early. After Partition, lots of Hindu refugees came to Assam and settled on the railway land. They were given permission to settle there. But without rhyme or reason they have been evicted. I urge the hon. Minister to ensure that such practice is stopped and that they are given settlement.

SHRI BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA : Funds may be provided immediately for doubling of important rail route viz. Jhansi, Manikpur and Banda

Kanpur rail line passing through my parliamentary constituency. Chitrakoot express which is terminating at Kanpur may be extended to and Udaipur

Khajuraho Express may be extended to Chitrakoot Dham. Chitrakoot Dham may be included in pilgrimage circuit and a new train may be started connecting all the pilgrimages. Number of General coaches may be increased for General passengers.

SHRI JAI PRAKASH NARAYAN YADAV: Two railway budgets have been presented. The people of the country had high expectations from the railway budget that they will have something new for passengers, security and safety, women, youths, labourers, workers, new industries and factories. However, the people were greatly disappointed by both rail the budgets. There is a need to focus on the development of Bihar. There was a proposal for East corridor and West corridor. However, the work has not yet started. Freight charges has been raised.

People go to railway stations to facilitate their old and disabled parents but the price of platform ticket has also been increased. India does not need bullet train.

Rather, India needs trains with all necessary passenger amenities. The date for inauguration of Munger Ganga rail bridge should be fixed. There is a need for an intercity train in Banka including second AC coaches.

SHRI PREM SINGH CHANDUMAJRA: I welcome and congratulate

Hon. Railway Minister for presenting a good railway budget. The people of

Punjab as well as the people of whole country were demanding to connect Sri

Anandpur Saheb to Akal Takaht Saheb Golden Temple. However, nobody listened to it. Hon. Railway Minister acceded to this demand within one month of presentation of railway budget. There is a missing link of 20 km between Mauhali and Rajprat and if rail line is laid on this stretch then people of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan would be greatly benefited. On this very route there is another 25 km missing link for Khanna. Hon. Railway Minister on the martyrdom day of

Shaheed Bhagat Singh has directed to renovate Khadag Kala railway station, which happens to be his birth place. The RoB were at Nangal, Miranda and karoli should be completed early.

SHRI DUSHYANT CHAUTALA: The railway junction of Hissar in my

Parliamentary Constituency is more than 110 years old. There is great hype about

Swachh Bharat Abhiyan but there is no facility for safe drinking water and toilet over there. The Government should make effort to create residential infrastructure at the historical railway station of Hissar. Besides, other basic amenities should be provided there. Three trains namely Ekta Express, Kalandi Express and Bhiwani- Mathura halts at Bhiwani junction for more than 10 hours, therefore, they should be extended upto Hissar via Sirsa. This will improve the rail connectivity in the state of Haryana. Four additional bogies need to be added to Kisan Express. The

Bhatinda-Delhi Shatabdi, which started in the last year, should be extended upto

Bhatinda via Rewari, Bhiwani, Hissar and Sirsa. The Hissar Dhuri train needs to be extended upto Haridwar and the Hissar-Amritsar train should also be extended upto Jammu. The work on the Rohtak-Maham-Hasi railway line should be completed with immediate effect and Hissar-Agrohi-Fatehbad-Sirsa railway line also need to be completed. Besides, Hasi-Jind and Uklana-Narvana rail lines are also need to be completed. Suryanagar in Hissar is located with railway lines on its both sides and about 9 to 10 thousand population live on either side of these two rail lines. So, the Government is requested to construct an under pass there.

An RoB on National Highway No. 65 was approved but it has not been completed as yet. In the last rail budget the Government had stressed that there would be separate bogies for transportation of milk. Large quantity of milk and vegetables are brought to Delhi from Haryana. So, There is a need for a separate train for this purpose.

SHRI NARANBHAI BHIKHABHAI KACHHADIA: I would request that the sanctioned amount for Dhasa-Jetalsar Conversion Project should be released to Bhavnagar division at the earliest. As surat is a Diamond city and Mumbai is a commercial city, lakhs of people travel for trade purposes on this route but only a single train Mahuva-Surat express runs on this route that too once a week. I would like to request the Hon'ble Minister that this train should be operated daily and up to Mumbai at the earliest in public interest. Reserve work for gauge conversion work of Khijdiya-Amreli-Dhari-Visavdar, Junagarh line has been completed. I would like to request that funds should be sanctioned for this work/ project in the present budget.

SHRIMATI JAYSHREEBEN PATEL : There are some valid demands for Railway facilities for the people of my constituency. I would request that steps may be taken in this direction. Mehsana-Taranga is an old meter gauge line. In the year 2011 Railway Budget, Rs. 192 crore had been sanctioned but no progress has been made in this direction. We have been demanding the construction of a new

Railway line for years from Taranga to Ambaji, Khedbrahma, Abu road, as OBC people and Tribal people live there and they have been deprived from railway facility. I would request that this railway line work should be approved at the earliest. I demand that Valsad-Ahmedabad (Quin) which has a stoppage at

Ahmedabad should be extended up to Mehsana-Palanur. All the state capitals have been given Trains and Rajdhani Trains only, Gandhi-Nagar

Gujarat has been devoid of this train facility. Construction of two over-bridges has become essential keeping in view the future traffic problem under Railway corridor in Gopinala of Mehsana city and Bhammireeva Nalah. New Railway intercity

Express should be run between Ahmedabad-Palanpur-Ahmedabad. A survey work has been started for broadguage conversion from Ahmedabad to Kalol, Kati,

Kartosan Bahuchraji, Ranuj and Ambaliason-Vijapur metergauge line. This work should be completed at the earliest.

SHRI RAVINDRA KUMAR RAY: The state of Jharkhand occupied an important place even before independence. Our certain necessities and priorities have increased after it became a separate state. I, therefore, request that train facilities should be increased in keeping view the importance of our state. A

Duranto express train from Ranchi to Delhi should be introduced to provide train connectivity to the people of the state. A Graib Rath train should be introduced from the capital of the state to Dhanbad and similarly. Train service should be extended for South India. The Hon. Prime Minister had inaugurated a new rail line between Kodarma and Hazaribagh. But, the rail line for Hazaribagh to Kodarma,

Kodarma to Girdhi and Hazaribagh to Ranchi have been left out. There is a need for a new rail line connecting these places. Kodarma has become the last station on the Bihar border after Jharkhand came in existence. Thousands of passengers commute between Kodarma and Ranchi daily. Therefore, an EMU train needs to be introduced on a daily basis for the benefit of these passengers. The Howrah bound bogie from Girdhi should be attached to Lal Qila express in place Danapur express. The name of Hazaribagh road should be renamed as Saria so as to keep intact the identity of the people of that area.

*DR. KIRIT P. SOLANKI:

SHRI DHARAM VIRA GANDHI: My parliamentary constituency Patiala is about half of the entire Punjab and is also known as Malwa has been facing the problem of railway connectivity since a very long time. People are facing problems daily due to non-availability of train services. We will have to make efforts to provide people train facility. On the other hand people are waiting for decades for good train services like Premium trains. I would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to provide people better train services. But, at the same time, we cannot neglect the difficulties faced by people. There are many areas which have been deprived of train services for decades. A Jan Shatabdi should be introduced from Delhi to Bhatinda via Patiala. We have been demanding for this train for this last 10-15 years. With the introduction of this train, about 1.5 crore people would get benefited. There is a stretch of only 20 km from Rajkara to

Chandigarh and if this stretch is connected with rail link then Chandigarh and scores of districts of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan would be directly linked with train services.

* Please see Supplement SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA: For first time a railway budget has been presented keeping in view the entire country. The pending projects have been given a priority in this budget. I request the hon. Railway Minister to expedite the work on rail line between Lalitpur to Singrauli. There are very few trains from

Delhi to Satna and Rewa. A train plies from Rewa to Delhi and if this train is extended upto Railway station, passengers like us would get benefited.

There is shortage of avenues of employment in my area. People go to Mumbai in search of employment and there is no direct connectivity for Mumbai from Rewa and Sidhi. A passenger train should be introduced between Rewa to Mumbai. A

AC coach manufacturing unit should be set up at Rewa and a new rail line should constructed between Mirzapur to Rewa via Hanumana to ensure the development of entire area there.

SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN: The Standing Committee on Railways have conducted a close scrutiny on the proposals of the Railway Budget and submitted its Report yesterday. Two issues are involved in the Report of the

Standing Committee. One pertains to the policy issue. As far as the policy matter is concerned, I do accept the observation made by the Standing Committee. The first proposal they have made is that it should be an organisation having societal obligations to fulfill the aspirations of the people of this country. I do accept this proposal but as per the recommendation of the Committee, the railways have not succeeded in it. I would like to suggest that the Indian Railways should be an organization with societal obligations, but subject to commercial viability. Then, number two is regarding the fiscal position Sixteen Demands have been submitted to this House for voting. Out of the 16 Demands, we have to examine whether we are able to mobilize the resources so as to meet the Demands. In the plan outlay, it has been described as Rs.1,11,000 crore which is 52 per cent excess than that of the Revised Estimates of the last year. Out of this 41.6 per cent is the Budgetary support and 17.68 per cent is the internal resources. The rest of the 40.6 per cent of the resources have to come from the External Budgetary Resources. 65 per cent of the Railways' earnings are from the freight traffic. Coming to the Standing

Committee's Report, I would like to say that this House has to be very serious in respect of the Standing Committee's Report. As per the recommendation given by the Committee at page 63, there are two points. One, the Railways is going to be in a big debt trap, if the proposals are being accepted. The other point is about passenger traffic earnings as well as freight traffic earnings. It is about the projections made by the hon. Minister. It is there in page 4 of the Report. The

Railway Ministry is anticipating an enhancement of internal resources by means of the passenger traffic earnings. But as per the recommendation of the Committee the figures projected by the hon. Minister in this august House are unrealistic on this count. Regarding freight traffic also. The targets set by the Minister are also unrealistic as this committee accepts. As far as internal resources, external borrowings, freight traffic and passenger traffic are concerned, everything is unrealistic. It is quite unfortunate that this Report has not come to the light of this

House so far. That is why, I am mentioning it. The last point is about operating ratio. I is said that operating ratio will be brought down from 91.8 per cent to 88.5 per cent. As per the Report submitted by the Standing Committee, the hon.

Minister's statement in respect of the operating ratio in 2013-14 is wrong; in 2014-

15 is wrong, and the target of 2015-16 cannot be achieved. This is the Report on which I would like to seek a specific clarification from the Government as to whether the Government is approving this Report or denying this Report. If this

Report is being accepted, definitely the Budget proposals would be a hallo.

SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI: Railway Budget has tried to make Railway more comfortable, hi-tech and smooth. Need of the hour is to review the previous ambitious schemes of Railways and remove the obstacles coming in their completion. My suggestion is that in place of Railway ticket booking and seat allocation on random basis, it should be reserved for women on priority basis. I would also like to make a suggestion that 43 thousand hectares of land belonging to Railways is lying vacant that should be brought under commercial use to increase revenue of Railways. New Railway line project from Mothihari to

Sitamarhi via Sheohar is lying pending for the last eight years. It should be completed at the earliest to facilitate the people of this most backward district of

Bihar. Stoppage should be provided to weekly express trains at Ghorasahan railway station on Samastipur-Narkatiyaganj rail section. Construction of underbridge between Karpuri Chowk and Ambedkar Chowk in Ghorasahan city is essential. New trains should be introduced from Bagha, Narkatiyaganj, Betia and

Bapudham Motihari to South Bihar and Jharkhand. Chauri-Chaura Express train plying between Kanpur and Gorakhpur should be extended upto Bapudham,

Motihari. The weekly train Bapudham Motihari Garib Rath should run daily.

DR. KULMANI SAMAL : Odisha is a poor state but it has lot of resources for development. During the last five years, large investment in the steel, aluminum and power sectors have taken place in the state. The density of rail routes should be increased especially in the tribal belts that are enriched with natural resources. More funds should be granted for implementation of rail linking projects in the State. Government should provide funds to expedite the process for completion of the incomplete lying Railway projects in the State.

Odisha is famous for Jagannath Dham in Puri and its religious and spiritual sanctity. Special trains should be introduced alongwith expansion of railway infrastructure to facilitate pilgrims. Bhubaneswar and Puri station should be developed as world class Railway Stations. SHRI S.R. VIJAYA KUMAR: High priority routes to Chennai should be included in Diamond Quadrilateral High Speed Rail Network. The Railways should allocate more funds through proposed infrastructure financial mechanism to the large number of pending projects in Tamil Nadu which have been held up for want of funds. Unfortunately, there is no mention about any new projects or taking up of earlier announced pending projects in general and Tamil Nadu in particular.

We fervently hope that a review would be taken up and adequate funds would be provided for completion of the 22 pending projects and taking up of the 10 new projects.

The three railway projects - the Chennai-Thoothukudi freight corridor,

Chennai-Madurai-Kanniyakumari high speed passenger link, Coimbatore-Madurai high speed passenger link, which are included in the Vision 2023 document may be implemented through the proposed Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) mode.

Atleast one project may be sanctioned immediately. The Chennai Mass Rapid

Transit system with the Rail should be favourably and speedily considered. Royapuram should be developed as the third Railway Terminal of

Chennai alongwith the Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore immediately.

SHRI A. ANWHAR RAAJHAA : New Trains from to

Mysore Mangalore, Chennai Central, Nagore, Palani, Salem and Madurai may be started. Further, extension of following Train services upto Rameswaram in both directions may be given: Manamadurai-Chennai-Manamadurai silmpu Exp.,

Madurai Hazarath Nizamudeen (New Delhi)-Madurai Sampark Kranthi Exp.,

Madurai Kurla Exp., Madurai-Chennai-Madurai Vaigai Exp., Madurai-Chennai-

Madurai Pandian Super Fast Exp. and Madurai-Chennai central-Madurai (Duranto

Exp.) .

Change of Timings of Chennai-Rameswaram Exp from Chennai Egmore at

19.40 hrs, Rameswaram-Madurai passenger train from Rameswaram at 11.00 am,

Madurai - Rameswaram Exp from Madurai at 12.30 am and Rameswaram -

Madurai passenger train from Rameswaram at 17.40 hrs may be affected.

Rameswaram-Trichy-Rameswaram Night passenger Train, Rameswaram-

Madurai Morning passenger Train and Madurai-Rameswaram Evening passenger trains may be reintroduced in broad guage line.

My request for stoppage of following trains may be considered:

Rameswaram-Chennai-Rameswaram Express and Rameswaram-Chennai-

Rameswaram at Uchipuli and Rameswaram -Bhuvaneswar Express,

Rameswaram - Varanasi Express, Bhuvaneswar- Rameswaram Express and

Varanasi - Rameswaram Express at Ramanathpuram and Railway

Stations.

SHRI NITYANAND RAI: Work on the projects and schemes could also be completed with a low budget if there are no scams and bungling. If there is transparency, the bigger projects could also be definitely completed if we have meager budget for the purpose. The Indian railways is the backbone of development and progress and it is also the mainstay of our Indian economy. The

Rail Budget has provided many important projects for Bihar. The adequate allocation of funds for Hajipur-Subouli rail line is one of the measures taken under it. There are several projects which will not only result in progress of Bihar but will also carry the country on the path of progress. Darsinghsarai railway station in district Samastipur is one of the major railway stations and a trade centre.

Amrapali express, Purvanchal express and Ranchi-Jainagar express should be given stoppage here. Vidhyapati railway station of the East-Central railways should be developed into a model station and Jan Seva express should be given stoppage here. A new railway line between Karpuri gram of Madhepura railway to

Patepur, Mahua, Hajipur should be sanctioned. Gareeb Nawaj Express and

Chandigarh-Dibrugarh express given a stoppage at Shahpur Patori railway station.

A railway yard should be developed at Lagunia railway station on Hajipur-

Bachuwara railway line. Mahddinagar railway station should be named after late

Shri Baliram Bhagat.

SHRI VIJAY KUMAR HANSDAK: Maximum rail facilities should be provided to Jharkhand State as it provides 40 per cent of the revenue to railways.

Pakud railway station should be upgraded. A railway overbridge should be constructed at Tinpahad. The survey work of Jasidih-Pirpaity railway line should be completed. There is a need to bring a qualitative as well as quantitative change in the rail facilities being provided to Jharkhand which contributes a lot to the revenue of the railways.

SHRI D.K. SURESH : I would like to express my view on the demands for grants on Railway for the year 2015-16 and would also like to point out that as far as National Highways are concerned the union government is spending 100% fund on its own. Similarly the railway ministry also take the steps to spend 100% cost from the railway department and state government are not asked to share the cost of construction of Railway projects as the land is provided by the state government with free of cost. The entire country including my Karnataka has been suffering from natural calamities. However, during the same period more than a dozen new railway lines were announced in the various railway budgets but till date not a single project is completed. In the current railway budget the hon'ble Railway

Minister has not announced any new railway lines for Karnataka state. On the other hand he has not allocated sufficient funds for completion of the existing railway projects. There is a need to strengthen the existing railway tracks, construction of Railway Over Bridges, Railway Under Bridges and Barricades in strategic places. I would like to suggest that in Ramanagara town the railway authorities should take steps to restore the LC gate 37 and 38 and gradually a Railway under pass and ROB should be constructed. Manning of Level Crossing

No. 24 on Bangalore-Mysore railway line from 5 PM to 7AM should be done as this is a very convenient road to establish connectivity from interior parts of Bidadi

Hobli and Thavarekere Hobli. Consider a stoppage at Maruru Handpost in Magadi

Taluk for the newly proposed Bangalore-Hassan railway line and construct a station at Maruru Handpost. I demand to the Government to give an urgent priority to construction of a railway Over Bridge near Kollapuradamma Temple in

Kunigal. I would like to suggest the hon'ble minister to issue directions to Railway authorities to look all the aspects while designing the railway project at Kunigal checkpost so that no farmer and agriculture is affected in the name of railway project. I do hope the minister will not privatize it through any back door.

SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI : I express my gratitude to the Government for granting the approval to install barriers along the railway crossings including broad gauge rail line and request to include following works in the Rail Budget:

The Lucknow-Pilibhit rail line via Lakhimpur and Mailani-Bahraich rail line should be converted into broad gauge; a new rail line connecting Palia station via

Nighasan-Thakerva, Sisaiya to Mitthi Purva railway station should be laid; Century express train should be plied between Lucknow to Tikunia; a new train each from

Bareilly and Lucknow should be started upto Tikunia; the time by which the laying of broad gauge line is completed a new Shatabdi Express train from Delhi to

Sitapur (via Shahjahanpur) should be started.

SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH: I am confident that this budget will achieve positive results and railways would be able to augment its services and facilities. A MoU has been signed for the development of the Surat railway station after which it will become the number one station in the country. I would like to express my gratitude to the Minister of Railways in this regard. The headquarters of western railways should be made in Ahmedabad. A DRM office should be set up at the Surat railway station. Surat-Mahua train should be run daily. Sampark Kranti should be given a stoppage in Surat. My Parliamentary

Constituency is very well developed from the view point of industrial development. Therefore Lokshakti express and Dehradun express should be given stoppage there. The work of constructing a FOB at Utran railway station has been sanctioned. It should be started at the earliest. A direct train service should be started between Somnath and the North India. A direct train service should be provided between Surat and West Bengal.

DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR : I would like to make certain demands while supporting the Demands for Grants for Railways. Lalitpur -Singrauli rail project should be extended to Chattarpur; Kahjuraho-Udaipur Express is a train that connects the tourist places and its stoppage should be provided at Orchha station as it will encourage tourism and increase revenue too. There is a need to provide the service of Passenger train Jhansi-Tikamgarh in the evening also; Bhopal Intercity

Express should be introduced from Tikamgarh. A Rail Coach factory should be set up at Chhattarpur to increase the employment opportunities in Bundelkhand. The setting up of Railway University and Training Centre at Tikamgarh like place will promote educational and industrial development. All Express trains should be provided stoppage at Niwari Station and all trains should be provided halt at

Dumra station. The Taj Express should be extended from Jhansi to international tourist place Khajuraho. A train similar to Shatabdi train should be introduced from

Delhi to Khajuraho and vice-versa. A railway ticket and reservation counter should be set up at Naogaon and Bijawar for convenience of passengers. A foot overbridge at platform No. 2 in Niwari and Harpalpur station should be constructed immediately. The shed length of Harpalpur station should be enhanced. The works of Khajuraho-Chhattarpur-Sagar-Bhopal Rail line should be started at the earliest.

Harpalpur-Naogaon-Chhatarpur rail line should be extended upto cantonmnent

Centre, Dhubela Museum of Maharaja Chhatrasal. The survey work of Jhansi,

Orchha, Prithvipur, Tikamgarh, Ghuwara, Shahdol, rail line should be expedited.

SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH: We all expected a great deal of announcements regarding new trains, new projects but the Minister disappointed us totally in the matter. But I expect that he hon. Minister would announce new trains and projects in his reply to the debate. Almost all the major States in India have a separate Railway Zone but Kerala is an exception. Hence I would request the hon.

Railway Minister to fulfill the long pending demand of the people of Kerala for setting up a separate Railway Zone in Kerala. An announcement was made in the previous Budget to set up a Rail Coach Factory in Palakkad and to set up a Rail

Wagon Factory in Cherthala. But both the projects are yet to start. I would, therefore, request the hon. Railway Minister to immediately start these two projects, which are very important as far as Kerala is concerned. The Report submitted by the Sreedharan Committee should be implemented immediately so that the processes and procedures in the Railways can be decentralized and vibrancy can be brought in. Among the higher officers of the Railway, there is no officer belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe category there.

Therefore, I would like to request Minister to seriously consider about the representation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes officials in the Railway

Board as well as the General Managers and Divisional Managers. Chengannur

Railway Station should be declared as a pilgrim station and it may be upgraded to the international standards. A Rajdhani express from New Delhi to Trivandrum via Kerala express route should be started. I would like to request hon. Minister for an early completion of gauge conversion work from Punalur to Shenkottai. SHRI C. GOPALAKRISHNAN: The Southern Railway is the most earning railway in the country. But facilities are not provided well in the Southern

Railway, I request the Minister to introduce a new train from Chennai to

Mettupalayam. I also request the hon. Minister to introduce summer special trains from Chennai to Coimbatore, Madurai, Thirunelveli and Kanyakumari from April to June. The railway hospitals, particularly in Tamil Nadu are in pathetic condition. The facilities in these hospitals should be increased. I appeal to the

Railways to connect Mettupalayam with Chennai via Sathyamangalam,

Gopichettipalayam, Cithod and Erode to fulfil the genuine demand of the people of the western Tamil Nadu. Construction of two road-under-bridges, one

Kolathupalayam and another at Pasupathypalayam, has been pending for more should be completed.

SHRIMATI KRISHNA RAJ : I would like to draw the attention of the

Hon'ble Railway Minister towards some main problems. Indian Railways will have to face several challenges with the development of economy, for the solution of which there will be a need for strengthening the freight sector. The capacity of factories for manufacturing goods wagons and passenger wagons will required to be increased. In this context the vacant land of Railway may be utilised for the construction of University/College, Community Centre so that Railway can get additional revenue and better opportunities of employment can be created after providing training.

In Moradabad circle out of 27 railway routes, there is a urgent need of over- bridge at Tilhar crossing to Nigohi route; Katra to Khudaganj crossing and Jamuhi

Nigouna route at NH 24. Besides an underbridge/Overbridge may be constructed at the crossing of Banthara Indian Oil depot. I congratulate the Hon'ble Railway

Minister for sanctioning Roja Sitapur kent Budhwal double line in my constituency and also sanctioning Rs. 12870 crore for 330 kilometre long railway route of

Gwalior Shahjahanpur. Along with this, I also request the Government to sanction the amount after the complete survey of Farukhabad to Mailani line.

I request that martyrs memorial in the memory of the hero of Kakori Kand, the freedom fighter Thakur Roshan Singh, Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil and Ashfak

Ullah Khan whose motherland is district Shahajahanpur may be constructed at hundreds acre land of Railway lying vacant, which will increase tourism in the country and also revenue of Railways.

SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL : Anoop Garh to Bikaner New Railway

Line should be included in the forthcoming Railway's Development

Announcement. It is the recommendation of Army also.

DR. MAMTAZ SANGHAMITRA: The hon. Minister has shown many green gardens to us like bullet train, PPP model, model platforms, and other facilities but scientific approach and feasibility of such dreams should be considered. Plans are okay but we find that Indian Railways is on the verge of runnung out of funds. To make plans feasible, we need an increase and improvement in tracks. Eastern Zone is thickly populated and all people are coming in for public transport. It needs new tracks or parallel tracks. Further, if possible, double-decker trains should be introduced. The freight corridors are the most important thing because when these freight corridors are developed, it will help in speeding up the work on other tracks. Another point is about medical tourism. International passengers can be charged a little bit more so that patients from intra-state and international countries can travel safely. Low cost monthly passes for the poor people, especially for the vendors should again be introduced.

In Tatkal, there is no facility for senior citizens which should be introduced now.

SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANMEGOWDA: I congratulate the Hon'ble Railway

Minister for having announced doubling of Tumkur-Arasikere railway line in

Karnataka which is 96 km. in length. But, unfortunately, very meager amount of

Rs. 22 crores is earmarked for this year 2015-16. This is a very important railway line. Lot of trains are running in between and it connects very important places in

Karnataka. I urge upon the Hon'ble Railway Minister to provide more funds to enable this doubling work. So far as the doubling work of Tumkur-Arasikere railway line is concerned, lot of railway properties are encroached upon by the land grabbers. The Railway Ministry should initiate action as a pilot project to regain the properties which are under the unauthorized occupation of land grabbers. The

Hon'ble Railway Minister has also continued the new railway line proposed between Tumkur-Davangere via Chitradurga and Tumkur-Rayadurga in

Karnataka. The amount earmarked for these new railway lines is also considerably less. Hence, I urge upon the Hon'ble Railway Minister to provide more funds to enable completion of these new railway lines. The amount given for ROBs and

RUBs in Tumkur Parliamentary Constituency is also not sufficient. I request the

Hon'ble Railway Minister to consider these ROBs and RUBs also.

SHRI R.K. BHARATHI MOHAN: In Mayiladuthurai parliamentary constituency, railway line between Mayiladuthurai junction is now fit for laying broad gauge lines. It is just twenty nine kilometers. No huge financial allotment is required for this. Further, Karaikal is only ten kilo meters from Tharangampadi.

Later the lines may be extended up to Karaikal after land acquisition. I therefore request that the demand for converting Mayiladuthurai to Tharangampadi meter gauge railway line into broad gauge may kindly be considered on a priority basis.

SHRI ARVIND SAWANT: The first train in India ran between

Boribunder and Thane. The man behind this train service was Nana Shankar Seth but he has found no place in its history. I request the hon. Minister to name the station after him to pay respect to him. SHRI B. N. CHANDRAPPA: I am sorry to say that the Railway Minister has not reduced the passenger fares despite the fact that the global oil prices have come down drastically. with regard to Chitradurga-Bengaluru railway line, there is a need to expedite the work. I request the hon. Railway Minister to provide entire project costs to states for completion of railway projects. Indian Railways is a symbol of national integration. I hope the Minister will not privatize it. Passenger security in railways should be increased.

SHRI THANGSO BAITE: The Railway line construction between Jiri -

Imphal is nearly 100 kms, that started in 2006 but till date even 50% of it has not been completed. I am not objecting to the Railway Ministry to introduce rails of different categories, namely Bullet Train, Super Fast AC Trains, and Luxury

Trains. It is however felt that some States are looking for rail connections. I request the Railway Ministry to allocate funds and rail facilities at least in equal proportions.

SUNIL KUMAR SINGH: Railways have gone far behind for some time.

Its basic infrastructure has not developed as expected. After independence India has laid down only 11000 kms. rail line and in comparison to this China has laid down 80,000 kms. rail line. It's development is almost negligible in Border areas, north eastern states and in backward regions. Out of 676 declared schemes, only

317 has been completed since last 30 years. Rest 359 projects needs 1,82,000 crores of rupees for completion. The percentage of freight in 1967 was 65, which is only 30 percent at present. This time, the budget has raised a hope and confidence towards railway. There is a need to have a special focus in my

Parliamentary Constituency Chatra, because Barwadih-Chirimiri railway project is going on since last 85 years which has not been completed yet. This project will reduce the distance of about 400 kms. between Kolkata and Mumbai after completion. Former Minister of Railways D.V. Sadanand Gowda had announced for completion of Chatra-Gaya rail line within five years. He had announced for construction of Railway Over bridge (RoB) on railway crossing of National

Highway near Tori (Chandawa) station in the financial year 2015-16. I urge upon the government to implement all the said declarations and demands at the earliest.

SHRIMATI ANJU BALA: I suggest that the blankets provided in the trains should have cover so that they do not get dirty. The Member of Parliament should have the permission to check kitchen in trains and the ticket should have complaint number printed on it. The passenger who travel without reservation should get ticket in five minutes. Mobile phone charging facility in general passenger coaches, better quality bedding or disposable bedding, stairs for easy access to upper berths, more passenger friendly doors for boarding in coaches, provision of food as per passenger's choice, SMS alert to passenger about arrival and departure of trains, initiation of Toll free helpline, provision of Wi-Fi at 'B' category station, provision of self operated lockers, online booking for wheelchair for disabled persons on payment basis. Cleanliness inside the train and increasing number of Green toilets are extra-ordinary things. The provision of rail over bridge at Sandila and Balamau should be included in this budget. The platform in

Mallawah needs to be upgraded immediately. The Bilhaur Railway station under district Kanpur should be upgraded and declared as 'B' category station.

Nauchandi Express and Mughalsarai Express passing Balamau should have a stoppage Balamau. Similarly Jammu Tawi Express running from Kanpur to

Jammu and Amritsar Express running from Kanpur to Amritsar should have stoppage at Madhoganj. One more passenger train should be introduced on Kanpur to Sitapur via Mallawan route. The Express train running from Kanpur to Delhi via

Mallawan Sitapur should be re-initiated. Water facility should be provided in

Lucknow Mail running from New Delhi to Lucknow and A.C. Express.

SHRI BIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: Jharkhand is the only state among the eastern states which is still deprived of adequate Rail facilities. Keeping in view this fact I would like to request to fulfill certain long pending demands of

Jharkhand particularly with regard to Jamshedpur. A new superfast Train service should be introduced between Tatanagar and Jaipur and Purushotam Express should be extended upto Jaipur and its stoppage should be provided at Ghatshila. A direct train service should be introduced from Tatanagar in Jharkhand to Jainagar in Bihar. Boarding should be permitted in Dhuranto Express at Tatanagar railway station. Shirdi Sai Express should be made run on biweekly basis. Work pertaining to Kandra Namkum railway line should be taken up immediately. Train running between Tata and Yashwantpur should be made run on 4 days a week basis. An

Inter city premium train between Tata and Patna should be introduced.

Construction work pertaining to ROBs between Badagovindpur and

Chotagovindpur, Barigoda and Gadhda should be taken up immediately.

SHRI P. R. SENTHILNATHAN: On behalf of the people of my

Sivaganga Constituency, let me place on record in this august House the requirements of rail passengers. may be operated as a daily train.

Both at Ariyakudi Railway gate and Pudhuvayal junction road-over-bridges or a subways must be constructed. Pallavan Express needs to be increased up to

Manamadurai. Rameswaram-Coimbatore Express train may be operated daily.

Karaikudi - Pattukottai - Thiruvarur broad -gauge conversion work should be geared up to ensure speedy completion. Kamban Express which is not in operation now may be made operational through Tiruchi as a daily train. The weekly Express train between Pondicherry and Kanyakumari may be operated as a daily train. The

Devakottai Railway Station must be provided with proper lighting facility.

Manamadurai Railway junction and Pudhukottai Railwary Station must be provided with escalator. The railway platform at Chettinadu Railway Station has to be raised to the level of the last footstep of the trains. A daily express train may please be introduced between Rameswaram to Mysore Via Trichy, Erode &

Bangalore. The frequency of Puduchery - Kanyakumari Express and Coimbatore -

Rameswaram Express Train may be increased to make them daily trains.

SHRI E. T. MOHAMMAD BASHEER: We can be proud of Indian

Railways. However we have to evolve a time frame for the implementation of all the Committee recommendations. Railway development should be regionally balanced. I have a few suggestions such as explore new revenue models, Optimum utilization of unutilized Railway land for income generating projects. Railway safety still a problem. Khanna Committee or Kakotkar Committee says that the collective action to be taken on Railway accident. Railways have to bear social service obligation of around Rs 25,000 crore every year and they have been meeting this cost of social service obligation through cross - subsidization. The

Ministry of Railways had approached the Ministry of Finance and that these costs be reimbursed to the Railways.

SHRIMATI JYOTI DHURVE: The perspective plan formulated for the development of Railways is certainly going to turn around its fortune. A comprehensive plan envisaging an investment to the tune of Rs. 8.5 lakh crore in the next 5 years has been prepared. A council named 'Kayakalp' has been set up for developing the innovative technology for Railways. This budget will also play a important role in realizing the objectives of 'Make in India' and 'Skill India'.

Provision for constructing new toilets on more Railway stations has been made by ensuring the participation of Railways in Clean India campaign. Increase budgetary allocation has been made for laying new railway tracks and augmenting the freight carrying capacity and also for installing escalators and lifts on the railway stations. A technology mission for Indian Railways has been set up with the joint efforts of the various Ministries. Madhya Pradesh has been continuously neglected for decades in the matter of Railways. I request that appropriate majors be taken for the development of railway projects in my Parliamentary constituency

Betul (Madhya Pradesh).

THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI SURESH PRABHU) replying said: Railways play a very key role in creating the type of infrastructure which in turn will create economic opportunities. The higher amount of investment that we make in Railways will actually spur the GDP growth. All the States have regional aspirations. This is the first time we have decided to make State specific Special

Purpose Vehicle a company in which only the State-related projects will be implemented. The Centre and States will take equity. Many Members have said including the Standing Committee Members that the Government should develop stations on private sector participation. I have also proposed to some of the State

Governments that we can develop the stations through this entity. Because we do not invest enough in the Railways, the profitability of Railways will constantly keep going down and the Railways ultimately will become a sick enterprise.

Investment can come from internal generation of resources. The Railways are suffering and we should not allow it to happen. There is a surgery that needs to be conducted and it cannot be delayed any more. As the Hon. Members know that we are already a very high debt country and we cannot afford to keep borrowing from finance budget. The current income of any time will not be enough to create and to service the type of assets that will be required. This time we decided consciously that we will put this money in a way that will increase the capacity of Railways and also be able to handle more debt. As far as the issue of revenue targets is concerned the Government have already said that it will bring about a revenue increase in the case of freight. The Government are already talking about increasing the augmenting capacity. In terms of our passengers we have already prepared a detailed deployment of coach stock from the production programme

2015-16. We said that we will have a Finance Cell and we have already set it. We have already set up the Kaya Kalp Council too which has two federations of the

Railways Union as Members. We have said in our Budget speech that we will process each and every recommendation of Dr. Kakodar Committee which was not appointed by us but by the previous Government. All the recommendations of

Kakodar Committee have been processed. It does not mean that all have been implemented but they have all been processed. With regard to the development of new stations, I have already mentioned in my Budget speech and we are going to the Cabinet to do that. A point was mentioned about new lines. This time we will really work on the completion of projects already announced. We will take doubling and will try to work in a way that we focus on completion rather than making announcements. The operating ratio has improved significantly this time.

About the timely completion of projects we have prepared a five year programme.

SBI capital market which is a subsidiary of State Bank of India is looking at each of these projects to find out how we will be able to get the funding for each of these projects. With regard to customer amenities. We have increased the amount significantly this time for it. We have increased the funding for the Development

Fund. Suburban Railway Transport System is very important. We need the participation of the State Governments and local municipal corporations in it. The

North-Eastern State are receiving top most priority from the Government of India.

All the State Capitals of the North-Eastern States are being connected by the

Railways. There was a question regarding Sambalpur line. We will definitely look into that. About the Palakkad Coach Factory, I would like to say that RFP was already issued. The Diamond Quadrilateral is under study. The Railways should be a national asset. We should try to work together to make sure that the Railways become profitable, financially viable, stable so that it can have the capacity to invest more. Then, we can take care of the States like Kerala and the North-

Eastern States more. And, to do that, we need investments.

All cut motions were put to vote and negatived.

All the Demands for Grants(Railways) were voted in full.

APPROPRIATION(RAILWAYS) NO. 2 BILL,2015

The Bill was passed

ANOOP MISHRA Secretary General

© 2015 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT NOTE: It is the verbatim Debates of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should be considered authoritative.

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