RAILWAY BUDGET 2005-2006, GENERAL DISCUSSION
DEMANDS FOR GRANTS ON ACCOUNTS 2005-2006, RAILWAYS
DEMANDS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS 2004-2005 – RAILWAYS – Contd.
MADAM CHAIRMAN: The House would now take up further discussion on the Railway Budget – 2005-06.
MADAM CHAIRMAN : Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions)* …
MADAM CHAIRMAN: This is not the way.
… (Interruptions)
MADAM CHAIRMAN: Please go to your seats.
… (Interruptions)
* Not Recorded.
SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU (BERHAMPUR): Madam Chairman, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to speak on the Railway Budget. I rise to support the Railway Budget presented by the hon. Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad, for the year 2005-06. As you know, Madam, Indian Railways is the largest network in the world. More than fourteen lakhs of people are employed in the Railways. The network of the Railways is spread throughout the country. It unites our people. It creates a bond of unity. There is a saying that railway network is the lifeline of our country, in which the spirit of the country”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s unity flows.
After its presentation, the Budget was appreciated by all sections of the country. I do not want to repeat those points on which my colleagues have already spoken. This Budget has kept in mind the objectives that have been made out in the National Common Minimum Programme of the United Progressive Alliance Government. As you know, Madam, this Budget has not increased the fares of passenger travel and freights. It has kept in mind the interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, war widows, widows of railway employees, students, freedom fighters and the common man as a whole. Among the several modes of transport, the common man always prefers the rail. So, keeping in view the National Minimum Programme of the UPA Government, the hon. Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad has given a very good Budget for the year 2005-06. I have already mentioned that I will not repeat the points made already by my colleagues. Everyday about two crores of people travel by train.
Without increasing the freight and fares, the hon. Minister has announced a lot of development works throughout the country regarding the Railways. I can say that with all humility.
I am now coming to my constituency, to my State. If I remember correctly, after Independence and during the British time, the constituency which I represent had only one line. The Howrah-Chennai line was the only line. There was nothing else apart from that. But I want to make one request. The hon. Minister is present here. Parlakhemundi Maharaj Krushnachandra Gajapathi Dev, who was the founder of the Orissa State, started construction of one narrow-gauge line from Naupada to Gunpur. Now, the broad-gauge work is going on.… (Interruptions) The work of conversion of that line into a broad-gauge line is going on. In the last Budget, they gave about Rs.15 crore for that. But in this year, it has come down to Rs.5 crore. So, I would request the hon. Minister to raise it to Rs.25 crore.… (Interruptions)
MADAM CHAIRMAN : Thank you. Now, conclude.
SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU : I have just started. I have taken only two minutes.… (Interruptions)
MADAM CHAIRMAN: There are so many Members to speak. You have already taken enough time. Please conclude.
SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU : I will take just a few minutes.
I thank the hon. Railway Minister for one thing. Even after about 58 years of Independence, South Orissa has not been directly connected to New Delhi. In this Budget, the Nizamuddin-Bhubaneshwar Hirakud Express has been extended up to Vishakapatnam by which South Orissa and the North Andhra people will have a direct connection to New Delhi. Further, the Tirupati-Puri service, which was a bi-weekly service, has been made a daily service. I thank the hon. Minister for that.
As far as other trains are concerned, a lot of trains have been extended and the frequency has been increased. So, I thank the hon. Railway Minister for that. I have a few more points to make. I will take one or two minutes only.
There is a long-standing demand from the South Orissa people, especially the daily passengers from Berhampur. They want one monthly season ticket to be given. That is, from Berhampur to Bhubaneshwar, one ticket should be given just like that of Bombay-Pune. They say that it is more than 150 kms. But from Bombay to Pune, though it is more than 150 kms., they give one direct ticket. But here, from Berhampur to Khurda Road and again from Khurda Road to Bhubaneshwar, it is not done. So, I would request the hon. Minister to kindly look into it.
I have some more demands. A passenger halt in Gopalpur Junction must be there. There should be improvement of the Railway Station in Chattarpur, the district headquarters. Then, the Railways have to shift the goods shed from Berhampur Railway Station to Jagannathpur which is only five kms. away. This is under the proposal stage now. So, I want this to be given effect to immediately.
Next, I come to the Faluknama Express. There is a lot of demand from the people of my area, from Chattarpur, which is the district headquarters. They want a halt of the Faluknama Express for two minutes.… (Interruptions)
MADAM CHAIRMAN : I think you have completed all your points.
SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU : I will take only one minute more.
There is a passenger train which runs from Palasa to Kurda Road now. Earlier, it was running from Palasa to Puri and the poor people from my area used to go to Puri by this train. As you know, Puri is the main dham of India and it is very famous in India. So, I would request the hon. Railway Minister to extend this passenger train from Kurda Road to Puri.
Then, a lot of people from my area, that is, Ganjam district of Orissa are working in Surat in Gujarat. There are two trains to Gujarat from Orissa now and they are now running from Puri to Ahmedabad and Puri to Okha respectively. At present these trains are running only for five-days-a-week. I would request the hon. Minister that the frequency of these two trains should be increased from five-days-a-week to all seven days of the week so that the people of my area are benefited.
I conclude now, because you are repeatedly giving bell and asking me to conclude. With these words, I support the Railway Budget for 2005-06 presented by Shri Lalu Prasad.
MADAM CHAIRMAN : Nothing will go on record except the speech of Shri Prabhunath Singh.
(Interruptions)* …
MADAM CHAIRMAN: Everything has been expunged. Please take your seat.
… (Interruptions)
* Not Recorded.
MADAM CHAIRMAN: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions)* … )
MADAM CHAIRMAN: Please take your seat.
… (Interruptions)
MADAM CHAIRMAN: This will not go on record.
(Interruptions)* …
* Not Recorded.
15.09 hrs.
(Mr. Deputy Speaker in the Chair)
MR. DEPUTY- SPEAKER: Shri E. Ponnuswamy. Please try to give only suggestions. I have got a vast list of speakers.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI E. PONNUSWAMY (CHIDAMBARAM) : Sir, I thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to participate in the discussion.
Five years back I had seen an adage in the Southern Railway premises, Chennai. It was written on the board which said: “We always accomplish what is possible immediately and we will try to accomplish to make the impossible possible one”. I was really moved by that adage. … (Interruptions)
I congratulate the hon. Minister of Railways for presenting a really praise-worthy, innovative, admirable and progressive Budget taking not only the consumers’ interest but also all round development of the Railways.
First of all, the hon. Minister has not hiked the passenger fare in spite of the unprecedented and all time high rise in the fuel price. He has also taken an initiative to bring back the traffic by not hiking any high freight charges which is simply laudable.
As the Indian Railways are the fourth largest railway network under a single management in the world, with the modest beginning in 1853 with just 35 kms., the Indian Railways have today grown to a national network of 63,221 route kms., moving on the average 1.5 million tonnes of freight and 14 million passengers per day. Out of total length of 63,221 route kms., 46,807 route kms have already been converted into broad gauge. Out of this, Tamil Nadu is having the largest length of metre gauge in India still to be attended to. I would however, like to make certain points regarding Tamil Nadu, particularly of my constituency. On the on-going projects, the Tamil Nadu has been given less than Rs. 400 crore this time though the net cost works out to more than Rs. 2,000 crore.
I would like to urge upon the Government and the hon. Minister of Railways to allocate more funds for Tamil Nadu for completion of the on-going projects.
Regarding new lines, 14 new lines have been announced out of which not even a single line has been included for Tamil Nadu. Regarding one line, which I have been requesting since 1999-2000, that is Tindivanam to Kanchipuram via Vandavasi be connected, the hon. Minister has now told that it has been taken up from Tiruvannamalai to Nagari via Tindivanam, Chengalpattu, Vandavasi and Arani. I would like to request the hon. Minister of Railways to take up the completion of the survey work because this is hanging on for the last 50 years. Now, it can be taken up as participating work project.
Regarding gauge conversion, in my constituency, gauge conversion of Cuddalore-Salem line has been taken up and completed upto Vridachalam. This year, up to Athur it has been taken up. I would like to request the hon. Minister to extend it up to Salem and complete it early. There is also a main line from Cuddalore to Tanjavur via my constituency, Chidambaram. I have requested the hon. Minister to take that also into account in this year’s Budget. I would request him to take that work also and complete it – it is in my constituency, Chidambaram – by converting that line into broad gauge.
Regarding delay of trains, I would like to tell my personal experience. I have been travelling by a train from Vridachalam to Chennai very often. I have never had the experience of reaching Chennai on time. I used to wait for hours. The hon. Minister of State for Railways belongs to my Party and I have apprised him also of this. He has taken certain measures. But still that train runs at enormous delays which can be avoided by early action.
In regard to safety measure, an amount of Rs. 3,645 crore has been allotted and it has to be judiciously spent taking all aspects of the safety measures into account. There are 1,262 train escort parties for the interest of the passengers, who are the RPF people. It has been jocularly said about them as to whether they are Railway Protection Force or ‘Railway Pilferage Force’ because there are a lot of things that are happening in connivance with the RPF people. The passengers are taken for a ride. I would request the hon. Minister of Railways to take necessary steps for safeguarding the interests of the passengers.
On reservation, there are a lot of bookstalls, refreshment stalls, telephone booths and other items that have been given on a certain percentage of reservation to the weaker sections. But there are people from the category of physically handicapped who are expecting these things and this aspect can also be taken into account and provisions can be made for that.
There is another important aspect regarding the waste land and reclamation of rails. The railway land which is just kept unused can be taken to reclaim for better use. As my colleague has mentioned, waste lands are not used and certain undesirable activities are going on like encroachment and other activities. Constructive steps can be taken up by the hon. Minister to use that properly for the advantage of the public.
I would like to point out that there is one Guruvayur-Chennai Express train running through my constituency. It does not have adequate compartments including AC compartment. I would request the hon. Minister of Railways to take steps to include at least two compartments – one AC 2-tier and one First AC – so that those people who are eligible, and who can afford can travel by these compartments.
Salem Division is our lifeline. Tamil Nadu has been fighting for this for decades. Recently also, in the last week, all the Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu have met our hon. Minister of Railways requesting him to bring back the Salem division to Tamil Nadu. Nine districts of Tamil Nadu and only one district of Kerala are included in the Palghat division. We are not against Kerala getting any concession or any comfortable provision.
We only want that the Salem Division should be given to us by making necessary modifications in the rules. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to see the reason behind such a request. The hon. Railway Minister should see the request of the Tamil Nadu people, and give back the Salem Division to them without any further delay.
I honestly feel that more funds should have been allocated for modernisation of all the Railway programmes, but the funds now allocated are not adequate for the same. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to ensure that more funds are allocated for modernisation of the Railways.
I would like to mention another point. A railway link line between the Central-Egmore Railway Stations has been sanctioned for a cost of about Rs. 92 crore, and Rs. 50 crore have now been allocated for it. The foundation stone for the said project has also been laid. I would urge upon our hon. Railway Minister to take immediate steps to complete this project so that the passengers are not put to further hardship.
With these words, I compliment the Railway Budget. I would once again congratulate the Railway Minister for putting teamwork to bring this noteworthy and admirable Railway Budget for the benefit of the people.
DR. BABU RAO MEDIYAM (BHADRACHALAM) : Sir, I thank you very much for allowing me to participate in the discussion on the Railway Budget 2005-06. First of all, I want to congratulate the Railway Ministry headed by Shri Lalu Prasadji for proposing pro-people budget. I feel this Budget is pro-people because (i) it does not propose to raise the passenger and freight charges; (ii) has taken effective measures to reduce accidents, (iii) has introduced 46 new trains, extended 26 trains to further destinations, increased the frequency of ten trains; (iv) given concessions to unemployed youth who are attending the State Government interviews, for those students who are undertaking educational tours, farmers, milk vendors for attending training and seminars. It is pro-people because it has given concession for carrying dead bodies. It has proposed some national projects like Kumarghat to Agartala and Jiribam to Imphal Road, Silchar to Jiribam gauge conversion, Udampur-Srinagar-Baramulla sector, etc. It is pro-people because it has introduced the information technology into various systems of customer services. It has also proposed to introduce Integrated Railway Modernisation Plan for New Delhi to Howrah and New Delhi to Chennai sectors. It has proposed to introduce Metro and MMTS in major cities in India including Hyderabad.
Now I want to focus on some of the anti-people measures of this Budget. Our Railways are growing fast in terms of number of passengers, transportation, and freight. It is also extending to the interior parts of the country. But one thing which is not increasing is the manpower. For example, in the last Budget 30329 regular employees were reduced. If we see the figures for the last five years, the number of employees is increasing by about 44,000 per year. Though the Railways is one of the best public sector industry, it is not providing jobs to the job-seekers. Moreover, this decrease is more drastic in Groups ‘C’ and ‘D’ employees.
It is also pointed out that there is a huge backlog in the category of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees. They were not given proper chances in the recruitment also.
Now, I want to focus on two more issues. Day-by-day, Railways are going towards privatisation and liberalisation. This trend may eat away the pro-people image of this Budget. It has went to the extent of privatising the catering systems by creating Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited. We all know that the catering system was introduced during the period of Lal Bahadur Shastri. But during Laluji’s period, smaller things like running rooms are being privatised, with the result, so many people are losing their jobs. The Pantry Cars are being privatised. A new concept of food plazas is being introduced in the Railways. In the last budget, Laluji introduced earthen pot for supplying tea and coffee. But on the other hand, in this Budget it is proposed that 50 Stations will have food plazas which would not be able to cater to our food culture and habits.
The second point that I wish to make is that the construction of tracks and buildings by the Railways is being privatised. Day by day it is being noticed that the Railways are procuring even the small things that are needed for its modernisation from outside.
Sir, I wish to mention something about safety in the Railways. The Departmental analysis in the Railways has shown that 62 per cent of railway accidents are owing to derailment; 29 per cent of the accidents are owing to unsafe level-crossing; 4 per cent of the accidents are due to collision and 3 per cent are owing to miscellaneous reasons. But to my surprise I find that only anti-collision devices have been introduced in the Railways to strengthen the safety system. When it has been analysed that 91 per cent of the accidents in the Railways occur due to derailment and unsafe level-crossings, the Ministry is proposing to tackle only 4 per cent of accidents by putting in place the anti-collision devices. I am not against introduction of anti-collision devices in the Railways. But it is a very irrational approach. When 91 per cent of accidents in the Railways are taking place because of derailment and unsafe level crossing, the Railways are spending lots of money to tackle only 4 per cent of accidents by introducing anti-collision devices. I would like to urge upon the Ministry to stop such kind of meaningless expenditure.
Moreover, the inspection system of the Railways has also become very unscientific. Earlier, there were periodic checks and inspection of both passenger and goods trains after a train has travelled some 400 to 500 kilometres. But now trains are inspected only after it has travelled a distance of around 2,000 kilometres. Such irregular checks and inspections make the trains more prone to accidents. Presently, up to a limit of 2000 kilometres, there is no inspection of trains. This is also one of the causes for the increasing number accidents in the Railways.
Sir, in regard to the working hours of the Group `C’ and Group `D’ employees in the Railways I would like to submit that there is an eight hour working norm in our country. But employees in the Railways are working for about 12 to 14 hours. They are given overtime for this. The internationally accepted norm for running staff is six hours. But in the Railways, they are working for about ten hours. I would like to request the Ministry to negotiate this matter with the trade unions in the Railways. There are trade unions in the Railways but they are rarely consulted on matters of improving the railway system in the country.
Sir, the State of Andhra Pradesh covers two zones – the South Central Zone and the East Coast Zone. In the previous year, both the zones together contributed about Rs. 3324 crore to the Railways. But the allotment made to the State in this Budget is a meagre Rs. 340 crore. I feel that it is a very irrational allocation. There must be a zone-wise policy that the zones that are contributing much to the revenue to the Railways should at least get 50 per cent of their contribution as allocation in the Budget. The State of Andhra Pradesh is contributing much by way of revenue to the Railways but are getting less in comparison to its contribution.
Sir, I am happy that seven new trains have been proposed to be introduced for the State of Andhra Pradesh. But at the same time I would like to submit that many new proposals have not been taken up. Recently, the hon. Minister of State for Railways, Shri Velu, had opened a new track between Kakinada and Kotipalli. But it is of no use to the local people unless this line is extended up to Narasapuram via Amalapuram. We all know that now Amalapuram is the base of ONGC activity. Now, this railway route that is being proposed to Narasapuram will help this ONGC activity to gather momentum.
Sir, some of the surveys have been completed and updated in my constituency, namely, Bhadrachalam. It is the abode of Lord Sri Rama. It is an interior place in Andhra Pradesh and it is not getting railway connectivity since long. There was a survey conducted and updated last year between Kovvur and Bhadrachalam. There is another route from Pandurangapuram to Sarapaka. But this line has also not been allocated any funds.
Sir, I would like to request the Railway Ministry to allot some funds to these projects in my constituency in this Budget.
16.00 hrs.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You have spoken for more than ten minutes. Please conclude.
2MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You have already spoken for more than 15 minutes. Please conclude now.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Ram Kripal Yadav, please conclude now. There are some more speakers from your party. Do you not want to save time for them?
SHRI RAM KRIPAL YADAV (PATNA): …*
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Whatever he said will not go on record.
* Not Recorded.
SHRI BRAJA KISHORE TRIPATHY (PURI) : * Hon’ble Sir, I am submitting my speech on Railway Budget as per your direction, which is like this:
Sir, as you are aware Orissa is located in the East Coast of India and has population of 3,68 crores and having an area of 1,56,000 kms. the State has one of the lowest per capital income coupled with inadequate rail infrastructure albeit having endowed with abundant mineral resources like iron ore, chrome, bauxite and manganese, etc. Against the national average of 19 kms/1000 sq. kms., Orissa has a route length of 15.03 kms. only. Neighbouring States like Bihar and West Bengal have a railway route length of the extent of 30 kms. and 42 kms. respectively, in near future various corporate houses will invest for setting up of Mega Steel Plants and the generation of additional traffic in the State is expected to be 40 million tones by 2010. The establishment of a spearate zonal railway headquarters at Bhubandeswar, i.e. East Coast Railway has generated substantial revenue for Indian Railways. During 2003-04 East Coast Railway made an income of Rs. 2258/- crores due to enormous movement of traffic and has surpassed the income by another Rs. 105/- crores made during first 9 months of 2004-05. The traffic flow to one of the major ports, i.e. Paradeep and two proposed international ports at Gopalpur and Dhamara will be increased sharply and to meet the voluminous requirement adequate infrastructural development of Railways in Orissa, higher investment by your Ministry is imperative.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
East Coast Railways was made operational from 1st April, 2003 with Sambalpur, Khurda Road and Waltair Divisions. The jurisdiction of the Sambalpur division has been reduced affecting the viability of the division. To ensure Sambalpur division as profit centre, the Ministry of Railways is requested that its territorial jurisdiction to include the (a) Jharsughuda-Himgir, (b) Jharsuguda-Barsuan/Kiriburu (c) Rourkela-Nuagaon sections. East Coast Railways had transported 64 million tones freight in 2003-04. The operating ratio is 63% perhaps one of the lowest in the Indian Railways. It is necessary that all requirements of infrastructural development for East Coast Railways should be expeditiously completed. At present since Sundargarh district has got tremendous potential for Iron Ore and other minerals, Ministry of Railways may consider creation of new division with Headquarters either at Rourkela or at Jharsuguda with jurisdiction of Jharsuguda-Himgir, Jharsuguda-Barsuan/Kiriburu and Rourkela-Nuagaon sections.
The Government of Orissa has recently presented a memorandum to the Ministry of Railways for allotment of Rs. 780 crore towards ongoing projects like B.G., Rail Links, Gauge conversion, doubling and electrification etc. during 2005-06. The Ministry should complete the sanctioned projects Rs. 4825.99 crore within next 5 years and make the State of Orissa profit centre for the Ministry of Railways. I would like to request Hon’ble Railway Minister through you to allot funds for 2005-06 for the following lines :
New lines : 1) Daitari-Banspani; 2) Lanjigarh Road-Junagarh; 3) Khurda Road-Bolangir; 4) Haridaspur-Paradeep; 5) Angul-Duburi-Sukinda Raod; 6) Talcher-Bimalagarh
Electrification : 1) Kharagpur-Nimpura-Bhubaneswar; 2) Bhubaneswar-Visakhapatnam
Gauge Conversion : 1) Rupsa-Bangirposi; 2) Naupada-Gunupur
Doubling : 1) Nirgundi-Cuttack-Raghunathpur; 2) Rahama-Paradeep; 3) Titilagarh-Lanjigarh Road; 4) Raja Athagarh-Nirgundi; 5) Rahama Raj Athagarh-Baranga; 7) 2nd Bridge on Birupa & Mahanadi; 
Khurda Road-Puri; 9) Cuttack Baranga; 10) Khurda-Baranga 3rd Line; 11) Sambalpur-Rengali; 12) Jharsuguda Byepass
Sir, I would also like to elaborate some of the major projects in Orissa, which deserve immediate attention of the Railways.
Khurda Road-Puri railway track is of 100 years old and is the only railway line connecting Shri Jagannath Dham. The track is already 100% saturated. Though phase I work of the track had begun 4 years back, yet no satisfactory progress has been made so far and there is no sanction for phase II work. Although the project was sanctioned long back for an amount of Rs. 47.29 crores, no progress has been made so far. In this Budget 2005-06, only Rs. 10/- core has been earmarked, which is inadequate for completion of this project. Considering Puri as a national and international tourist centre the doubling work may be undertaken expeditiously.
This rail link was sanctioned in 1992-93 and to be completed in March, 2005. Since the industrial scenario has been changed in the area dramatically and private parities are interested to set up Steel Plants in a big way. Ministry of Railways, therefore, is requested to sanction doubling of Daitari-Bansani B.G. Rail links in 2005-06 and also sanction electrification in view of the fact that East Coast from Bhubaneswar-Palasa has already been electrified.
Talcher-Sambalpur B.G. rail link was commissioned in the year 1998 which has reduced the distance from Bhubaneswar-New Delhi by 150 kms. The Ministry of Railways is, therefore, requested to sanction doubling of Talcher B.G. rail links.
It is also requested that doubling of Nirgundi-Cuttack-Ragunathpur, Rahama-Paradeep Rail line may be doubling of Nirgundi-Cuttack-Ragunathpur, Rahama-Paradeep Rail line may be completed at the earliest. Titlagarh-Lanjigarh road, Raj Athagarh-Nirgundi, Raghunathpur-Gorakhnath, Rahama-Raj Athagar- Barang, 2nd Bridge on Birupa & Mahanadi, Cuttuck-Barang, Khurda-Barang 3rd Linem, Sambalpur-Rengali, Jharsufguda Byepass railway lines which had in progress may be expedited for early completion. The allocation of 0.01 crore each to in Budget 2005-06 for doubling of Raghunathpur-Gorakhpur-Rahama, Rajaathagarh-Nirgundi and Rahama-Paradeep Lines is like peanut. Doubling of Nirgundi-Cuttack-Raghunathpur require Rs. 15/- crore whereas in the present Budget Rs. 8.97/- crore has been allotted. Mr. Speaker, Sir, for the doubling of Titilagarh-Lanjigahr Road a demand of Rs. 250/- crore was made by the Government of Orissa, whereas the only Rs. 10/- core has been allotted. Mr. Speaker, Sir, for doubling of Rahama-Rajaathagarh-Baranga Line, Second Bridge on Birupa and Mahanadi, Cuttack-Baranga Line and Khurda-Baranga third line in the present Budget – 2005-06 Rs. 30 crore, Rs. 28.60 core, Rs. 30 crore and Rs. 30 respectively has been allotted, which will be entrusted to Rail Vikash Nigam Ltd. (RVNL). The past experience shows RVNL doesn’t spend more than 5% of the total allotment and the same is an eye wash on the part of Railways so far as the allotment for the doubling of these projects in Orissa is concerned. Allocation of Rs. 10.70 crore for doubling of Sambalpur-Rengali Line is totally inadequate.
Work for electrification is in progress from Kharagpur-Bhubaneswar. At stretch of 200 kms between Palasa to Bhubaneswar was commissioned on 27.03.04. Ministry of Railways is requested to allot Rs. 100 crores against sanctioned amount in Rs.71 crores in 2004-05, keeping in view the progress and early completion. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am peeved at allocation of Rs. 0.1/- crore for Koraput-Rayagarh electrification project Rs.0.1 crore to Talacher-Sambalpur project and Rs. 5/- core for Bhubaneswar-Kotabhalsa project. No allocation has been made against Bhubaneswar-Vishkhapatnam and Khargpur-Nimapura-Bhubaneswar and surprisingly this has been made against demand of Rs. 100 crores by Government of Orissa.
Khurda Road-Bolangir : The land acquisition is in progress and work is expected to commence from Khurda by March, 2005. Ministry of Railways is requested for allotment of Rs. 70/- crore for 2005-06 for construction and land acquisition in six districts. In the Budget 2005-06 only Rs. 10/- crores has been allotted, which is very small amount against the projected demand of Rs. 70/- crores for 2005-06.
Haridashpur-Paradeep : The projected traffic flow for steel plants in Duburi-Kalinga Nagar complex is expected to rise by 2010. Ministry of Railways is requested to allot 40 cores. Against this demand only Rs. 20/- crores has been allocated.
Angul-Duburi-Sukinda Road : The final location survey for this project has been completed and land acquisition will commence shortly. Ministry of Railways is requested to allocate Rs.20 cores of 2005-06 to enable land acquisition. Against this demand of only Rs. 0.10 crore has been allocated.
Talcher-Bimlagarh : Project has been sanctioned in the year 2004-05 and land acquisition work is to be commenced. Ministry of Railways is requested allocation for Rs. 10 crores for 2005-06. Against this demand of Rs. 10./- crores in the Budget, only Rs. 5/- crore has been allocated.
Lanjigarh Road-Junagarh : All private and Government land between Lanjigarh-Bhawanipatna have been handed over for construction. Earth work is in progress in all the sections. Since some private parties are setting up of Alumina/Aluminium Plants. Ministry of Railways is requested to make a provision of Rs. 80 crores for 2005-06 for construction between Lanjigarh-Bhawanipatana as well as land acquisition work between Bhawanipatna-Junagarh. Mr. Speaker, Sir, against the request for provision of Rs. 80/- crore, only Rs. 8/- core has been allocated.
Daitari-Bansapani Rail Links : All the private, forest and Government land have been handed over for construction. Work is in progress from Keonjhar to Tomka. It is imperative that Daitary-Bansapani Rail links should be completed by December, 2005 in view of number of steel plants are under construction in Duburi complex. Ministry of Railways is requested to allot funds from its own resources for 2005-06. Mr. Speaker, Sir, this is one of the projected like line so far as Rail link is concern. Even though, Rs. 128.61/- crore has been allocated in the present Budget 2005-06 the work has been assigned to RVNL, which at best can spent 5% of the total allocation given by its tardy past record.
Rupsa-Bangiriposi conversion work is under progress. Ministry of Railways is requested to allot Rs. 60 crore for 2005-06 and complete the conversion at the earliest. As against the demand for Rs. 60/- crore merely Rs. 3/- crore has been allocated.
Nuapara-Gunupur conversion work has commenced with land acquisition. Final location survey has been completed. Ministry of Railways is requested Rs. 50 crores for 2005-06. As against the demand of Rs. 50/- crore, only Rs. 5 crore has been allotted.
Sir, I would also like to request to Hon’ble Minister for Railways through you for sanction of five new B.G. Rail Link for 2005-06.
Conversion and extension of Nuapada-Gunupur B.G. Rail Link to Theruvali : A traffic survey was completed in March, 1999 for extension of the converted Nuapada-Gunupur B.G. Rail Link to Theruvali with a favourable rate of return. The extension will enable import and export of cargo via Gopalpur Port. Although this, project has been incorporated in the Budget speech of the Hon’ble Railway Minister, no budgetary provision has been made in this regard.
Jeypore-Malkangiri : This broad gauge rail link which a survey report has been submitted to Ministry of Railways forms a part of the most backward of Orissa, i.e. KBK area, which has been accorded special status by Government of India for speedy development. This requires immediate implementatin.
The survey report of Talcher-Gopalpur broad gauge rail link line submitted to Ministry of Railways indicated a favourable rate of return. The recent thrust of industrialization with setting up of a steel, power and aluminium plants would require a dedicated railway link between Talcher to Gopalpur (Special Economic Zone) for export and import of raw material and finished products. No action has been taken in the present Budget.
Bargarh-Nuapada via Padmapur : Survey for this Borad gauge rail link was completed and report submitted to the Ministry of Railways. Rail infrastructure in Western Orissa is not developed adequately despite a large number of industries and heavy production of foodgrains. The B.G. Rail link will traverse through acutely backward areas of the State, and ensure economic development.
Puri-Konark : Puri attracts thousands of pilgrims to visit the temploe of Lord Jagannath regularly. The famous Sun Temple is located at Konark. This monument is famous throughout the world and is visited by millions of tourists every year. Considering all these aspects a survey was completed for construction of New B.G. Rail Link between Puri-Knoark on the year 1997. This link will facilitate visits by the tourists and pilgrims to the last link of the golden triangel.
For Bargarh-Nuapada via Padmapur and Puri-Konark although Hon’ble Railway Minister has announced for further detailed survey, no funds have beem allocated.
I would also request to Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for sanction of five surveys for 2005-06.
Gopalpur-Rayagada : All Bauxite deposits are located in Rayagada and Kalahandi area. Recently, Government of Orissa has signed number of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) for setting up of Aluminium industries for production of Alumina and Aluminium. Therefore, sanction of a survey to cater to the traffic that will be generated.
Jaleswar-Digha : Digha is a popular beach resort which will be connected from Tamluk. It is necessary that a survey be sanctioned from Jaleswar to Digha a stretch of 40 kms. so that the vast areas in Bhogarai and Jaleswar to Diha a stretch of 40 kms. so that the vast areas in Bhogarai and Jaleswar Block can be connected. Although this project has been announced, no funds have been allocated.
Jaipur Keonjha Raod-Jajpur : Biraja Khetra at Jajpur town is a famous place of pilgrimage in India at par with Dwaraka and Kasi. A large number of pilgrims visit this area regularly. The Ministry of Railways is requested to sanction a survey for extension of the East Coast Railway line from Jajpur-Keonjhar road to Jajpur.
Gorumahisani to Buramara : Work is in progress for gauge conversion of Rupsa-Bangiriposi N.G. Rail Link. However, a survey may be sanctioned for linking Gorumahisani on Tata-badampahar B.G. Rail Link to Burmara on Rupsa-Bangiriposi Rail Link.
Badampahar to Keonjhar : A survey to be sanctioned between Badampahar to Keonjhar which shall link the rich iron ore area with Tatanagar.
Sir, the State of Orissa is far short of number of Trains in proportion to its area and population, I would like to request the Hon’ble Railway Minister through you for introduction of several new trains and other amenities for passengers benefit.
Super-fast Express from Puri-Jaipur: There is no direct train service from Puri to pink city of Jaipur. Introduction of a Train Services from Puri-Jaipur, via – Sambalpur and Raipur will enable tourists and pilgrims from Central and Western India to come to Orissa and this service will enable tourists and pilgrims from Central and Western India to come to Orissa and this service will immensely benefit people of western Orissa. Although Jaiur-Bilashpur Express Train has been extended to Bhubaneswar in the Budget Speech of Railway Minister, this train should further to be extended to Puri.
Super-fast Express from Sambalpur to Allahabad : There is no direct train from Sambalpur to Allahabad in order to met the growing demand of traffic from Western Orissa. Introduction of a train from Sambalpur to Allahabad via-Ranchi and Gaya will enable the people of Western Orissa to visit important places of pilgrimage.
Super-fast Express Train from Bhubaneswar to Kanyakumari : There is no direct train originating from Bhubaneswar to South India. A train from Bhubaneswar to Kanyakumari via Chennai shall go a long way in carrying pilgrims and tourists from Orissa to various places in South India.
Inter City Express between Koraput and Rourkela via Rayagada : The Raipur-Vizianagram-Koraput Kirandul B.G. rail link passes through the most backward areas of the State like Koraput, Bolangir and Sundergarh. An Inter City Express linking Rourkela with these areas of this State will give the much needed impetus for business and commerce of the area.
Express Train from Titilagarh to Puri, via – Sambalpur : Presently, there is no direct train from Titilagarh area to cater the needs of Western Orissa. Introduction of Express Train on this route will provide relief to the people and also ensure emotional, social integration with coastal Orissa.
Express Train from Visakhapatnam to Howarh-Titilagarh, Raipur and Bilaspur : The area from Visakhapatnam to Titilagarh is backward and requires additional train services to ensure increase of commerce and trading with neighbouring States.
New Puri-Hyderabad Express and New Puri-Chennai Express : There is no direct train link from pilgrim centre of Puri famous for Lord Jagannath to South India. To direct trains from Puri-Hyderabad and Puri-Chennai will fabulously benefit pilgrims of South India and people of Puri.
Introduction of EMU Services : Electrification work between Khargpur-Bhubaneswar is in progress and stretch of 200 kms between Palasa to Bhubaneswar has been commissioned. Ministry of Railways is requested to introduce fast moving EMU trains from Puri-Palasa and Puri-Balasore to cater to the need of passengers of Puri- Khurda Road – Bhubaneswar and Balasore.
Mr. Speaker, Sir, I would like to request the Hon. Railway Minister through you for increasing in frequency of the existing trains.
Visakhapatnam – Nizamuddin Express Train may be increased to daily from 3 days in a week to cater the need of passengers travelling from Western Orissa to the capital of India. The frequency of New Delhi – Bhubaneswar Rajadhani Express may be increased from 4 days to 7 days in a week. In remaining three days the Rajdhani Express may be run via – Sambalpur and Vizianagaram may be increased to facilitate journey of large number of workers from Orissa employed in Gujarat. It is requested that the frequency of this train via-Sambalpur may be increased to thrice a week and via-Vizianagarm to four days in a week. The frequency of Bhubaneswar-Kurla Express may be increased to three days in a week. The frequency of Bhubaneswar – Kurla Express may be increased to three days in a week. This train is immensely popular by passengers travelling from Western Orissa. Frequency of Puri-Triupati Express which is running once in a week may be increased and converted it as a daily. Since large number of fishermen folk are visiting Puri and have business connections , the Puri-Tirupati Express may be having an additional stoppage at ””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””Tuni”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” Railway Station under South Central Railway.
Extension of Trains : At present there is no direct train available for the people of South Orissa for linking New Deli the capital of India. The Ministry of Railways is requested to extend the Bhubaneswar-Nizamuddin Express to Visakhapatnam with more coaches in order to cater to passengers from Palasa, Barhampur, Chhatrapur and Balugaon. The introduction of Bhubaneswar-Banagalore Express has helped in IT education and medical treatment for the students and people of Orissa. The Ministry of Railways is requested to extend the Bangalore-Visakhapatnam Express to Bhubaneswar or alternately increase the frequency of Bhubaneswar – Bangalore Express as daily.
The Ministry of Railway has introduced an express train from Sambalpur to Raipur. This may by extended to Puri as this will facilitate a direct link between the capitals of two States. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am requesting the Hon. Railway Minister through you that even though the existing Hirakund Express from Nizamuddin to Bhubaneswar has been extended up to Visakhapatnam considering its long distance provision of pantry car may be made, introduction of three tier AC and the frequency should be increased in from 3 days in a week to daily service.
Passenger amenities : Ministry of Railways has requested for increase in passenger amenities for Orissa with the creation of East Coat Railways and its headquarters established in Bhubaneswar the aspiration of people of Orissa for better infrastructural developments of the stations has increased manifold. The Ministry of Railways is requested to improve passenger amenities at Puri, Titilagarh, Rayagarha, Raigarha, Koraput, Kessinga, Chattarpur, Balugaon, Jaleswar and Balangir Stations. The Ministry is also requested to further increase the network computerized reservation at Baragarh, Sakhigopal, Kuhudi, Kalupadaghat, Balugaon, Chattrapur, Hirakud, Khariar Road, Jaleswar and Sora Stations. Janakidelpur Railway Station may be developed as a full-fledged Railway Station to cater for a large chunk of people.
Establishment of passenger halt at Indrayumna, Puri : I would like to brief you on this project that for the establishment of a passenger halt at Indradyumna near Puri under Khurda Road Division, the Railways had conducted a survey and asked for certain information. Though the necessary information has been provided to the Railways and the proposal is a financially viable one, no further progress has been made.
Production of Pantry Car : Some long distant trains originating from are not provided with Pantry services, Ministry of Railways is requested pantry car services for Bhubaneswar-Bangalore Express (8415/8416). Bhubaneswar – Kurla Express 1045/1046 and Puri-Tirupati Express (8439/8440).
Coaching Terminals : Orissa has only one coaching terminal at Bhubaneswar, which is land locked and inhibits expansion. This terminal should be expanded in order to accommodate more number of trains.
The Coaching Terminal at Puri, which has been closed, may be revived in order to accommodate more number of trains. Proper coaching terminals may be developed Barhampur, Sambalpur and Koraput.
At length, I would request through you Mr. Speaker, Sir, for sanction of Rs. 780 crores for the ongoing projects and for the new lines in the ensuring Railway Budget for 2005-06 and for completion of the sanctioned project of Rs. 4825.99 crores during next five years which will go a long way in developing infrastructure for the Railways in the State of Orissa and culminate in overall economic growth of the State.
SHRI N.Y. HANUMANTHAPPA (CHITRADURGA): *While congratulating Shri Lalu Prasad Yadavji, hon. Minister of Railways for his popular and people’s Railway Budget presented on 26.2.2005, I like to bring to the notice of the Government of India a few shortfalls in respect of State of Karnataka.
There is no proper allocation of funds to Karnataka State. No proposals for new lines in the State of Karnataka. There is also no mention of modernization of some of the railway stations and yards in his Budget Speech.
Chitradurga district of State of Karnataka is highly backward district. It is declared as drought-affected area. There are no industries of any kind in the district. Majority of the people belong to poorer sections of the society and unemployed. For transportation of goods and passengers, they have to depend upon trucks and buses which they cannot afford as the freight charges and bus fares are very high.
The Government of India will be helping a lot if the following works are undertaken soon:
(1) Earlier, there was a proposal to open a new railway line from Tumkur to Chitradurga via Sira & Hiriyur which in turn connect Bangalore & Davanagere and Bellary vice-versa. Hence, this has to be considered for holding survey.
(2) (a) There is a need to open a workshop or coach factory between Chitradurga and Chellakere.
(b) It would be useful to open concrete sleepers work between Chellakere and Molkalmurn where the Government can get abundant raw material.
Opening of these two factors will help the poorer section of the people to get jobs.
(3) Modernisation of Chitradurga and Hosadurga railway station and the yard, as the existing are one not serving the public effectively and usefully.
Open reservation counters at Chellakere and Molkalmurn railway stations.
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Open Railway school from Ist standard to 10th Standard and Railway Hospital at Chitradurga.
Chitradurga has an historical fort, the kind of which cannot be found nowhere in the country. It is situated at the centre of the State from where a tourist can go to the important tourist centres of the State within 3 to 4 hours. The other centres are Vijayanagar (Hampi), Badami, Banavasi, Jhole, Pattadakal, Halebeedu and Belur. Thus, it has potentiality of becoming an important tourist centre provided works suggested above are undertaken.
Government of India is requested to undertake the works suggested at an early date.
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* Speech was laid on the Table.
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SHRI P.C. GADDIGOUDAR (BAGALKOT) : * Sir, I would like to present the burning problem in my Constituency regarding the gauge conversion work between Bijapur-Gadag.
Sir, as per the original plan, the conversion of 330 km. Hutagi (Sholapur) Gadag metre gauge line into broad gauge should have been completed by 1998. While launching the gauge conversion work at Bijapur in 1993, the then Railway Minister, Jaffer Sharief had announced that he would ensure that the work would be completed before the time frame set for the commissioning the project. After his exit, the conversion was completed only up to Bijapur by that deadline.
The project was put on the fast track once again when Shri Basanagouda Patil Yatnal became the Railway Minister. Shri Yatnal claimed that the project would be completed by March, 2005.
Sir, Bijapur-Gadag conversion work was given momentum during 2003-04 after the commitment made by the Karnataka Government for sharing of the cost of the gauge conversion on 50:50 basis. The MG train services have been suspended since February, 2004 onwards for completing the gauge conversion work between Bijapur and Bagalkot section.
Sir, the State Government of Karnataka has failed to release the required amount for completion of gauge conversion work between Bijapur-Bagalkot section. Several organisations staged dharna for expediting the proposed broad gauge work and release of the matching grant as per its cost sharing agreement with the Railways.
Sir, during the dharna, Revenue and Police Department have initiated the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 144. The Police people have arrested and chargesheeted so many leaders along with the sitting MLA of Bagalkot. They had been detained
in jail also. On 21st of December, 2004, under the leadership of Shri Anant
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Kumar, we have submitted the memorandum to the hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji.
Sir, after knowing this situation, hon. Chief Minister has agreed to release Rs. 30 crore, the said amount is also not released.
Sir, the expanding of soil work was completed, small works of bridges between Bijapur and Bagalkot had been completed. The major work of Doni River bridge is completed and Malaprabha bridge work would be shortly completed.
Sir, due to the construction of the Narayanpur and Almathi reservoirs, nearly 168 villages get submerged and land to the extent of 87,631 hectares. Under the two reservoirs, major portion of the Bagalkot township is also being affected.
Sir, in my constituency, a large number of farmers have lost the fertile land as well as their employment. For generating and providing employment, the industrialists should come forward for setting up of the industries but unless the conversion of the gauge work is completed the industrialists are not coming forward.
Sir, in the present Budget, it is clearly mentioned that the target is to complete the conversion work from Bijapur to Bosavan-Bagewadi by March, 2005, rest is not fixed. Sufficient fund has not been allocated for the said project. North Karnataka is completely neglected. Hence, my humble request is that the hon. Railway Minister should allocate the adequate funds for completion of gauge conversion from Bijapur to Gadag.
I would like to thank the Chair for giving me this opportunity.
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SHRI IQBAL AHMED SARADGI (GULBERGA) : *Sir, I would like to compliment the UPA Government and the Railway Ministry for presenting a pro-people Budget, which did not increase fares, extended the concessions to the farmers, students, unemployed youths and to the persons from the rural areas employed in the cooperative fields like dairy and rural-based cottage industries.
At the same time, I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister that the Budget allocation of Rs. 4.50 crore for the ongoing new railway line from Bidar to Gulbarga is not adequate. Last year, Rs. 15 crore have been allotted and the same has been utilised. Hence the proposed allocation may be increased up to Rs.50 crores. This is one of the important railway lines from Gulbarga to Delhi, which will reduce five hours journey from Gulbarga to Delhi after its completion.
I would like to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister that there is a long-pending demand to set up a Divisional Headquarters of the Railway in Gulbarga to cater to the needs of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Earlier almost 21 Members of Parliament of Lok Sabha have represented in this regard. In spite of a genuine demand, the Railway Budget did not concede the establishment of the DRM office at Gulbarga. Hence, I suggest to include this proposal to set up a DRM office at Gulbarga.
I would like to suggest the long-pending proposal to introduce a new railway line Munirabad-Mahboob Nagar and Raichur-Gadwal. These proposals are yet to take off in a substantial manner. So, I suggest to include these two railway lines, which have been already surveyed.
The Karnataka State needs Rs. 4284 crore, including about Rs. 250 crore as the State Government’s share for completing 20 projects being implemented by the South Western Railway and the South Central Railway. The investment shows the considerable decline in the Budget allocation for the current year for which
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reconsideration for enhancing in the Budget allocation is essential to implement the pending proposals in the larger interest of the Hyderabad-Karnataka area.
In addition to the above said proposals, I would like to suggest to introduce a new Shatabdi Express Train in between Mumbai-Bangalore. The traffic in between Mumbai-Bangalore is increasing considerably for the last one decade. Hence, this new proposal may kindly be included.
I would like to propose the conversion of the Yaswantpur-bijapur Train to a daily service, which would reduce the rush on Udyan Express and would be convenient for the people of Mumbai-karnataka and Hyderabad-Karnataka area.
Gulbarga is centrally located from Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. The number of incoming and outgoing Railway passengers from Gulbarga Railway Station are much more higher than Sholapur Division. Hence, I propose to set up a Divisional Headquarters Office and a Railway Workshop at Gulbarga.
Once again, I compliment the UPA Government and the Railway Ministry for presenting a pro-people Budget.
SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL (KARAD) : *Sir, I hereby table my demands on Railways, which need immediate attention of the House:
Starting new comupterised reservation centre at Islampur Tehsil-Walwa District: Sangli (Maharashtra) on Central Railway;
Starting city reservation centre in Karad town in addition to the centre at Karad Railway Station;
Raising of platform in front of administrative building at Karad Railway Station;
Construction of shed over loading platform at Karad to facilitate loading of sugar in rainy season;
Starting new trains from Kolhapur to Dwarka once a week;
A super-fast train between Pune to Bangalore may be started connecting these two IT cities;
One 3A coach may be added to 2779/2780 Goa Express. AT present there are two 2A coaches and only one 3A coach;
1A coach may be added to Mahalaxmi Express; and
Develop Takri Railway Station at Central Railway in Pune – Miraj Section by extending the platform to full length.
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PROF. BASUDEB BARMAN (MATHURAPUR) : *Sir, I would like to draw yo2ur kind attention and, through you, the kind attention of the hon. Members, to the plight of the people of the Sundarbans (Districts North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas) of West Bengal. My parliamentary constituency 16 Mathurapur (SC) forms the most extensive part of it. Due to non-availability of adequate railway service facilities, I, on their behalf, representing the people of the said area, beg to place before the House some of their demands. I also request the hon. Railway Minister for due consideration of the same and appropriate decisions thereto at the earliest.
I would like to request for the extension of railway network facilities for Jayanagar to Raidighi; Canning to Sonakhali; Jayanagar to Jamtala; and Park Circus to Dhamakhali. I would also like to request the hon. Railway Minister to introduce two pairs of additional local trains on daily basis for Sealdah-Diamond Harbour Section; Sealdah-Lakshimikantapur-Kakdwip Section; and Sealdah-Canning Section. I would like to request him for the immediate inauguration of train service to Namkhana Railway Station. The work is almost completed in Sealdah-Lakshimkantapur-Kakdwip-Namkhana Section.
Now, I would like to request him for laying of double lines, is the Baruipur-Diamond Harbour Section, of which Bauripur-Magrahat sub-section requires immediate attention. The passengers from the adjoining areas suffer very badly due to heavy pressure on the single track. Besides this, Baruipur-Lakshimikantapur-Kakdwip Section and Sonarpur-Canning Section require introduction of double lines. A halt station at Madhavnagar Road between Nishindapur and Kashinagar Stations in Sealdah-Kakdwip Section is to be set up.
I would like to request him for the proper maintenance of the railway platforms. Most of them are in a very bad shape, and require immediate repair and
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renovation. I may also draw his attention towards proper cleaning of the platforms and toilets; every 24 hours, they may be cleaned at least three times. Besides this, proper cleaning of the train compartments, preferably on completion of journey of a train from the originating station to the destination needs urgent attention of the hon. Minister. Provisions should also be made for toilet facilities and running water in all the local trains, especially in the EMU units; due to lack of proper facilities, the aged people, in particular, faces inconvenience, embarrassment and difficulty in such trains.
I would like to request him to provide adequate lighting at the platforms and their proper maintenance. Provisions may also be made for safe drinking water facilities, toilets, sitting spaces along with electric fans on the platforms. These are some of the urgent needs of the passengers which require immediate attention and appropriate action.
SHRIMATI JYOTIRMOYEE SIKDAR (KRISHNAGAR) : *Sir, I may kindly be allowed to lay the following matter on the Table of the House. There is genuine grievance of the larger section of the people of my Parliamentary Constituency, 11 Krishnagar, in the State of West Bengal in regard to railway services, and on their behalf, I beg to place before the House the following demands and request the Railway Minister for proper consideration of the same and appropriate decision thereto:
Laying of railway line from Krishnanagar to Karimpur – Sealdah Division – in the District of Nadia, West Bengal;
Stoppage of Bhagirathi Express at Debagram Station;
Double line for the Krishnanagar to Lalgola station;
Computerised Reservation Centres at Station and at Tehatta in the District of Nadia;
One additional express train for the Sealdah-Lalgola route under the Sealdah Division;
Provision for and improvement of infrastructural facilities and passenger amenities like: proper platform lighting, toilets, sitting and drinking water arrangements at Krishnanagar, Bahadurpur, Dhubulia, Muragaeha, Bethuadahari, Sonadanga, Debagram, Paglachaudi and Plassey Stations.
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SHRIMATI MINATI SEN (JALPAIGURI) : *Sir, I am very much thankful to you to permit me to highlight the acute railway communication problem concerning Jalpaiguri District as well as North Bengal. The problems, which I am going to speak out, were raised on the floor of Parliament during the NDA Government as well as the present Government. A series of correspondences was made made with the concerned Railway Ministry and its associate organisation.
Sir, Jalpaiguri District is situated in a vulnerable geographical position. The railway network of the District has been neglected ever since partition era.
Jalpaiguri District is the Divisional Headquarter of six Districts of North Bengal. Tea is the key industry of the District and the Government of India earns crore of rupees of foreign exchange, besides substantial amount of excise duties.
Being a Divisional Headquarter, having all important administrative and judicial offices, including higher educational centres, are located here. People from different corners of the District and the State are to attend such organisations/ institutions for various purposes. Permanent Bench of Kolkata High Court is going to start functioning very soon. Tea Auction Centre has already started.
The District itself is the key centre of trade and commerce throughout the length and breadth of the District. There are numerous tourist spots, and many tourist centres are coming up steadily. To set apart, there are four world famous sanctuaries situated in the District, and consequently, these tourist spots and sanctuaries are alluring tourists from the country and abroad.
The tourists are facing immense difficulties for want of proper railway link. The peasants and the cultivators are not in a position to transport their surplus products, resulting in deprivation from the reasonable prices.
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To overcome the difficulties, I would like to raise the following demands to fulfil the long-cherished demands of the Jalpaiguri and its adjacent areas:
Upgradation of Jalpaiguri Road Station (NFR) with all requisite infrastructure, including computerised reservation facilities and stoppage of Mail and Express trains at Jalpaiguri Road Station;
Construction of rail-over bridge at Mohitnagar level crossing on 12th State Highway at Jalpaiguri;
Resumption of both passenger and goods trains from Haldibari to Sealdah through Bangladesh;
To introduce super-fast trains from Haldibari via NJP to Sealdah;
Upgradation of Oodlabari Railway Station (NFR) under Alipurduar DRM to a full-fledged station;
Acceleration of the construction of the railway track from New Maynaguri (W.B.) to Jogikhopa via Baxirhat, Golokganj, Gouripur, Dhubri, Belasipara (Assam);
Conversion from M.G. to B.G. from new Mal to Changra-Bandla through Changrabandha export and import to Bangaladesh by road in operation. Extension of railway track from Changrabandha to New Maynaguri is needed;
Relinquishment of railway land adjacent to Jalpaiguri Railway Station (2.05 acre) on payment for construction of Supermarket by the co-operative societies;
Railway recruitment centre at New Jalpaiguri;
Electrification on the railway line between New Jalpaiguri Road Station and Haldibari;
Renewal of railway pass is to be issued to freedom fighters from nearest railway station instead of Alipurduar to avoid unnecessary harassment;
Repairing works of railway road from Tinbati More to New Jalpaiguri Railway Station and railway roads in Jalpaiguri particularly from 1 No. Ghoomti to 2 No. Ghoomti and the surrounding railway roads, which are in a very deplorable condition; and
Widening of 3 No. Ghoomti at Jalpaiguri Road Station.
Lastly, I support the Budget.
SHRIMATI MANORAMA MADHAVRAJ (UDUPI) : *Sir, when the Railway Budget, 2004 was presented, the newly formed UPA Government had just taken over the reign at the Centre with much less than a year to go for the next full-fledged Budget. Rightly, it was more or less a Vote-on-Account Budget with nothing to expect on major policy changes or structural reforms.
Since then, the UPA Government had enough time to settle down and evolve major policy formulations and programmes. It was, therefore, expected that in the full-fledged Railway Budget for 2005 would hold forth much in major revamp of operational and commercial activities as also enforcement of fiscal discipline to a larger extent.
The Railway Budget, 2005 has belied all these expectations. The fear psychosis that grips the Government on the eve of elections forces it to make it a populist Budget. Now, there being no elections in the immediate future, the Government could have attempted major fare revisions, and curtailment of subsidies, hitherto eating into the Railways earnings. With no let up on price rise of essential commodities, fuel and consumables, the common man would have gracefully accepted any modest revision in rail fares with concomitant improvement in passenger amenities. There is no semblance of any attempt to mobilisation of resources for many on-going projects as also new ones of immediate relevance and priority like acquisition of rolling stock (wagons), and investment on safety equipment like anti-collision device.
To make it more populist and pro-poor, inspired by Nagarjuna Baba’s couplets, the Railway Minister has lavishly bestowed a slew of concessions to students and unemployed.
Cross-subsidy has been a bane on Railways’ fiscal health whereas the Government sees a cash cow in Railways. Beyond giving a token dividend to the Centre, Railways still depend on budgetary support. Prudential management of
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Railway finances has not only made it self-sustaining but also has generated enough internal funds for major expansion programmes.
The Railway Minister has announced introduction and extension of train services on many sectors. Most of these services are to become operational only when the on-going gauge conversion works are complete. There, being no major fund allocation for completion of on-going projects including gauge conversion, the fate of these new trains is uncertain. Even during the last Budget, the Railway Minister had introduced many new trains, almost two-thirds of which are still not operational.
When the major gauge conversion projects were launched across the country in early 1990s, it was expected of the successive Governments to set apart funds for the completion of such projects. Mangalore-Hassan link (metre gauge) was dismantled more than a decade ago for gauge conversion. After 13 years, only a part of it could be made operational (Mangalore to Subramanya Road). I understand that this year a meager allocation has been made for Subramanya Road to Sakleshpur. At this rate, the originally envisaged gauge conversion of Mangalore-Hassan will take another 4/5 years. The Konkan Railway link serves Dalshina Kannada only in terms of more passenger connectivity to North along the coast. Major freight traffic of industrial raw material and exportable commodities to New Mangalore Port has been hindered due to delay in completion of Hassan-Mangalore BG link.
I would urge the Government to self-impose a moratorium on new projects and expansion until the on-going projects become operational. I would also ask the Government to assess the loss of revenue both in passenger traffic and freight movement due to disruption of services on sectors where gauge conversion is going on for a long time.
With many on-going projects in limbo, the Minister has announced new surveys on Sathyamangalam-Mettur and Charajnagar-Sathyamangalam-Mettuplayam sectors. To take up these routes, we need to assess the environmental impact on dense forest areas through which these lines are planned.
With major road-highways getting in place throughout the country, the road transport sector is posing a challenge to railway freight traffic business. Railways have already lost a major share of its freight business to road transport sector. The Minister has claimed an improvement of wagon-turn-around time from 7 to 6 hours (time required to empty a loaded wagon and load it again to move out). This is no consolation as major freight movers like coal, cement and fertiliser and also foodgrains (sugar, wheat, rice, etc.) are now facing acute wagon shortage. According to reports, the Railways is facing a wagon shortage of almost 20 per cent of its requirements. It has now re-defined the Condemnation category for wagons and is pressing back into service many wagons earlier condemned and sent to scrap yards.
Major wagon builders both in public and private sector are sitting idle for the last two years for dearth of orders. Because of increase in wheel-and-axle sets prices demanded by overseas suppliers, the Railways have stopped import of wheel-and-axle sets for the last two years. Railways are paying through its nose for the increased fuel (diesel) and power. It should also find ways to meet the price difference in imported wheel-and-axle sets.
The pension liability on Indian Railways is a bomb set to be ticked off any time. With Rs. 12 lakh pensions to pay out to, it needs Rs.7,000 crore annually in reserve. In 1974, an actuarial assessment of pension liabilities was made, and the Railways were asked to set apart funds for pension disbursement every year commensurate with its liabilities. There has been no separate pension fund worth the name, kept in reserve, and all pension disbursements are made from the General Revenue. At this rate, by 2010, almost 60 per cent of the Railways earnings should be sent only on pension.
It astonishes that for almost three decades, no update on actuarial assessment of pension liabilities has been attempted. This is a very serious issue, which left unattended, will loom into a big financial crisis for the Railways in the near future.
On safety front, the record of the Railways is pathetic. It has been established that more than 60 per cent of major accidents were caused by human (staff) errors, and less than 10 per cent were caused due to equipment failures/mal-functioning, namely, signaling and radio-communication.
Take for instance the proposed installation of Anti-Collision Device developed by Konkan Railway Corporation. This in-house invention has great potential for commercial exploitation and also exports markets. After successful field trials, Anti-Collision Device was supposed to be introduced on all dense-traffic routes. The total outlay for this comes only to Rs. 1,600 crore against the Special Railway Safety Fund of Rs. 17,000 crore. Yet, no action has been taken in this regard.
A part of the Central Road Fund collected by the Centre (through a cess on petrol and diesel) comes to Railways for constructing ROBs and RUBs (Railway Over/Under Bridges on road intersections). ROBs and RUBs save money on upkeep of manned railway level crossings. During 2004-05, Railways got a sum of Rs. 710.81 crore on CRF account. Earlier, in 2003-04, Railways could build only 27 ROBs/RUBs out of a total sanctioned number of 424 ROBs/RUBs. Thus, a major portion of CRF is diverted elsewhere.
The newly introduced IT-related facilities like Internet booking, and new/ extended trains give the Budget only a cosmetic effect. Unless existing train movements get streamlined, the traffic addition in passenger (Mail/Express/Passenger) traffic will adversely affect the operations of freight trains. With 62 paise for every rupee earned by the Railways come from freight traffic (this is also used to cross-subsidised passenger fares), Railways could ill-afford to neglect the freight factor which is under a severe threat from road transport sector.
A middle class citizen, who constitutes a major chunk of full-fare paying passengers, is not enthused by this Budget. In the garb of relief (no increase in fares), he is denied the benefit of improvements in amenities (less over-crowding, more sanitation and cleanliness on board) and punctuality in operations. With so many concessions announced on already bursting subsidy baggage, it would be interesting to know the exact share of full-fare tickets/free tickets. To my assessment, it could be as low as 20 per cent or even lower.
We need to inject a semblance of professionalism in Railway administration including its fiscal systems. The Rajesh Mohan Commission had laboriously gone into these aspects. Its report now is lying in the attic of Rail Bhavan, should be retrieved and worked upon for what it is worth.
I would still commend this innocuous Budget for due ratification by this House.
SHRI CHENGARA SURENDRAN (ADOOR) : *Sir, I support the Railway Budget presented by hon. Railway Minister with a heavy heart.
Sir, I would make it clear why I support this Budget with a heavy heart. Nineteen out of 20 total elected Members of this House support this Government. There were long standing demands from the people of Kerala for development of Railway in the State. We, as Members of Parliament, also articulated the demands of the people, and represented the Government when the Budget was under preparation. But, unfortunately, the hon. Railway Minister did not bother to favour the people of Kerala with a positive decision on any of such demands.
Sir, I would like to give a brief account of such unfulfilled demands on the floor of the House on the hope that the hon. Railway Minister would realize the problem, and declare a special railway development package for the State of Kerala.
Sir, a separate Railway zone for Kerala for arranging the development of Railway in Kerala was one of the long standing demands of Kerala. A new train for Kerala known as “Sampark Kranti Express” was announced by the then hon. Railway Minister in his Railway Budget for the year 2004-05. But the same has not been started running so far. In the Railway Budget for 2005-06, the hon. Railway Minister announced 46 new trains. But Kerala has been ignored. There was long pending demand for starting a new train from Bangalore to Trivandrum which was not materialised. As far as demand for extension of trains, extension of ‘Mangla Lakshadweep Express’ from Ernakulam to Trivandrum was prominent. Sir, instead, what we got was ‘bolt in the dark’, i.e., the most prestigious train of more than 10 lakh Pravasi Malayalis residing in Kerala was extended from New Delhi to Chandigarh.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
I am sure that people of Kerala are not going to be benefited out of it. This, three decades old train, is in the series of trains that run from the India’s capital to State capital. Sir, I would request the hon. Minister to reconsider his decision, and maintain the status quo.
Sir, as regards new Railway lines in Kerala, there was a demand for a new Railway line from Kottayam via Chengannur, Konni, Punalur to Trivandrum touching the eastern parts of Kerala. Survey was also conducted earlier, but there is nothing in the Budget about that project. Time-bound completion of gauge conversion will also go a long way in widening the railway network in Kerala.
Electrification of Railway line and reconstruction of old Railway bridges are also need of the hour.
Sir, I would like to make an important submission to the kind knowledge of the hon. Minister. It is regarding the revenue of Railways from Kerala. It is 100 per cent from Kerala. The reason for this success is high literacy rate and social change in Kerala. There is not even a single ticket-less traveller in Kerala. The demands for Railway development should be considered in the light of the above fact also.
Sir, with these words, I would once again request the hon. Minister to favourably consider the demands of the people of Kerala.
SHRI S. AJAYA KUMAR (OTTAPALAM) : Sir*, I thank you for giving me an opportunity to participate in the discussion. My colleague Smt. Sujatha has already dealt upon in details on the problems faced by the State of Kerala for the rail development. I do not want to repeat all the points already discussed. I will confine to just a few more points which I consider are most important.
Sir, Railway is the symbol of National Integrity. This could happen only if the rail development is evenly carried out benefiting all the 28 States and regions. Kerala is one of the most backward States in terms of railway development. Our repeated plea for a fair share in the railway development project fell on deaf years. Sir, the continuous negative attitude of the authorities forced me to undertake an indefinite hunger strike. Sir, it was after the intervention of the Hon’ble Speaker and assurances by the Railway authorities that I called off my strike in the recent past. But, Sir, still the demand for the Triangular Railway Station at Shornur as well as a Pit Lane not been found place in the present Budget. Electrification of the Mangalapuram-Shornur lane, a new line Nilambur-Nanjancod-Mysore and the gauge conversion of Pollachi-Palakkad sector are important projects. But there is no mention of these projects in the Budget. This kind of attitude is not acceptable.
Though the people of Kerala contribute considerably to the revenue earnings of the Railway when it comes to introducing new trains the State is always neglected. Most of the Kerala bound trains are over-crowded. To ease the problem, new trains should be introduced.
Sir, you might be remembering how a Project for a Coach Factory which was proposed to be set up in Palakkad was snatched away from Kerala in the 70s. This negative attitude towards the State was always there. Now, the State is limping behind every other States in terms of industrial and economical development for which the main cause is the lack of adequate rail development.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
Sir, there was a proposal for a Diesel Engine Work Shop at Palakkad. But, what is the present status of it? Minister should clarify.
Sir, there are about 1,25,000 licensed porters working in various stations in the country who are fully dependent on the income from carrying luggage of the passengers. The previous NDA Government’s decision to privatise the parcel booking service had already caused serious distress as this had diminished the availability of work for the licensed porters. The present Government’s decision to bring in new regulations in the areas of luggage carrying by train passengers, reducing the quantity by half, limiting the quantity of luggage in break vans aggravated the situation. This will further reduce the availability of work and would cause unemployment to most of the porters pushing hundreds of their poor families into penury. Sir, this has to be rectified. Besides, the railways recently decided to remove the parcel facility in stations where trains do not stop for 5 minutes or more aggravating the situation. We cannot allow lakhs of porters and their families being pushed to starvation. Sir, the Railway Minister while presenting the Interim Budget had offered many welfare measures for the Licensed porters. But the action of the Railway Board and the Bureaucrats in effect will liquidate the porters altogether.
Sir, another important point is that in the Southern Railway there was no referendum conducted for the Recognition of Trade Unions for a long period now. This is in violation of the democratic rights of the working forces in the railways. The reason for not holding referendum is that the leaders of the so-called recognized unions and the bureaucrats in the Southern Railway are hand in glove in various anti-workers moves and people moves. I request the Minister to hold the referendum at the earliest.
Sir, I urge upon the Ministry to review budget proposals and include the projects for the developments of railways in the State of Kerala.
SHRI LONAPPAN NAMBADAN (MUKUNDAPURAM) : *Sir, Kerala has been neglected in this year”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s Railway budget too, as usual. I strongly protest against not sanctioning new Railway zone or a new train to Kerala. One third of the 46 new trains are allotted to the south Indian states other than Kerala. There is not even a single new train to Kerala. Congress alliance is in power both at the Centre and in the state. Kerala has been cruelly neglected in spite of the fact that all members from Kerala, barring one, support the government. Kerala is extremely backward in railway development compared to other states in the country. This is because Kerala does not have enough hold on the highest authorities of the Railways.
For a permanent solution to the continuous neglect, Kerala should be allotted a special railway zone.
The construction of 3 new lines, namely Thanoor- Guruvayoor, Angamali- Sabarimala, and Kottayam-Erumely should start immediately. Sufficient allocation should be made for the doubling of both the Alappuzha and the Kottayam routes from Ernakulam. Angamali and Irinjalakkuda stations should be computerised. The decision to terminate the diesel shed at Ernakulam should be revoked. Instead, additional facility for the repair of electrical engines should be installed at the diesel shed.
The recognition of trade unions in the Railways should be given through secret ballot system in a democratic manner. The vacant posts in the Railways, which comes approximately 2 lakhs, should be filled. This will help reduce accidents and ease the workload of the employees. The duty hours of railway gate men are 10 to 12 hours at present. A number of accidents take place due to this long duty hours. This should be reduced to 8 hours. Due to the privatisation of railway catering services the amount and weight of food items have gone down and the prices have gone up. Food should be supplied in right amount and weight and prices should be reduced.
__________________________________________________________________* Translation of the Speech originally delivered in Malayalam; and
Speech was laid on the Table.
The facility to book parcels and luggage should be restored at all stations. This will help thousands of porters get their jobs back. Their job security should be ensured. The present contract system should be done away with. The old dilapidated coaches should be changed and new coaches should be introduced. Many stations do not have facilities for even basic needs. There are many stations without roof or foot over bridge. More allocations should be made for the doubling of lines and the construction of over bridges and their construction should be completed at the earliest. Immediate steps should be made to complete the construction of over bridges at Kalletunkara, Chalakkudi, and Koratti. The practice of closing existing railway stations in the pretext of ””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””un economic stations”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” should be stopped. The income of such stations should be increased by sanctioning stop for more trains there.
Kerala is the “God”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s own country” much advanced in education, health care and culture. The crime rate among Malayalee passengers is very low. Cases of ticket- less travelling are extremely low among Malayalees. I request from the most backward position that there should be declarations favourable to Kerala in the reply of the Honourable Minister for railways. We hope that the obstacle of the ””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””black pillar”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” in front of us will be removed and the”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” white smoke”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” will emerge from your side.
SHRIMATI P. SATHEEDEVI (BADAGARA) : *The Railway Budget presented by the Railway Minister is having some positive aspects and to that extent, it is appreciated. There is no intention to increase the passenger charges and freightage and the special benefits enjoyed by the weaker sections of the society is still continued. It is really appreciated.
But while presenting the Budget the Railway Minister has completely ignored the fact that there is a State by name Kerala in the Southern part of the country. The State of Kerala contributes not less than 700 crores of rupees to the revenue of Indian Railways. But the Railway Budget provides a very meagre amount for the development of railway in the State of Kerala. The Railway Ministry has again bye passed the long standing and progress of Railway in Kerala.
Sir, the Railway Ministry has announced that about 46 new trains will be introduced throughout the country. But it is really unfortunate to say that not a single one is provided to Kerala. The attitude of the Railway Ministry is very unkind and unjustified.
People of Kerala are hopeful at least this time they will get a fair deal from the U.P.A. Government. Over 15 million of people of Malabar area consisting of 6 northern districts has been continuously neglected by the Railway and the sufferings of the people are increasing. The demand for a Superfast Express between Chennai and Goa raised by the various associations of this area has not recognised by the Ministry.
During the reign of N.D.A. Government, a weekly train between Cannanore and Yeswanthpur was introduced. In fact, the service of this train does not benefit the thousands of people travelling between Bangalore and different cities of Malabar area. Previously there was 2 through coaches running daily between Mangalore and Bangalore which were withdrawn. Over 100 tourist buses
* Speech was laid on the Table.
are operating from the Malabar region to Bangalore and Mysore. These buses are heavily crowded with businessmen, students, employees and devotees to various temples. It is absolutely necessary to run the Yeswanthapur Kannur express train as a daily train to suit the interest of the general public. This service shall be routed via Bangalore city and Malleswaram as to save one hour extra running time. This service will attract enormous passenger parcel traffic boosting the revenue to the Railway.
The pilgrim traffic from Malabar area to Guruvayoor temple is increasing. In the absence of direct train link pilgrims are compelled to alight at Kuttippuram and catch buses to Guruvayoor. Hence running a direct train between Kasargod and Guruvayoor via Trichur will be highly benefited to the people of Malabar area.
The Rail link from Nilambur-Nangangud to Mysore is very vital. With the completion of the International container Terminal at Vallarpadam and the LNG complex there in the Railway Traffic from and to Cochin will increase many a time. If the rail link between Nilampur-Nangangud to Mysore is opened, it will reduce the distance and running time between Bangalore and Cochin considerably. The long pending demand of Tellicherry Mysore Railway also is not considered by the Ministry. If this is fulfilled, it will be highly beneficial to the people of Kerala and Karnataka States.
The biweekly Kannur Mangalore Maveli Express should be made daily. A superfast Express between Mangalore Tirvendrum should be introduced.
The promised Sampark Kranthi Express may be launched immediately on the Konkan route.
The Rajdhani Express from Delhi to TVM is now running for 2 days per week.
The frequency of Rajdhani Express should be increased to at least 4 days per week.
Sir, over a million of people of Kerala are now living at Delhi and in the adjoining areas like Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon, etc. During the summer vacations and the festival seasons, special trains should be introduced from Delhi to Kerala. The existing trains are quite insufficient to accommodate the heavy rush of the commuters to Kerala.
Sir, the train Kerala Express running between Delhi and the State Capital of Kerala for the last 25 years has now proposed to extend to Chandigarh. This will really create more inconvenience and much agony to the commuters at Delhi. Hence, it is requested that the said proposal of extension should be withdrawn and a new train should be introduced to Kerala from Chandigarh via Delhi.
Sir, the required amount for the completion of the ongoing railway projects for the doubling of railway link spread over the State is 225.93 crores. But it is very sad to note that the Budget allocation is only Rs. 53.60 crores. with this meagre amount nonce of the projects could be completed.
The Budget allocation for the electrification and that of the construction of overbridges are also very meagre. It has to be increased. The construction of Railway overbridge at Vengalam, Nandi, Chengottkavu are still pending. It seems that the construction wing wants to prolong the projects as it is beneficial to them. Sufficient pressure from the Government is necessary to speed up the work.
The passenger amenities and safety can be provided, only by proper actions. Implementation of 8 hours duty to the crew of the Mail, Express and Superfast and Passenger Trains should be assured. The Catering service should be made service motivated instead of the profit sharing attitude.
Sir, the people of Kerala is really disappointed by the introductions of the Railway Budget in a way totally is ignoring the interest and expectations of them. Hence the entire Keraliets are looking forward for some favourable actions from the Railway Ministry.
I hereby conclude my speech hoping for your favourable reply and decision in the larger interest of the people of Kerala.
SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN (KASARGOD) : *I appreciate the stand taken by the Railway Minister not to make any increase in the passenger traffic as well as parcel charges in the Budget for the year 2004-05.
There are number of other measures to strengthen our railway security and administrative set-up. So, this is a positive approach.
But, there are many other issues which have to be addressed and thereby strengthen the credibility and creativeness of this Budget. The economic development of our country mainly depends upon the development of infrastructure and the most important among them is the railway. Indian Railway has a very glorious history, maybe the largest network of transportation of our country.
So, we need a balanced growth approach at the national level, should not be confined to some areas alone. I do not disagree with the projects given to many States, but there are other States also to be included in the list.
I am sad to say that in this Budget, when 46 new trains are announced, Kerala has no place in the list. The allocation of doubling, completion of ROBs, electrification also needs more funds.
With regard to ROBs, Kerala may be the first State which contributes 50 per cent of the total estimate of every work. But the sanctioned works are not yet completed, many of them have not yet begun.
6. Railway really takes special charges from the passengers for the railway security. So, the construction of ROBs is the part and parcel of the railway security itself. Yet the Government of Kerala has taken a positive stand to speed up the construction of ROBs. So, the railway has to speed up their work and sanction more ROBs in the State. Govt. of Kerala has already sent the proposals of ROBs and they are ready to bear 50 per cent of the cost.
* Laid on the Table
The Catering Corporation started its work. But the workers, who were there for a very long time, have been denied employment. The same is the case seen in the case of Porters in the railway in Kerala. They were also working for 30 or 35 years there, but when the railway decided to give the handling work to private individuals, these poor Porters were denied employment. This anti-labour steps should be withdrawn.
Government of Kerala and Kerala MPs have given a number of representations with regard to the sanctioning of new trains, survey of new lines and strengthening of infrastructure.
With regard to the new trains:
Thiruvananthapuram-Mangalore Maveli Express – make it daily train;
Madgaon-Mangalore Express should be extended upto Cochin;
Kannur-Bangalore Express – make it a daily train;
Start a new train from Trivandrum to Coimbatore;
Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Express should be extended to Kasaragod;
Train to Mangalore –Chennai.
More funds for doubling, gauge conversion, construction of ROBs, electrification, etc.
New Survey to Sabari rail line and Guruvayoor – Tanur.
The safety of the railway is more important. Railway take special charges from 2nd Class, 1st Class and AC ticket for the safety fund. But, in many railway stations, the absence of foot over bridges leads to accidents because the passengers, especially women, children and old people, have to cross 3 or 4 railway lines in the railway stations. There are reports of accident deaths in these stations.
12. Manned and unmanned level crossings are also equally important in order to avoid train accidents. So, the railway has to draw an action plan with a time limit to construct manned and unmanned level crossings and also the 11FOBs in the railway stations.
I would also like to submit the names of the ROBs suggested by the Government of Kerala in their memorandum submitted to the Hon. Minister for Railways. Government of Kerala has already made it clear that they are ready to bear 50 per cent of the cost of every ROBs. These are the following names sent by the Govt. of Kerala for inclusion in the Railway Budget 2005-06:
1. Hosangady, Kasaragod LC No. 289
2. Kottikkulam Yard, Kasargod LC No. 280
3. Pazhayangady, Cannanore LC No. 257
4. Mambaram Road, Cannanore LC No. 230
5. Punaloor, Kollam V- 518
I would request the Railway Minister that the ROBs mentioned above may be included in the Railway Budget itself. Shri
16.26 hrs.
(Dr. Laxminarayan Pandey in the Chair)
SHRI JOACHIM BAXLA (ALIPURDUAR) : *Sir, through you, I would like to appreciate the Railway Budget 2005-06 presented by the hon. Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad. I consider this Budget as a balanced one and pro-people.
Shri Laluji deserves appreciation for some positive decisions that were declared during his Budget Speech, i.e.,
50 per cent concession in Second Class fares to farmers and milk producers for the purpose of training/earning, etc.
Providing 75 per cent concession to Government rural school students for study tour.
75 per cent concession in Second Class fares to girls for attending entrance examinations.
Upgradation of reservation facilities, etc.
I sincerely thank the Minister for the decisions/approval in acceding my local demands, i.e.,
Demand for extension at both ends of NJP-Asansol which has been approved for extension from NJP to Alipurduar Junction and Asansol to Ranchi. It has found place in Time Table book also.
As demanded, it is declared that Mahananda-Delhi Express running between Delhi and New Jalpaiguri (NJP) would be extended from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Alipurduar Junction.
Also, my demand for out-of-turn sanction for construction of Ramp-type Foot-Over-Bridge at Alipurduar Junction (APDJn) has also been accepted and approved.
A long-standing demand of Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar, Goalpara districts has also been sanctioned before this Budget and its implementation is in progress but very slow progress is observed in respect of New Mainaguri-Jogighopa Project.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
I would now request the hon. Minister for Railways to please ensure that Alipurduar-Ranchi train starts running at an early date. Also, proper care should be given so that New Mainaguri-Jogighopa Railway Project is completed soon. Please make Alipurduar Junction as crew changing point. Stoppage of Intercity Express at Rajabhatkawa under Alipurduar Division will benefit the people of this remote place. Special package for DHR running between New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling be declared to attract more tourists.
To avert accident, unmanned gate at Banarhat should be made, manred one.
* Speech was laid on the Table
* Speech was laid on the Table.
*……*This part of the Speech was laid on the Table.
17.00 hrs.
SHRI SUNIL KHAN (DURGAPUR) : *Sir, I stand to support the Railway Budget for the year 2005-06 with some reservation.
I welcome the Railway Minister for not increasing the passenger fare. But the common passengers are not getting the basic amenities not only in the railway station but also most of the trains.
Now, I would like to know how many accidents have taken place starting from Gaisal five years before and up to date. What is the result of that Inquiry Committee?
What is the number of reportable accident and what is the number of non-reportable accident that had taken place during the last five years? How many major accidents occurred in Indian Railways vis-à-vis other International Railways during the last five years?
How many anti-collision device units and how much track circuiting you require to reduce the number of accidents?
To generate more revenue in freight traffic, you have to increase more wagons to strengthen the freight traffic from 40 per cent to 80 per cent. In this situation, bogey-coupler production should be increased. So, please give the order for production of bogey-coupler to Burn Standard Company. On the one hand Burn Standard Company will sustain, the employees will remain for production and on the other hand, railway freight will be increased.
Sir, most of the trains are not running in proper time. Even, New Delhi-Sealdah Rajdhani Express, which carries most of the MPs in Session times – from West Bengal and Bihar – its frequency should be increased so that the passengers as well as MPs can reach Delhi in office-time. The catering system of Rajdhani (Sealdah) Express should be better.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
To avoid accidents and to maintain scheduled time to the destination, two more lines have to be laid from New Delhi to Howrah, New Delhi to Mumbai and New Delhi to Chennai. If not possible, at least, the third line should be there.
If we prepare the Indian Railway budget, we have to think overall India and not a special State! So, you have to think from Kanyakumari to Srinagar, Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) to Agartala and for increasing specially foreign tourist you have to look at Shillong (Meghalaya) where train should reach at the station from where Shillong looks like Switzerland.
Now, I remind you of my State of West Bengal. Some long-pending projects are still pending. Though some of the projects you have taken but the allocation of funds should be increased so that the projects can be completed. Further, I would like to say that Durgapur is my constituency and it is called ‘Rurh’ area of Eastern India. Durgapur is a Municipal Corporation for its growing population as well as industries. So, one first passenger should be introduced from Durgapur to Howrah for Senior Citizens, students, daily passengers of various factories. The Rajbandh Station (Eastern Railway) should be high because of so many oil companies launching their services. The officers and the employees at a large scale are to board the train from that platform. The dilapidated station –also a heritage station since British period – is still recognized in Eastern Railway fallen in between Paraj and Galsi Station. Nearly eleven villages are surrounded by that dilapidated Station. This station should be revived and the ticket counter should be opened.
Now, I would like to thank you for the proposal of surveying the railway line from Raniganj to Bankura. I once again remind you that the broad-gauge railway line, namely, the Bankura-Damodar River Railway Project is going open from Bankura to Sonamukhi as per your commitment at Bankura, i.e., on 31st of March 2005, but the remaining portion, namely, from Sonamukhi to Raina and from Raina to Chachai (Chord line of Eastern Railway) should be completed within the year 2008. So, you should allocate proper funds and I request you again that after completion of this project, on the same route bifurcation of Beliatore to Durgapur, which is hardly 22 kms, should be done. If it is done, it will be the gateway of South India to North East. So, I request you that, at least, the survey should be done from Beliatore to Durgapur on the same Bankura-Damodar River Railway track.
The allocation of fund should be increased from Bishnupur to Tarakeswar line of South Eastern Railway. To increase tourists, you have to thrust upon the railway line from Bankura to Mukutmonipur. Another line from Chatna to Raipur should be kept in mind to fulfil its demand.
I do hope that you will discuss and answer at the time of your reply.
Again, I thank you and I conclude my speech.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI ANANTA NAYAK (KEONJHAR): *Sir, the current Railway Budget has allocated a substantial amount of Rs.128.61 crore for the completion of Keonjhar-Tamka portion of Banspani – Jakhpura Railway project. The people of Keonjhar are looking forward to the scheduled completion of the project by March, 2006. Although outwardly, the project looks like a generous gesture, we know the sound economic sense in behind this decision, which is delayed far too long at great cost. For instance, only 10 km of Banspani – Jurudi section generated revenue of Rs.100 crore to Railways in the last 2 years, not to speak of new sidings of Nayagarh, Dubna and Keonjhar. It is estimated that once the connection of Paradip Port is made, the freight revenue will surpass the project cost in 2-3 years.
But when the production of iron ore in Keonjhar is being targeted to 60 million tones per year from 2007, even this single Railway line will be totally inadequate. Therefore, Railways should wisely plan out doubling of this line at the earliest.
When the current Budget provides for survey of Keonjhar – Badampahad Rail link, we do not understand how much short link of Banspani – Barsuan (25 km) is being overlooked. This link along with Talcher – Bimlagarh coal link, and Keonjhar – Badampahar will close a network in North Orissa providing connectivity to ports, market, raw materials, giving boost to a long neglected backward area. I would like to mention here that in the current Railway Budget, you have included Murgamahadev Road, Addl. Loop and Barbil – Bolanikadan (Loop/Yard Lines) CTR 5 Kms. These two loops are only for material transportation, which will benefit only some industry and industrialists, not to the general public. If a new survey can be made for short link of Joda to Barbil (only 12 kms) both the industrial sector, and the general public will be benefited. By this connection, it will also joint two major business cities, namely, Tatanagar and
*Speech was laid on the Table.
Cuttack via Keonjhar district. Due to this connection, the time taken from Cuttack to Delhi will reduce at least by five hours.
Turning back iron-ore loaded train from newly made Keonjhar Station was an unfortunate event. The interested parties, district administration, political leadership, and the Railway authorities could peacefully resolve all the outstanding issues by discussion. A judicious decision could be taken based on traffic restrictions, road construction, destinations, and such other arrangements and commercial operation could be restarted.
Orissa is a State, which is rich in resources, and with very less infrastructure. So, the BPL percentage is more than 47 per cent in this State. It is one of the neglected States in the country. So, there is problem like starvation death, and a big problem of employment. Although the State contributes quite significant amount of the total orientation revenue traffic to the Railways, yet the Railway Ministry always behave in a step-motherly manner. It has a very meagre Rail rout length, and Rail network in the State. No Railway production unit such as CLW in West Bengal, DLW in Uttar Pradesh, ICF in Tamil Nadu, RCF in Punjab, Wheal and Axle Plant in Karnataka, etc. is located in Orissa State to generate employment, and to help to improve its economy.
Keeping the above facts in view, I would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to pay special attention to a neglected State like Orissa, and to the above-mentioned proposal for reconsideration.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
17.22 hrs.
(Shri Varkala Radhkrishana in the Chiar)
*Speech was laid on the Table.
DR. M. JAGANNATH (NAGAR KURNOOL): Respected Chairman, Sir, thank you very much for giving me an opportunity to participate in the discussion on the Railway Budget. I welcome the Budget as it maintains the status quo in respect of passenger and freight fares and also for planning good safety measures and improving the amenities for passengers. The way in which the commodities have been classified would definitely lead to increase in the freight rates in the future. It has ambitious plans which are reflected in the Railway Minister”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s speech. It has not spelt out the way in which the Ministry is going to mobilise funds for various plans. That creates a fear in the minds of the people that in the near future the rates could be increased in many ways. This is definitely a populist Budget. We had a populist Budget in the previous year also. I have my own doubts that if such populist Budgets are proposed every year, how can we match the global standards in the rail travel?
Coming to my State, Andhra Pradesh, something has been given to this State as compared to previous years. But Budgetary allocation in respect of many aspects, like gauge conversion, new lines, doubling etc. does not match the present requirements.
Let me come to new lines. For Peddapalli-Karimnagar-Nizamabad new line, only Rs. 30 crore have been allocated. For Kakinada-Kotipalli new line, the requirement is Rs. 67 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 2 crore. For Kotipalli-Narasapur new line, the requirement is Rs. 329 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 1 crore. For Kakinada-Pithapuram new line, the requirement is Rs. 61 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 1 crore. For Nandyal-Yerraguntla new line, the requirement is Rs. 420 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 5 crore. For Macherla-Nalgonda new line, the requirement is Rs. 125 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 1 crore. For Munirabad-Mahaboobnagar new line, the requirement is Rs. 460 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 5 crore. Likewise for Gadwal-Raichur new line, the requirement is Rs. 86 crore, but the allocation is only Rs. 4 crore.
In respect of gauge conversion, the allocation is gradually coming down. In 2003-04, the allocation was Rs. 133.90 crore; in 2004-05, it was reduced to Rs. 102.90 crore; in 2005-06, it was further reduced to Rs. 87 crore.
In respect of doubling, there is a marginal increase in the Budgetary allocation. It has been increased from Rs. 135 crore to Rs. 155 crore. It is appreciable.
In respect of other fields, when hundreds of crores of rupees are required, if rupees one crore, two crore and five crores are allotted, I think in my life time, I will not be able to see a train rolling on the tracks. That is why, keeping in view the requirements, the money should be allocated. The projects, which are spelt out, are all mostly in the backward areas of Telangana. Unless we have good infrastructure, more so particularly of transport system, whether it is rail transport or road transport, the backward areas will never prosper and never develop. The investors will see the infrastructure available in any area. They do not want to construct roads by themselves or railway lines by themselves. That is why, the Railways have to concentrate on the backward areas and the Budgetary allocations have to be made accordingly.
Now, I come to the Naupada-Gunupur gauge conversion work. In the previous year, a sum of Rs.15 crore was allotted. Prior to that, Rs.15 crore was given. In this year’s Budget, only Rs.5 crore has been allocated. As time passes on, when the projects are to be completed in time, the Budgetary allocation should be on the higher side and it should not get reduced.
In other areas also like road safety, ROB/RUB, the allocation is not adequate. Adequate fund has not been given to Andhra Pradesh in this regard.
Regarding survey for new lines, I would say that two new lines find place in respect of Andhra Pradesh in this year’s Budget out of the 46 lines proposed by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. What is the criterion for deciding this? How much time is needed to lay new lines? Successively, in the Railway Budget, we are not finding Budgetary allocations for new lines because they are all from the backward areas. A number of new lines have been taken up and the proposals have been sent by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. They should be considered and cleared. I would request the hon. Minister to look into this.
I thank the hon. Railway Minister for proposing survey of new lines between Jadcherla and Nandyal and Manuguru to Ramagundam. There are extension of some of the new lines. But the lines which were proposed earlier should be completed. There is one line from Raichur to Macherla which goes through the backward areas of Raichur, Mahaboobnagar, Nalgonda and Macherla of Andhra Pradesh. Previously, for two portions from Gadwal to Raichur and Nalgona to Macherla, sanction was given. The middle part between Gadwal and Macherla does not find any mention. This part is very much essential. It cuts nearly 100 kms. from the coastal area like the Mumbai areas. If such types of lines are laid in the backward areas like Mahaboobnagar and Nalgonda districts, then the farmers can go in for other commercial crops instead of the traditional crops. Financially, they will be better off. I would request the hon. Minister to take up updating the survey between Gadwal and Macherla. The middle part has been left out. The then Railway Minister, on the floor of the House, promised that this would be considered. But, successively for two years, I am not finding any mention of these projects. I would request the hon. Minister to take up the Gadwal-Macherla middle part of the Macherla-Raichur railway line. As I said, the allocation is very much meagre. It has to be increased. Even in the case of Muneerabad-Mahaboobnagar also, out of the requirement of Rs.460 crore, only Rs.5 crore has been earmarked this year. Likewise, it is the same for Gadwal-Raichur, Nalgona-Macherla. These pertain to the most backward areas. Again, I would request the hon. Minister to allocate more funds.
Regarding ROB/RUB, there are not many such things sanctioned for Andhra Pradesh. Of course, one or two have been given. One such thing was in the main line of Hyderabad-Secunderabad-Bangalore. Jadcherla railway station is one important station. Jadcherla is one important business centre. I have been repeatedly requesting the hon. Minister for the construction of either one RUB at Jadcherla or ROB. The one railway gate is situated very much near the yard of Jadcherla Railway Station. The station divides the Jadcherla old town and the new town. Because of that, whenever trains stop, at the gate, there will be a lot of problems in crossing the road from one side to the other side. I would request the hon. Minister to consider the construction of a road under bridge at Jadcherla railway station. Also, there should be an over bridge at Yenugonda level crossing. These are between NH-7 and the district headquarters of Mahaboobnagar. Also, one road over bridge should be constructed at Gadwal.
The hon. Minister has proposed some new trains. Some six new trains have been proposed. Some of them are passenger trains and some others are extension of two express trains. One is Krishna Express up to Nizamabad and the other one is Mumbai-Nizamabad Express extended up to Secunderabad.
Sir, our long pending demands for introduction of an Inter-City Express from Secundrabad to Kurnool Town, a Rajdhani Express between Hyderabad and New Delhi and Super-Fast Trains between Visakapatnam and Hyderabad and from Chennai to Howrah via Visakapatnam have not been fulfilled. Most of the trains to Southern States are passing through this line only. So, keeping in view the traffic in this route, I would request the hon. Minister to see that some Super-Fast Trains and Inter-City Expresses are introduced in this line.
As far as railway accidents are concerned, they are gradually coming down, but we should not get complacent with this because we should maintain the accident level to the barest minimum and we should make efforts to see that not even a single accident takes place in the Indian Railways. On inquiry, we felt that the main reason for railway accidents is due to the condition of the tracks. The tracks are very old and old bridges keep collapsing and that is the reason for most of the accidents. This is happening due to the huge haulage of traffic. Railways are the common man’s mode of transport and also the cheapest mode of transport. So, the Railways should make every effort to minimise the number of accidents.
Similarly, ensuring the safety of passengers is the prime responsibility of the Railways. I would request the hon. Minister to see that high level research and development is carried out for this purpose. He should allocate more funds for research and development and also take concrete steps for relaying of old tracks and also reconstruct all the old bridges which are more than 100 years. Most of the accidents take place in such places. Therefore, I would request the hon. Minister to see that all the old bridges are rebuilt.
I now come to doubling and electrification of railway lines. In the modern era, the world is moving very fast. The world has become a global village where people are not in a position to wait for long hours and spend days in travelling as it used to happen in the past. So, it is the duty of the Railways to see that this mode of transport is made very quick. This is possible only by doubling of railway lines and also electrifying them. In this connection, I would like to point out to the hon. Minister that Secundrabad to Dronachalam line and also Secundrabad to Mumbai line are very important. My request is that these two lines should be doubled and also electrified soon.
Sir, though this year’s Railway Budget looks oriented towards the poor and populist, we must also think of the future. In this Budget, it has been spelt out that one way of resource mobilisation will be by selling of vacant lands and also by construction of commercial complexes, warehouses and logistic parks in surplus railway land. This is a good idea, but it will definitely hamper the expansion of the Railways in future. If we go on selling the assets which we have got now, in future we will not be left with any assets for resource mobilisation. So, my request to the hon. Railway Minister is, that the Railways should concentrate on mobilisation of resources through other ways than selling of vacant lands owned by the Railways.
Then, though there is a marginal increase in the allocation for doubling and other things, the allocation for laying of new lines and gauge conversion works is not more than Rs. 137 crore in the case of South-Central Railway which is in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Keeping in view the backwardness of our State, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has sent many proposals to the Railway Minister. I would request the hon. Minister of Railways to see that all the proposals sent by the Government of Andhra Pradesh are cleared soon.
SHRI BIKRAM KESHARI DEO (KALAHANDI): Sir*, I oppose the Railway Budget. As you know, Orissa is a backward State in the field of railway network. I hope that the ongoing projects of doubling the new lines, conversion of new lines from narrow gauge to broad gauge, have not been given due allocation of funds for the benefit of the people of Orissa. If the funds spend with this pace, as projected in the Railway Budget, it will take another 50 years to complete the ongoing projects. As you all know, Railway in a developing country is the Engine of Growth. Today, India has become a part of the globalisation process and is the signatory of the WTO. So, it becomes essential to develop infrastructure like the Railways, as it is the largest carrier of freight, which include, minerals, ores, foodgrains, medical supplies and other important finished goods like steel, cement across the country.
My region, that is, KBK region, which is in Orissa, is virtually totally neglected and has the sparest rail network. The NDA Government could make the formation of the East Coast Railways a reality, though previously it was just a political announcement. We have three Divisions, namely, Sambalpur, Khurda and Waltair Division. Sambalpur is a brand new Division and requires a lot of funds for the development of the network. The stations have to be remodeled, and the goods handling facilities have to be modernised, etc. In my constituency, there are five railway stations, namely, Kesinga, Narla, Rupra Road, Langigarh Road and Kandle Road. I would like to thank the hon. Railway Minister for allocating Rs. 8 crore for the Langigarh to Junagarh railway line. I think, it would get around Rs. 20 crore so that the work on this line could be speeded up.
As you know, Sir, the port connectivity is very important for the growth of the country and its economy. The growth rate is envisaged at 8.5 per cent in the year 2005-06. I also congratulate the hon. Minister for having declared new trains,
but I am sorry to say that some of the trains are not routed through Raipur and
* Speech was laid on the Table.
Visakhapattnam. The neglected 8 districts of the KBK in Orissa will never get the benefit of the Railways, and the natural resources in the form of minerals like bauxite, limestone, tin ore, gemstones, iron ore, coal cannot be exploited for the benefit of the country. Therefore, it is highly essential that the railway lines from Titlagarh to Raipur and Titlagarh to Bhubaneswar should be extended and doubled. The vast mineral rich districts of Kalahandi and Bolangir will be open for industrialisation. When the Congress Government was there from 80’s till the 90’s, there were reports of starvation death, migration and destitution. Accordingly, the hon. Supreme Court directed an inquiry to these events. Besides this, the Human rights Commission, in its Report, directed the Planning Commission to initiate the special programme for the KBK Districts, which is going on nowadays, but the railway infrastructure is missing.
The announcement of new trains made by the Railway Minister is very late. The trains may be routed through Bilaspur to Triputi Express via Visakhapatnam. A train may also be introduced between Sambalpur to Bhubaneswar, and it should be running on daily basis. If the train runs thrice a week via Vijaynagaram, then it would touch the KBK Districts, and it will have a direct connection from the KBK Districts to capital Bhubaneswar. Train Nos. 8407 and 8408, that is, Nizamuddin to Bhubaneswar and Hirakud to Visakhapatnam Express may be routed through via Titlagarh. Train Nos. 2659 and 2660, which are running between Bhubaneswar to Chennai and Chennai to Bhubaneswar, may be routed through via Titlagarh. The Samata Express from Nizamuddin to Vishakhapatnam, which is running four days a week, may be running daily. Shri Rathwa, Minister of State for Railways had come for an inauguration programme in my constituency. In a public meeting, he had suggested that the train would be running on a daily basis. Besides this, the Kesinga Railway Station may be made a model Railway Station.
I would like to request the hon. Minister to kindly allocate funds to survey the area and extend the railway lines. From Langigarh Road to Junagarh, survey has already been done. From Junagarh to Ambagurha (Jeypore) KK Line via Navrangpur, extension of railway line will have to be done. This will make the port connectivity between Visakhaptanam Port and the Bailadilla Iron Ore Mines in Chhattisgarh.
A survey for a line from Kesinga to Bhavani Patna, which is the District Headquarter of Kalahandi, should be done. In the meantime, an urban booking centre may be opened at Bhavani Patna, which is 40 kilometres away from Kesinga. As a new bridge is going to be constructed on River Tel, I would like to request the hon. Minister to make the bridge rail-cum-road bridge, which will connect two important towns of Titlagarh and Kesinga, which are the two major trading hubs of the KBK.
Funds may also be allocated for the rail over bridge (ROB) at Kesinga, National Highway 201. It is a matter of regret that the funds for rail over bridge (ROB) of the previous year were unutilised due to non-compliance of reports. Besides this, recruitment in class four category may also be made.
With these words, I would like to conclude my speech. Though the hon. Railway Minister has given more funds to Orissa in comparison to other States of the country, yet I am unhappy.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI SUBRATA BOSE (BARASAT): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I rise to support the Railway Budget for 2005-06 presented by the hon. Minister of Railways.
First of all, I would like to compliment the hon. Minister for deciding not to increase passenger fares for the second consecutive year and also for his efforts to rationalise the freight structure. I think rationalisation of the freight structure has been overdue and I am very happy that the hon. Minister as well as the Officers of the Railway Minister have thought about rationalisation of freight tariff.
However on the question of freight, I would like to suggest, and I think, the hon. Minister should consider, that for all food grains – it is not only for the supply of rations to the BPL persons and for mid-day meal – whether the freight charges can be further reduced. I think, food grain is the most essential commodity, which naturally is consumed by all the people of the country, whether it is the question of rice or wheat. I think, if this point is considered by the hon. Minister, I should be grateful to him for that.
The hon. Railway Minister has also announced different new projects for new lines as well as for uplinking or conversion of gauge, etc. I am, of course, a bit disappointed that the hon. Minister of Railways has not remembered West Bengal as far as this Railway Budget is concerned. He has given us a new train, the super fast Sampark Kranti Express from Sealdah to Delhi. However, I am not very sure as to whether much useful purpose will be served by this new train. This is in addition to the Rajdhani Express, which we have and also other trains like Delhi-Kalka Mail and other trains from Howrah to Delhi or from Sealdah to Delhi.
This train is particularly called super-fast train. This train is going to take 23 hours to come from Sealdah to Delhi, whereas the Rajdhani Express, both from Howrah to Delhi and Sealdah to Delhi takes about Seventeen and a half hours. You may call it super-fast, but in effect, I think, even faster trains are available for passengers. Although, I welcome the introduction of a new train, I perhaps wish, if more useful connections in West Bengal or from West Bengal or to West Bengal could have been considered by the hon. Minister of Railways.
Talking about new projects naturally reminds us of the on-going projects which have been in the process. We find that the hon. Minister or the Railway Ministry is not very much concerned about the completion of projects which have already been undertaken by them. For instance, I shall give the example of one project of doubling, which concerns my constituency Barasat. In North-24 Pargana District of West Bengal, this doubling of line from Sealdah to Bongaon has been undertaken for the past many years. It was proposed by the Leader of our Party, Forward Bloc, late Chitta Basu. It was, of course, heartening to note that the proposal was accepted, but he is dead and gone and whether it is progressing or not is doubtful and if I shall also live to see the completion of this project or when the new generation will profit by this project after its completion is really doubtful.
I would like to know if there is any principle of completion of old projects or the projects which are in process. They are undertaking new projects. The old projects are left to linger on whereas new projects are taken in hand. In that manner, if old projects are once taken up, the completion of them is indefinite. I think, if more attention is given by the hon. Minister of Railways to the completion of projects, which have been taken in hand, then more benefits would accrue to the passengers of that area.
Sir, I will take one more minute.
I think there has been a lot of talk on safety and security. I have a feeling that not enough finance or fund is being made available to this. I know there is a constraint of fund. I think it is, therefore, very important for the Railways to utilise other resources like proper or even commercial utilisation of the vast lands which are owned by the Railways. We know we have problems. There is encroachment.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Please conclude.
SHRI SUBRATA BOSE : Sir, I will conclude in a minute. Of course, I welcome the proposal to set up an authority for the management of the land. But I hope they will also ensure that there is no further encroachment of the railway lands which are now vacant, in the possession of the Railways and are not encroached upon.
Sir, since the time is limited, I would only like to thank you for giving me this opportunity and I conclude my speech.
(Interruptions)* …
MR. CHAIRMAN: Nothing will be recorded except the speech of Shri Nikhil Kumar Choudhary.
* Not Recorded.
SHRI G. KARUNAKARA REDDY (BELLARY): *Sir, at the outset, I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to speak on the Railway Budget. Sir, I am unhappy over the presentation of the Railway Budget presented by the hon. Railway Minister. The State of Karnataka stands neglected with no facilities provided for in this year’s Budget, though a revenue income of Rs. 800 crore are getting from only Bellary.
Kottur-Harihar line forms an important link between the two coasts – East Coast and the West Coast. The line, on completion, would enable movement of iron ore to all the three Ports – Mangalore, Chennai and Vizag Ports. On the return journey, the goods trains can carry fertilizers, coal, cement and other products. The hon. Minister has allocated Rs. 3 crore only for this project. The line, which is economically viable, should be given more emphasis. I urge upon the hon. Minister to allocate at least Rs. 20 crore for the early completion of this project.
In the meantime, I would request the hon. Minister to introduce a daily train between Guntakal and Kottur, as the work has already been completed, for the benefit of the people of these areas.
I urge upon the hon. Minister that more facilities should be provided at Hubli, which will be befitting its status as Zonal Headquarters.
In view of the existing broad gauge line, Hospet-Guntakal is an over-saturated point. There is an urgent need to expedite the ongoing work of double lines between Hospet-Guntakal. This was essential to ease the traffic congestion and enable movement of iron ore to Chennai and Vizag Ports from Bellary-Hospet sector, and also for introduction of new trains for the benefit of the passenger-public in this region.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
The people of Bellary region have been nurturing a long-cherished dream of getting through trains between Chennai and Mumbai via Bellary and Hospet. I would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to consider this request also.
It is heartening to note that the hon. Railway Minister has introduced a new train between Hubli and Chennai. My appeal to him is that the train runs via Hospet and Bellary.
Similarly, last year, I appeal to the hon. Minister for introduction of an another direct train from Chennai to Mumbai and Mumbai to Chennai via Bellary. This is the long-cherished dream of the people of this region. I may tell you that no initiative has been taken so far in this regard. Bellary is flourishing as a business centre, and there is an urgent need to introduce these trains so that business people can benefit more.
Hampi is an important city in the Bellary District, which attracts the international tourists. Apart from this, thousands of tourists are thronging the city. A large number of office-goers travel between these two cities daily. There is an urgent need to ply a push-pull train between the two cities. It is not only for the benefit of office-goers but also to those wanting to visit Hampi.
I would also like to draw the kind attention of the hon. Railway Minister to the fact that there are no-day time trains between Guntakal and Hubli. It causes a lot of hardships to the passenger-public of the region. Prior to gauge conversion, there are several trains passing through Bellary during the day. I would request the hon. Minister to kindly reintroduce all the trains prevailing prior to gauge conversion.
The Hampi Express is running between Hubli, and Bangalore is having only one General Compartment and very less number of Sleeper Class coaches. The common people are travelling in General Compartment and Sleeper Class are facing a lot of difficulties due to shortage of coaches. I would request the hon. Railway Minister to include two more General Compartments and two more Sleeper Coaches in this train for the benefit of the common people.
National Highway No.13 of Sholapur-Mangalore Section crosses one railway line LC: 13 (13-14) near the Kanavi Veerabhadra Temple covering a distance of 298 kilometres. Due to heavy mining activities, a number of goods trains carry iron ore facing closure of railway gate very frequently. It is because of this frequent closure, thousands of vehicles are getting stuck and hours together traffic jammed which is causing greater difficulties to the people. There is an urgent need to construct a road under bridge at this place for the free and smooth flow of vehicular traffic. This is the long-pending issue of the people of these areas, and it needs to be taken immediately.
Bellary City is thickly populated place having a population of nearly four lakh. One railway line (LC:110) is crossing at the National Highway No. 63 between Ankola-Gooty Section. Due to heavy mining activities, a number of goods trains carry iron ore to different parts of the country face problems due to the frequent closure of the railway gates. Due to this, vehicular traffic is frequently jammed. In most of the cases, schools buses are also got jammed, and the students are also greatly suffered. This requires immediate Road Over Bridge (ROB). I would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to take up this project immediately so that the traffic jams in these sections will be reduced.
Sir, in my Bellary District, there is a Tourist Place called Hampi. It is a world famous place and included in the World Heritage Centre. A lot of foreign tourists as well as Indian Tourists are visiting Hampi. So, I demand the hon. Railway Minister to introduce a Palace on Wheels Train to Hospet-Bellary.
In the year 2004, the then hon. Minister of State for Railways had laid down the foundation stone in Bellary City at Satyanarayanapet Railway Gate crossing for road over bridge (ROB), but no work was started. I urge upon the hon. Railway Minister to start this work immediately. Due to frequent closure of railway gates, a lot of inconvenience is causing to the people of Bellary city.
With these words, I would like to thank the hon. Speaker for giving me this opportunity.
18.00 hrs.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon. Members, if the House agrees we can extend the House till the end of the debate.
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI BIJOY HANDIQUE): Sir, I request for the same.
SEVERAL HON. MEMBERS : Yes.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN (BALASORE): Sir, as the hon. Member is saying, there is no officer from the Railway Board in the Official Gallery. There is nobody from the Railway Board present in the Official Gallery. Will the discussion continue like this? Will there be no prestige of this House? The officers from the Railway Board and other Members should be present here. Should they not remain present here?
(SHRI BIJOY HANDIQUE : They are just coming. Please bear with us.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon. Member Kunwar Manvendra Singh may continue his speech.
18.02 hrs. (Shri Arjun Sethi in the Chair)
SHRI B. MAHTAB (CUTTACK): *Respected, Sir, the Railway Budget this year is insipid and colourless. It has no statement to make about the direction in which the Indian Railways is to go. Instead of providing vision document for the Railways, it looks like a mere compilation of documents of the Railways with no fixed purpose. As far as the content of the Budget is concerned, there is nothing in it really. It is clearly playing to the gallery without any thought for the betterment of the institution of the Railways.
The transformation of telecom, road and port sectors in India may be termed by the pre-Budget survey as ‘role models’ for initiating reforms in the Indian Railways, but the core question is whether the Rail system in India will ever take the track to modernisation. The Railway Minister, no doubt, has accommodated some points of the already unveiled integrated Railway Modernisation Plan (2005-2010), but there was no serious attempt to overhaul the system to make Indian Railways a world class Railway by 2010. Has any attempt been made to convert this year’s Rail Budget to a vision document? No, we find slow train for future as other infrastructure sectors including telecom, road, aviation and ports are already on a fast lane. The moot point here is that the current fact-file of Indian Railways is not impressive, and it raises doubts on modernising the world’s second largest Railway system after that of Russia. With a staff of 1.5 lakh, and a pension liability of more than Rs.6,000 crore, which is 15 per cent of its total revenue per annum, the Railways cannot be expected to be as efficient as modern rail system around the world. So, is the meagre R&D spend a handicap in the modernisation drive. In fact, the annual R&D spend by the Indian Railways is as less as Rs.70 or just 0.17 per cent of its total revenue, and experts strongly recommend that it should be increased to over 1 per cent with immediate effect. Would the Minister consider it?
* Speech was laid on the Table.
Now, I want to raise the point of level playing field. Earlier, I have argued to provide first priority to support the Railways to create a level playing field with the roadways. The budgetary support to the Railways has come down from 35 per cent to just 5 per cent in the recent years. It needs to be corrected if one expects the Indian Railways to go on an expansion plan and undergo any modernisation drive. Railways are losing its market share to the road because of non-availability of a level playing field. At present, the Railways carries just 40 per cent of the freight and 20 per cent of the passenger traffic. But, considering that Rail being five times more fuel efficient than other models, it is estimated that the country would have saved fuel worth Rs.7,500 crore per year, if freight traffic by the rail would have been around 60 per cent.
Today, cross subsidisation from freight to passenger traffic is around Rs. 4,000 crore. What steps are being taken to correct it? This reminds me of an incident of 19th Century; during the time of East India Company. That Company, which first laid down the Railway lines in India, had realised the need for keeping the passenger fare low for a different reason. A directive of the Company in 1845 explained “According to the experience of the country (Great Britain) by fare, the largest returns are procured from passengers; the least from the traffic goods. The condition in India in this respect is directly reverse to that of England ……. it may, therefore, be assured the remuneration for rail roads in India, must be for present, be drawn chiefly from the conveyance of merchandise, and not from passengers”.
From historical perspective to the modern day political arithmetic, low passenger tariff has always been favoured. What is needed now is to realise the potential of the Railways, and estimate what it has not been able to achieve because of not increasing its capacity. The economy is growing at a much faster rate, and the demand is increasing. Nearly 1.5 million tonnes of traffic wait for clearance every day. Choking at Paradeep Port is a clear example where the Railways are unable to provide rakes as per demand. Will the Minister look into it?
My basic question is, can we make the Indian Railways truly world class? In my mind, there is no doubt that it is the people, and the policy framework that would enable performance. But what has gone wrong?
This can be divided into two parts. At the organisational level, the key issues are dwindling freight and passenger market share, increasing customer satisfaction, falling brand image, especially due to safety, failure to maintain assets at desired level, failure to create capacity in time. In spite of anticipated demand, and being in the mode of importing technology, one should be a leader in exporting technology.
At the people level, the important factors are reducing quality of Railway aspirants, lack of self-confidence, and self-esteem, unwillingness to stand up for values, and creeping frustration and helplessness.
All this has to be seen in the context of the external environment, which has been demanding customers, competition from other modes of transport, public service obligations, interference, changing technological environment, and multiple sources of capital. The test would be whether these characteristics of environment have become threats or opportunities.
I would like to draw the attention of the House towards another important aspect. As we all know, the economy of the country is on an upswing. During the preceding two years, Indian Railways carried on incremental traffic of about 65 mt. Which is about 32.5 mt. per year. The expected incremental traffic about 43 mt. in 2004-05 only shows that the economic growth is gaining momentum.
The 2005-06 Railway Budget, however, does not give any indication of specific strategies for developing rolling stock, line and crew capacities adequate to meet the growing increase in the demand for freight traffic. This area cannot be neglected, and must enjoy the top most priority in development programmes so as to avoid a drag in the economic growth of the country.
Safety and security has been given a passing reference in this Budget. The true visible changes in the Railway system like increase in the speed of freight trains, monitoring the movement of wagons have not been given proper thought.
I think, some hon. Members are aware of the fact that on an earlier occasion, the Planning Commission, and the Ministry of Finance as well as Railway Ministry, had agreed to identify the projects for completion during the Tenth and the Eleventh Plan. Prioritisation of Railway projects is a must. Unless it is done, there will not be a system for monitoring of projects, and you cannot hold anyone accountable for non-completion of project in time. Even though the Planning Commission, and the Finance Ministry are emphasising for fresh fixation of priority of projects, why there is delay? Is the Cabinet not agreeing to it?
Orissa has been a victim because of non-fixation of priority of projects. New line construction between Daitari and Bansapani has been going on for decades, and this year, it has been budgeted with RVN. Haridaspur – Paradeep New Line has also been marked in RVN with a paltry sum of Rs.20 crore. What is the logic of these allocations, I fail to understand. Doubling of line is supposed to get the highest priority of this Government. But in the case of second bridge over Mahanadi, it is allotted Rs.28.60 crore and that too in RVN. I have been recently informed by the hon. Minister of State (Railways) that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is going to provide funds and the tenders are under progress. Already valuable time has been lost. Unless this second bridge over Mahanadi is constructed, flow of freight to and from Paradeep will not increase. Even today, Railways are unable to meet the demand. You can check up the figures yourself.
Similarly, I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Minister towards construction of doubling from Cuttack to Barang for which Rs. 30 crore have been marked, and RVN is to take up the job. Whatever major work that is required to facilitate flow of traffic, and to take remedial steps to overcome bottlenecks, those projects are getting delayed. I would urge upon the Government to take special interest for the development of Railway in Orissa.
Lastly, I would like to draw the attention of this House towards the slow progress in constructing ROBs/RUBs. It is a genuine problem, and I am surprised to know that invariably both the Railways, and the respective State Government, play the blame game against each other for non-completion of these projects. As of now, around 344 works of ROBs/RUBs are underway, and 50 per cent share of the Railways amounting to Rs. 2,500 crore is there. Further, there are 1,252 level crossings for replacements by ROBs/RUBs on cost sharing basis, which are to be taken up in near future at an estimated cost of Rs.15,000 crore, out of which Railways’ share would be Rs.7,500 crore. Can’t the Government chalk out a feasible plan, and entrust the responsibility to one agency? There is a Central Road Fund. Indian Railways also contribute their share towards this fund for diesel and petrol. Railways also get around Rs. 400 crore as cess from that fund. The Railways authorities are on record that if this cess is doubled to Rs.800 – 900 crore – and is not only exempted from paying towards the diesel – petrol cell but also allowed to utilise the same towards construction of ROBs/RUB – the Railways can complete the work as a single agency. If this is so, what is holding the Government back? Should it be necessary to explain the urgency of construction of ROBs/RUBs?
Many have expressed their satisfaction for no increase in rail fare and freight rates. But there was hardly any scope to increase freight rates because it was only in last November, 2004 that the freight rates for selected items – including coal and iron ore, bauxite, manganese ore – were hiked by 7.7 per cent while the rate for cement was raised by 3.7 per cent. We were told that this was done to offset partially the additional burden of the fuel bill and steel prices.
Though there was a strong case for a modest increase in second class sleeper fares, in ordinary train and in suburban season tickets, they still remained heavily subsidised. Such a step was all the more desirable in order to provide better amenities and to augment capacities on highly congested routes where travel conditions have been deteriorating rapidly. Passenger traffic, which currently incurs a loss of around Rs. 5,300 crore every year, is expected to register an increase of 4 per cent in 2005-06. What steps do the Minister contemplate to take? We expect an answer. We all know that financial separation between commercial operations and social functions of the Railway system is required to make it viable, self-sustaining and capable of allocating investments from the outside while relying as little as possible on Government resources that may have greater impact elsewhere. If this fact is not recognised, and the Railways continue to function as a fiefdom, the system is bound to be caught in a vicious circle to tiny surpluses, inadequate investment, and deteriorating efficiency and safety.
The very presentation of a separate Railway Budget is testimony to the predominance of the “Government Department” view. The Report of the expert group, which submitted its report some four years ago, should be looked into. Its recommendations, which stated a massive change in the tariff structure – involving lowering of average freight rate, and upper class passenger fares, etc. – were the key suggestions which were made with a view to achieving business orientation and separation between commercial and social aspects.
We all know that the idea of leveraging Railway land for shopping malls, and entertainment plazas is not the Railway Minister’s idea. It comes from the Prime Minister’s Office. In fact, it is said that it was the pressure from the PMO that made the Railway Board come out with a Railway Modernisation Plan of Rs. 24,000 crore. The Plan itself is a compilation of all previously mooted plans for modernisation into one big project. Private players have been allowed entry into the carriage business through ‘Wagon Investment Scheme’. The customer would be given a guaranteed number of rakes every month. Big Railway private users like fertilisers and chemical manufacturers have been allowed to develop private sidings on cost sharing basis with the Railways. But one is to wait and see how much of these loud thinking is converted into actual as this Budget has stuck to the populist track.Thank you for allowing me to speak at length.
* Speech ws laid on the Table.
SHRI M. SHIVANNA (CHAMARAJANAGAR): *Sir, I thank you for permitting me to speak on the Railway Budget 2005-06. At the outset I would like to congratulate the hon. Railway Ministers Shri Laluji and Shri Veluji for presenting a very good Budget. This is an extraordinary Budget for the ordinary people. It suits all classes of people. Various facilities have been provided to rural women, physically challenged personnel, school students, government employees and all sections of the society have been benefited by this Budget. It has been made very easy even to transport dead bodies for conducting the final rituals. School children can take up excursions and other tour programmes at a very nominal rates.
56 years have passed after our independence. Many persons from Karnataka became Railway Ministers at the Centre. Shri H.C. Dasappa, Shri Kengal Hanumantaiah, Shri T.A. Pai, Shri George Fernandes and Shri Jaffer Sharief were the Railway Ministers. Even then Karnataka could not get its share from the Railway Ministry. This step motherly attitude of the Centre towards Karnataka is still continuing.
My State when compared to other States is forward in many aspects. But unfortunately as far as railway facilities are concerned it is still a backward State. That is why on one hand I congratulate the hon. Ministers and on the other I lodge my complaints to them regarding the injustice done to Karnataka by their ministry.
Hassas-Shranvana Belagoda-Bangalore line has been included in this Budget along with Bangalore-Nelamangala-Bangalore railway line. As far as new trains are concerned Mangalore-Madagao Shatabdi Express has been made six days a week. Chennai-Bangalore Shatabdi Express has been made six days a week. Bangalore-Saravathi passenger line has been cleared but they say it will be operational only after completion which may take another 10 to 15 years.
* Translation of the Speech originally delivered in Kannada.
Similarly Yeshavantapur to Mangalore Express via Mysore will be operated only after gauge conversion.
It has also been the hon. Minister was kind enough to provide Hubli-Chikkajajur daily passenger and Belgaum-Meeraj 5 days a week passenger train.
Mysore-Tanjavur via Kumbakunam has been cleared. But it has to wait till the gauge conversion again. I also thank the hon. Minister for Kachigod-Sharavati Express.
Bangalore to Mysore should be double and electrified immediately. Mysore is one of the most beautiful places in the world. KRS, Zoo, Palace, Church, Chamundi Hills are worth visiting places and tourists from all over India and abroad are visiting Mysore. Hence it is very essential to have double line and electrified railway line between Bangalore and Mysore.
I urge upon him to sanction one Shatabdi Express between Mysore and New Delhi via Bangalore. This is a very long pending demand of the people of Karnataka.
Kolar to Chikkaballapur gauge conversion has been cleared. Similarly Kottur to Chitradurga via Jagalur railway line has been cleared and I am happy about this. Mangalore to Sharanur line has been taken up.
Sir, my constituency is a historical place. But the people are very backward and they need all help from the Government of India. Chamaraja Nagar-Mettupalyam has been taken up. Shri Veluji had visited my constituency and he had given very important assurances. I hope he will fulfil his promises and allocate more funds for the Chamarajanagar-Mettupalyam railway line.
Strangely only one crore has been allocated to Bangalore-Satyamangala line. This should be at least 25 crore.
Mettupalyam is the centre place of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Hence it should have proper railway link such that people can move from one State to another. When Veerappan was alive it was difficult but now there is no such problem.
Nanjangud-Gundlupet line and Gundlupet to Whynad lines have been cleared. Finally Sir I urge upon the Centre to construct over bridges across railway lines near Chamarajanagar.
Sir, on behalf of my party JD(S) I support the Railway Budget 2005-06 and thank you once again for allowing me to speak and with these words, I conclude my speech.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI ARJUN SETHI (BHADRAK): *Sir, it is rightly said that the Indian Railways is the lifeline of the nation. It is because the infrastructure development of the economically backward regions of the country depends upon the development of rail links in these areas. The Railway Budget for 2005-06 lacks such tenor and instinct. In this context, I would like to quote some of the National English Dailies and the views expressed thereof. The Hindu, in its Editorial of 28 February, 2005, wrote “in 2004, the hon. Railway Minister did not have the time to provide the much-needed focus since the United Progressive Alliance Government assumed power only in May. So he was content to thank the electorate and let the passengers off the hook. This time he has less reason to present a lacklustre Budget.” The Times of India wrote “Lalu on Janasadharan Express; Bihar script written with coalition ink.”
Andhra Pradesh, which gave the Congress a staggering tally of seats in Lok Sabha polls, has got its reward while Orissa, where the ruling alliance performed poorly has not been so lucky. In Orissa, the railway route length is 14 kilometres per thousand square kilometres against the national average of 19 kilometres. States like Bihar and West Bengal already have a railway route to the extent of 30 kilometres and 43 kilometres per thousand square kilometres respectively. The railway network in Orissa has a route length of 2340 kilometres, out of total 7432 kilometres of the then South-Eastern Railway. The State of Orissa is not only economically poor but also have many economically backward areas in it. In the current Railway Budget, only a meagre amount has been provided. Many rail links in the State are languishing over the years for completion for want of sufficient funds. In the current Budget also, the same thing has been repeated.
* Speech was laid on the Table.
The 289 kilometres long Khurda-Bolangir rail link was sanctioned in the year 1994-95 at an estimated cost of Rs. 353 crore. The latest anticipated cost overruns is of Rs. 700 crore and expected outlay provided of Rs. 43.62 crore till 2004-05. In the Budget of 2005-06, only Rs. 10 crore have been provided. If the funds are provided in this way, nobody knows how many years it will take for its completion. This project, apart from being economically viable, would also serve the social obligations of the Railways by providing link for the people of the KBK areas of the State.
The Daitari-Banspani rail link in the State was sanctioned in the year 1992-93. The total length is 155 kilometres, and a sum of Rs. 128.61 crore have been earmarked in the current Budget which has to be spent by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. The target of completion has been revised many times. Nobody knows whether the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited could raise the required fund and be able to spend the entire amount in the year 2005-06.
The Lanjigarh-Junagarh rail line was mooted for the development of the KBK region in the State. Although, in other areas, the Central Government have accorded priority to the development of this area. I may tell you that the Railways have done nothing in this regard. Only a sum of Rs. 8 crore have been earmarked for the current year. Since 1992-93, when the project was originally sanctioned, an anticipated amount of Rs. 26 crore might have been spent till date against the anticipated total amount of Rs. 119 and odd crore for its completion. Therefore, the project needs to be taken up on an urgent basis.
The Haridaspur-Paradeep line was conceived of as a link line for the Paradeep Port. With the completion of this line, movement of goods from Paradeep Port would increase tremendously removing the present transport bottleneck. Allocation for this rail link is also quite meagre in comparison to the requirements. Only Rs. 20 crore have been provided for in the Budget, which has to be spent again by the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited. For Angul-Sukinda Road rail link and Talcher-Bimalagarh rail link, only a paltry amount of Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 5 crore have been provided respectively. Similarly, the allocation for Talcher-Samblapur and Koraput-Rayagada is not adequate.
For gauge conversions in Naupada-Gunupur link and Rupsa-Bangriposi, only Rs. 5 crore and Rs. 3 crore respectively have been provided, which is too meagre. Regarding the doubling of lines from Rajatgarh-Nergundi and Raghunathpur-Rahama, only Rs. 1 lakh have been provided for both the projects.
I, therefore, urge upon the hon. Railway Minister that sufficient funds may be provided for the completion of all the ongoing projects in the State of Orissa.
SHRI BRAHMANANDA PANDA (JAGATSINGHPUR):*Sir, I am grateful that you have allowed me to participate in the discussion on the Railway Budget. As you are well aware my State Orissa is full of natural resources. But it has always been neglected by the Ministry of Railways. Orissa occupies an insignificant position in the Railway map of India. The current Railway Budget is anti-development and it is rather evident that the Railway Minister has not given any attention to the welfare of Orissa. I want to remind him that on 26th October 2004, last year, an all-party delegation headed by the Speaker of Legislative Assembly had met him. The delegation had also met the Prime Minister to appraise about the needs of Orissa. All-party delegations had submitted a memorandum relating to the expansion and development of railway network in Orissa. Both the Railway Minister and the Minister of State for Railways had participated in the discussion and promised to pay serious attention to it. However, it is very unfortunate that the present Railway Budget contains no such provision which will benefit Orissa. It is a highly disappointing Budget and has hurt the sentiment and self-respect of Orissa.
Sir, as you are well aware Orissa is a backward State with maximum people below the poverty line. In order to keep pace with progress Orissa should have been bestowed with benevolence by the Railways. But it has not happened. We had expected that the UPA Government with its Railway Minister who hails from Bihar will consider Orissa’s case with sympathy especially because our boundaries touch each other. The creator of modern Utkal Utkalgourav Madhusudan Das had occupied a ministerial berth in erstwhile Bihar. Orissa is a peace loving State which enshrines the noble Jagannatha cult that believes in humanitarian values, harmony and goodwill. Contrary to the promises made to us by the Railway Minister as well as the Prime Minister we have been deceived.
__________________________________________________________________
*Translations of the Speech originally delivered in Oriya.
Railways constitute an important part in the progress of India. The progress of India does not mean that only few States will get priority and States like Orissa will suffer. We have no objection if other States get good package but Orissa should not be neglected. I want to remind here that the present Chief Minister of Orissa Shri Naveen Patnaik is doing his best to transform Orissa into an industrial State. He has signed several MOUs with different organisations and institutions for the prosperity of Orissa. In the absence of a basic infrastructure like the Railways all these agreements are not seeing the light of the day.
Hon. Railway Minister Sir, I want to draw your attention to the fact that several districts of Orissa continue to remain untouched by the Railways. Had Madras not been connected to Delhi and Calcutta, I don’t think Orissa would have ever got connected to the rest of India. There are several unfinished railway projects, which are pending for the last 2 decades. There is no clear picture as to when will the work of doubling of railway line get completed. The doubling of Railway track over river Mahanadi is very vital as it connects Paradeep, the port city of Orissa. Unnecessary delay in this work means loss of revenue for the country.
Sir, the State Government had made a Demand for Grant of Rs 780 crore for Orissa. However, the Railway Budget has not even made provision for half the amount. This is sheer, deliberate negligence. The East Coast zone has always been a profit-making zone contributing substantially to the Indian Railways. But the revenue has never been utilised to benefit any project in Orissa or for the development of East Coast Railways. There is no announcement for induction of new trains or laying down of new railway tracks. A long pending demand was to create a new Railway Division at Jharsuguda which has been brushed aside. The Nizamuddin-Bhubaneswar Express has been further extended upto Vishakhapatanam which is very inconvenient for the people of Orissa. Another demand was to make New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express ply on a daily basis which at present runs twice a week. There was also a demand to make it go through Sambalpur at least twice a week which has been ignored. Similarly the Railway Minister has ignored the demand to increase the frequency of Burla-Ahmedabad Express. Railway line projects pending between Khurda-Bolangir, Berhampur-Phulbani needs immediate completion. A survey must be conducted to extend the line of Lanjigarh-Junagarh upto Ambaguda. I want to draw your attention that if the Titlagarh-Raipur line is doubled it will provide connectivity to at least five steel plants in the area.
Sir, several railway stations in Orissa need modernisation and upgradation. They were established during the British era and have not been privy to any sort of modernisation as yet. The Haridaspur-Paradeep railway line construction work should be completed soon. All facilities should be extended to ensure that important trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express halt at smaller stations like Dhanmondel and Jajpur. The DMU train from Palasa should leave the station at 5.15 AM instead of 4.15 and reach Berhampur at 6.15 AM. This will serve the interest of people very much.
Sir, I thank you for allowing me to speak in this august House.
MR. CHAIRMAN (SHRI ARJUN SETHI): Hon. Members, there is one announcement. Today, all arrangements have been made for dinner, which is going to be served in Room No. 70 from 8 o’ clock onwards. The dinner has also been arranged for the staff in Room No. 73. So, those hon. Members who want to take their dinner can go to Room No. 70.
SHRI P.C. THOMAS (MUVATTUPUZHA): Sir, is it from the pantry of the running train!… (Interruptions)
DR. C. KRISHNAN (POLLACHI): Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to speak on the Railway Budget 2005-06.
I am speaking on behalf of MDMK, headed by Mr. Vaiko who was kept in prison for 19 months by the unruly Tamil Nadu Government by misusing POTA.
My first and foremost request will be for conversion of meter gauge line into broad gauge from Coimbatore to Dindigal via Pollachi and Palani. Coimbatore to Dindigal will be about 140 kms. distance. Pollachi should be linked to Palghat, which is about 40 kms. The conversion of this broad gauge from Palghat to Pollachi via Palani, Dindigal will form a by-pass route for Kerala, up to Kanyakumari. A survey of this project was conducted during Madam Mamata Banerjee’s time and on that basis, our present Ministers, Shri Velu and Shri Lalu Prasadji have asked for updating of the project, which was done during the previous Budget. Now, they have allotted Rs.85 lakh in this Budget and during the last Budget an amount of Rs.50 lakh was allotted.
With this, they had completed updating the project for conversion to broad gauge. I should thank the Ministers for taking such steps. Pollachi is a very famous centre having about two crores of coconut trees. Coconuts will have to be transported throughout the country and the by-products of that tree like coir products have a great export potential.
We have very great tourist centres like Palani which is a pilgrim centre, attracting thousands of pilgrims from all over the country. Topslip is a hilly area where we have Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and it is a tourist centre, attracting huge crowd throughout the year. Valparai is another hilly area, attracting tourists. We also have about four dams in my area – Trimurthi Dam, Amaravathi Dam, Solaiyar Dam and Aliyar Dam. These are all very nice places for tourists’ entertainment.
Further, a computerised reservation centre should be allotted for Udumalpet, which is my hometown. In the Budget, about 150 such centres were announced and one may be allotted to Udumalpet.
I am thankful to the hon. Railway Ministers for the new line that they had announced in the Budget, that is, from Erode-Palani via Dharapuram which is my constituency. I am very grateful to them for this. It is about 115 kms and an amount of Rs.5.75 crore is required. An amount of Rs.2.5 crore has been allotted in this Budget itself, which is a very great thing. I wish that new line may be started early and the work may be completed at an early date.
I would request that Virudunagar-Manamadurai broad gauge conversion should be undertaken and completed as early as possible.
A number of road over bridges are required. For example, a road over bridge from Coimbatore to Pollachi, from Coimbatore near Kuruchi and between Kinathukadavu-Pollachi are required. Another road over bridge at Kottur-Malaiyandi Pattanam leading to Valparai area, which is very narrow, requires to be broadened. On behalf of the State Government, which is not hearing the voice of the people, I am ready to give my MPLAD Fund for that. If I am asked to give my MPLAD Fund for that bridge, I am ready to give some money needed for it. Kottur-Malaiyandi Pattanam narrow level crossing may be converted into an over bridge.
There is a requirement for road over bridge at Udumalpet.. It should be completed by allocating money. There is a requirement for underground – at least under the railway track – two-wheeler track. For this also I am ready to allocate my MPLAD Fund.
With these few words, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for allocating fund required for updating the Pullachi broad gauge link as well as for new line from Erode to Palani via Dharapuram.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Hon. Members Shri Toofani Saroj and Shri Parasnath Yadav wants to lay their speeches. They may lay their speeches now.
19.02 hrs.
(Shri Devendra Prasad Yadav in the Chair)
* Speech was laid on the Table.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI M. P. VEERENDRA KUMAR (CALICUT): *Sir, I would like to bring before the House certain facts regarding the Railway Budget 2005-2006.
The Indian Railways, which runs 14,000 trains daily and which is the world’s largest single employer after China’s Army, accounts for three per cent of the Central Government’s spending. The biggest of the world’s four railway networks, I should say, it needs more professionalism and less vested interests. Rs. 43,000 crore investment is needed to complete some 230 railway projects. Project worth Rs. 20,000 crore will remain unfinished even after five years.
On the wagon front, there is an estimated shortage of 20,000 wagons and this has to be urgently addressed.
It is heartening to note that passenger fares have not been increased. Thirteen million passengers will be benefited by this decision, which my Party welcomes. The Railway Minister has also given concessions to the farmers. Rural students and also those who attend interviews for State Government jobs are given concessions. I congratulate the Hon. Railway Minister Lalooji for this kind gesture.
Regarding freight charges, there is to be revision in the rates. The group of commodities have been merged to reduce their total number from 4000 to 80. The Chairman of the Railway Board had told the Press that this revision in freight rates will net Rs. 650 crore increase in receipts. What does it mean? That there will be an increase in rates across the board, which will adversely affect a consumer state like Kerala.
Considering 62 paise of every rupee earned by the Railways coming from freight traffic, the investments in the sector would be substantial.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
Sir, I have to point out painfully that during the budget exercises Kerala is ignored. I have to mention specially that Malabar area is totally neglected. Always this has been our experience. After the presentation of the budget, there were strong protests in Kerala that all the M.Ps. from the State, irrespective of the political affiliation, had to stage a satyagraha before the Parliament. We presented a memorandum consisting the bare needs of the State to the Hon. Prime Minister and we are grateful to the P.M. for giving us a patient hearing and showing concern. Later on, the hon. Railway Minister Shri Laloo Prasad Yadavji called all the Kerala M.Ps. for a discussion and gave us opportunity to place before him our just demands. The Railway Bard Chairman and officials were present during the discussion. I thank Lalooji for giving us this opportunity.
I would like to place before the house the issues confronting Kerala in the Railway sector.
Sir, in the Budget, 46 new trains have been announced. But not a single train is given to Kerala. Not only that, whatever we had before was taken off. For example, the Kerala Express, which was connecting the national Capital and our State Capital, is extended up to Chandigarh. Of course, I agree the Keralites in Chandigarh and elsewhere must have facility to travel to Kerala. We demand the status quo of the Kerala Express must be maintained and a new train from Chandigarh to Trivandrum should be introduced.
Sir, earlier the Railway Action Committee of Calicut, comprising all the political parties and various organisations, met the hon. Minister Laloo Prasad Yadavji and he had directed the Railway Board to hear us. We explained to the Board our problems and presented a C.D. highlighting the unfinished over bridges and the pathetic condition of Kozhikode Railway Station and also very old railway compartments that are still in service. Even after this, nothing was done.
Sir, I am placing before the Hon. Minister some of our urgent needs:
More funds must urgently be allocated to expedite the completion of railway line doubling work. Kerala gave the State’s share for the construction of Konken railway on the understanding that the Shornur – Mangalore line would be doubled. In 1996, the Budget allotment was made for this doubling work. But the work is yet to be completed. Rs. 125 crore is needed for the completion of Shoranur – Mangalore Railway line doubling work. Only Rs. 25 crore is earmarked in the Railway Budget.
More funds are required for the completion of electrification work between Thirubananthapuram and Ernakulam.
The doubling work Ernakulam – Kayamkulam via Kottayam and Alappuzha is a must for the developmental need of Kerala. Sir, sufficient fund must be allotted for this work.
The gauge conversion Palakkad – Pollachi and Kollam-Chengotta sector has to be taken up and completed. For this, more funds should be allotted. The work of Nethravathi bridge must be completed on a war footing.
Nanjangude – Wayanad – Gudallur – Nilambur railway link: The growing importance of this rail link need not be over emphasised, especially in view of the huge volume of the container traffic anticipated when international container terminal at Vallarpadom is completed in a couple of years. Similarly, the LNG terminal at Cochin also will attract a huge tanker traffic from north to south. With the opening of this new link, the time and distance for rail transport from Bangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad etc. will be reduced by eight hours (over 300 KM distance). Moreover, this new link passes through the plantation area (Wayanad and Gudallur ) and connects Nilambur in Malappuram District. This link will also connect Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Therefore, urgent steps should be taken to accord sanction for this line.
The extension of Trivandrum – Delhi Kerala Express to Chandigarh is in no way helpful to Keralites. Actually, we need more Delhi – Kerala trains.
Enough funds have not been allotted even to the existing projects like doubling and electrification of railway lines. Rs. 125 crore is needed to complete the doubling lines. But the allocation is only 25 crore.
And the provisions for different projects in Kerala this year is lesser than that of last year. Last year, the allocation was Rs. 138 crore. Apart from this, Kerala had a share of Rs. 61 crore from Railway Safety Fund. But, this year, it is only just over 100 crore.
The Thiruvananthapuram – Mangalore Maveli Express via Alappuzha, which runs twice a week now, to be converted into a daily service.
A new train may be started between Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram.
A new inter-city service may be sanctioned between Thiruvananthapuram and Coimbatore.
A new train from Goa to Chennai via Palakkad.
Thiruananthapuram – Kannur Express may be extended upto Kasaragode.
Kannur – Bangalore Express to make daily service.
Kasaragode – Guruvayur via Trichur Fast Passenger: Since the Guruvayur – Tanur link has not yet been taken up, despite complete sanction of the project long before, great difficulty is being experienced by the people from Northern parts to travel to this great place of worship. A passenger train between Kasaragode and Guruvayur via Trichur will be of immense help. Urgent steps should be taken to start and expedite the Guruvayur – Tanur rail link to achieve the expected result.
Calicut- Model Station: Calicut was declared as a model railway station in 1999 aimed at providing all the required facilities. During discussions held earlier with concerned authorities by the representatives of the various organisations, an assurance was given that the work will be taken up and completed at the earliest. But, unfortunately, the work has not yet been completed. If the authorities take some more interest, the work could be completed in three months’ time.
Speedy completion of railway over bridges: Seven over bridges, i.e., Vengalam, Chengottukavu, Nadi (Calicut District), Muzhuppilangad, Nadal, Thazhechovva (Kannur District), Padannakad (Kassargode District) proposed between Calicut and Mangalore are under construction. The work for the above projects is dead slow. This has to be expedited.
Sir, I hope the hon. Railway Minister, Lalooji, will consider our earnest and genuine demands and make a positive announcement during his reply to the debate. We, the people of Kerala, will feel that we are also the part of India.
MR. CHAIRMAN (SHRI DEVENDRA PRASAD YADAV) Shri Rupchand Pal. I am allowing you to lay your speech on the Table.
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL (HOOGHLY): I am conscious of it. I want to lay my speech on the Table of the House.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Yes, I am allowing it.
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL (HOOGHLY): Thank you, Sir. I lay my speech on the Table of the House..
MR. CHAIRMAN: Shri A.R. Shaheen.
SHRI RUPCHAND PAL (HOOGHLY): *Hon. Sir, I would like to suggest that the following urgent public demands be incorporated in this year’s Railway Budget (Demands for Grants-Railways 2005-06).
Some of the Demands have been pending for a pretty long time; some others are under consideration by the Railway Ministry; a few of them, as mentioned below, are in the process but implementation has been delayed inordinately.
I urge upon the Railway Ministry to take up the issues in the right earnest:
1) Early completion of the foot-bridge at Bandel in the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway which is being unnecessarily delayed and causing inconvenience to bona fide Railway passengers;
Long pending problem of acute water-logging at both Bazpara and platform sub-way at Bandel in the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway. An early solution to this acute water-logging problem is a long-pending issue as hundreds and thousands of people, railway passengers not only face serious inconvenience and hardship but their economic and social life comes to a standstill whenever there is some rains in and out of season;
The problem of water-logging at Adi Shaptagram, Hooghly Station, Bhadreshwar, Chandannagar, Mankundu and Mogra. Urgent solution of water-logging problem and the repair of the roads in the underpass sub-way is urgently required;
Better passenger facilities like provision of drinking water, better public address system, sitting arrangement for the aged and ailing passengers, better lighting in Railway Stations like Bandel, Hooghly, Bhadreshwar, Chandannagar, Mankundu, Mogra, Adi Shaptagram is urgently required;
There is pressing need for increasing the number of suburban trains between Bandel and Howrah as the existing number cannot cope with the
*Speech waslaid on the Table.
steep increase in the number of passengers and over-crowding of the trains is affecting the safety of the passengers in a big way. Also, the need to run more trains between Bandel and Sealdah (Kolkata) via Hooghlyghat and Naihati;
Urgent need to replace of Jubilee Bridge existing between Hooghlyghat and Garifa across the river Ganges by a new modern bridge. Facility should be there for road transport also and in view of the financial constraint of the State Governments, the full financial responsibility to be borne by the Railways only for the road transport facilities which will help the Railway passengers also;
There is need to urgently construct an under-pass at Mustafapur point near Kamarkundu Railway Station in the Howrah-Burdwan chord to facilitate normal movement of the residents of the village Mustafapur;
There is urgent need to construct “Pay & Use” toilet and provision of drinking water facilities at Chinsurah and Chandannagar Railway Station;
There is urgent need to widen the under-pass at Chandranagar as suggested by the Citizens’ Committee and Chandannagar Muncipal Corporation;
Immediate need to provide land to Haripal Panchayat Samity in the District of Hooghly for construction of a Bus Stand in the interest of Railway passengers boarding at Haripal Railway Station;
There is urgent need to construct a new level crossing at Chandanpur in the Howrah-Burdwan chord line for which a good amount was provided earlier from MPLADS fund but could not be used by the Railways;
There is urgent need to construct a new platform sub-way at Bandel in the Howrah Division of Eastern Railway connecting all the platforms;
There is urgent need to provide more funds to expedite the progress of doubling the Railway line between Bandel and Katwa and Sheraphuli and Tarakeswar;
Need to arrange extension of Railway line from Howrah-Burdwan chord to Tarakeswar Branch line near Nalikul;
There is urgent need to provide Railway land adjacent to Singur Railway Station in Tarakeswar Branch line of Howrah Division to facilitate movement of Railway passengers boarding at Singur;
There is urgent need to construct Road Over Bridge (ROB) at Mogra-G.T Road crossing and Kamarkundu-Tarakeshwar Road crossing;
Urgent need to construct a Halting Station at Khurigachi between Baidyabati and Bhadrawar in Howrah-Bandel line in Howrah Division;
To extend and modernize the platforms and augment passenger amenities at Howrah and Sealdah Stations;
To expedite the extension of Kolkata Metro up to Barrackpore and Ramrajatala in Howrah District across the Ganges;
To take urgent steps to ensure safety and security for the Railway passengers.
Mr. CHAIRMAN : Shri A.R. Shaheen.
SHRI ABDUL RASHID SHAHEEN (BARAMULLA): Sir, I rise to utilise this limited opportunity at the late hour to participate in the discussion on the Railway Budget. I will very precisely restrict myself to the problems and the achievements of Railways in Jammu and Kashmir.
About Jammu and Kashmir, it was a dream to be connected to the Railways. After the partition of the country, after pretty long years, we got connected to the Railways from Pathankot to Jammu. Then onwards, the continuity of this railway line started somewhere in 1983.
The first phase of our railway link to Jammu and Kashmir is from Jalandhar-Pathankot to Jammu. We were expecting that after so many years, the concern of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the traders, the people who are in the industry, the people who are in the economic activity of the State, would be addressed. We were feeling that the double link of Jalandhar-Jammu would be completed as early as possible. A mention has been made in this Budget Speech that a sum of Rs.296 crore is required to complete that double link which we are yearning for so many years. We were expecting that in the nearest future that would be completed.
A mention has been made by the hon. Railway Minister that with the other 318 projects of the country, Jammu-Jallandhar double link would be completed. We have our fears. The second phase of the railway to Kashmiri from Jammu to Udhampur has started in 1983. For 15 long years, we have been able to achieve 17 kms. up to Majaldha. It was only the previous Government which was so kind enough to understand the problems that they allocated funds for speedy completion of this portion. We were told in the last Budget Speech by the former Railway Minister on 30th January that the line between Jammu and Udhampur had been completed. There was a thumping applause from this House to the Minister. He had made a mention that this link would be opened on 15th March, 2004. The Present Railway Minister also made a mention of it in his previous Budget speech that this link was completed. He did not, of course, say about the time but he made a mention that the Uttar Sampark Kranti Express would be rolled on that link which will connect Delhi, Punjab Jammu and then Udhampur. We were expecting that within the scheduled time the Udhampur line would be inaugurated. But we do not know when it will be done. Our people have fears in our minds. There are stories about it saying that there are some bigger problems in this project which we have achieved after 25 long years. If that is the pace of development, then, we fear about it. We have got suspicions about the hard and difficult terrain from Udhampur onwards up to Qazigund. It is a very difficult terrain. Of course, I feel to be honest about the fact that our railway engineers, scientists and planners have a bigger challenge in that track because the rock is not very stable. There are so many challenges of weather and the scenario of the area. An announcement has been made saying that this is a very important national project and this would be achieved within the scheduled time.
Then, I have real suspicion. I do not know how the targets are fixed. About one portion of this railway link, it has been mentioned that it would be inaugurated and started in the year 2005.
In that segment of the rail link, there is a big amount which is yet to be spent. I do not know how that will be spent in 2005-06.
Then, from Kazigund onwards to Baramulla, the work in that section has, of course, been progressing fast. We want to place our praise on record for the people who are working in that section. They have worked very hard and we expect that this section will be commissioned very soon.
I would like to bring to the attention of the hon. Railway Minister that the portion of the railway line from Kazigund to Baramulla is not that important as is the portion which connects it to Udhampur and then connects us with the railway network of the rest of the country. This portion is very important in the whole line. When we make an investment, that investment must give us a return and we must be able to mention that this greatest challenge was faced by our technical wings of Railway Deptt. despite that it got completed land Kashmir has been connected to Kanyakumari through this rail link which was a dream of our elders. I must place our gratitude on record for the visionary Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir who had started the survey work of this railway track 105 years ago when M/s Scott and Company and another engineering company were put on this job. I hope that that survey must have given considerable support to the people who have been working on this railway track.
I very precisely would like to request the Railway Minister that he should pay attention towards this project because there is a very big suspicion in the minds of the people about the completion of this project. It has been mentioned in the Budget Speech of the hon. Finance Minister that this a project of national importance. But what is the allocation of fund for this project? It has neither been mentioned in the Railway Budget nor has it been mentioned by the hon. Finance Minister in his Budget Speech, though I am very sure that the Government is seized of this matter and this project will not starve for funds. But there are some necessary steps which are to be taken and I will precisely enunciate them.
Sir, when we start from Jammu, the Jammu Railway Station is slightly bigger than the artificial railway station which has been built at the Ramoji Film Studios. I have seen that railway station. We have a lot of pilgrims coming to Jammu Railway Station during peak months and there is always a threat of stampede also when yatris go on Vaishnodevi yatra. The hon. Minister should kindly pay enough attention to this matter and provide necessary facilities to Jammu Railway Station.
Then, comes the second phase Jammu-Udhampur railway line, that should be inaugurated soon. In case, the Railways have some problem, the hon. Minister must take the nation into confidence about such problems. Secondly, we do not know anything about the progress of the work in the stretch of 142 kms. from Udhampur to Kazigund. This is very difficult terrain. The hon. Minister should kindly take the people into confidence as to what is happening there. My precise suggestion to the Minister is that he should form a Sub-Committee of the five Members of Parliament who have been elected from the areas, through which this railway link runs to overcome the problems of environment which the Railway can create after the line is completed people have certain serious doubts about it. We all know about the kind of devastation which recently took over many areas in Kashmir. So, I think, if the elected representatives are associated with this project, there will be better communication between the people and the technical staff who are connected with the execution of this project.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI TAPIR GAO (ARUNACHAL EAST): Hon. Chairman, Sir, I am very happy that you have given me this opportunity.
First of all, I would like to say that as an individual and on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the North-East, I am totally against any Indian Railway Budget. Sir, I would like to draw your kind attention to the fact that since Independence, more than 50 years of free India, not even a single railway track has reached Arunachal Pradesh territory. ªÉÉÊn <VÉÉVÉiÉ cÉä iÉÉä àÉé àÉÆjÉÉÒ VÉÉÒ ºÉä ªÉc {ÉÚUÚÆ ÉÊBÉE <ºÉ ºÉnxÉ àÉå +ÉÉ{É ãÉÉäMÉÉå àÉå ºÉä ÉÊBÉEiÉxÉä ãÉÉäMÉ +É°ôhÉÉSÉãÉ |Énä¶É BÉEä ¤ÉÉ®ä àÉå VÉÉxÉiÉä cé* àÉé FÉàÉÉ SÉÉciÉÉ cÚÆ, àÉé <ºÉ ºÉnxÉ àÉå iÉÉÒxÉ ãÉÉäMÉÉå BÉEä xÉÉàÉ ¤ÉiÉãÉÉ ºÉBÉEiÉÉ cÚÆ ÉÊBÉE <xÉ iÉÉÒxÉ ®äãÉ àÉÆÉÊjɪÉÉå BÉEÉä +ÉâóhÉÉSÉãÉ |Énä¶É +ÉÉè® {ÉÚ´ÉÉækÉ® ®ÉVªÉÉå BÉEä ¤ÉÉ®ä àÉå ÉʤÉãBÉÖEãÉ xÉÉìÉÊãÉVÉ xÉcÉÓ cè* àÉé ÉÊcàÉÉãÉªÉ {É´ÉÇiÉ àÉå ®äãÉ´Éä xÉcÉÓ ãÉä VÉÉxÉÉ SÉÉciÉÉ* àÉé SÉÉciÉÉ cÚÆ ÉÊBÉE VÉcÉÆ iÉBÉE ®äãÉ´Éä BÉEÉ VÉÉxÉÉ =ÉÊSÉiÉ cè, VÉcÉÆ iÉBÉE ®äãÉ´Éä VÉÉ ºÉBÉEiÉÉÒ cè, ´ÉcÉÆ iÉBÉE SÉãÉä* <ºÉ ¤ÉÉ®ä àÉå àÉéxÉä ÉÊ{ÉUãÉä ®äãÉ ¤ÉVÉ] BÉEä ºÉàÉªÉ BÉEcÉ lÉÉ iÉÉä ãÉÉãÉÚ VÉÉÒ xÉä BÉEcÉ lÉÉ ÉÊBÉE +ÉÉ{É ÉÊãÉÉÊJÉiÉ àÉå nä nÉÒÉÊVÉA, àÉéxÉä ÉÊãÉÉÊJÉiÉ àÉå nä ÉÊnªÉÉ*
I have received the acknowledgement for my proposal for Rangia-Murkong Selek line. The right bank of the Brahmaputra river in Assam is totally neglected. ªÉÉ iÉÉä <ºÉBÉEÉä <ÆÉÊbªÉxÉ cèÉÊ®]äVÉ ®äãÉ´Éä àÉå ®ÉÊJɪÉä, ªÉÉ iÉÉä take up work on this immediately. It is important not only for the public but it is important also from the economic point of view. This is very important also from the defence point of view.
Arunachal Pradesh can produce more than 50,000 megawatts of electricity. We have water resources for generation of more that 12 Hydero-megawatts projects under NEEPCO. Under the NHPC, more than 12 Hydero-megawatts projects are coming up in that region but no action has been taken by the Railways for upgrading and converting lines into broad-gauge. ªÉä ãÉè{ÉD] ¤ÉéBÉE +ÉÉì{ÉE ¥ÉÿàÉ{ÉÖjÉ BÉEÉ ¤ÉcÖiÉ ¤É½É nÖ£ÉÉÇMªÉ cè +ÉÉè® ªÉc BÉEä´ÉãÉ +ɺÉàÉ BÉEÉ xÉcÉÓ cè* ÉÊVÉiÉxÉÉÒ +ÉÉàÉÉÔ, ¤ÉÉÒAºÉA{ÉE +ÉÉè® {Éè®É ÉÊàÉÉÊãÉ]ÅÉÒ {ÉEÉäºÉæWÉ SÉÉ<xÉÉ ¤ÉÉbÇ® iÉlÉÉ ÉÊcàÉÉãɪÉxÉ ®åVÉ àÉå cè, =ºÉBÉEÉ ªÉcÉÒ °ô] cè* <ºÉÉÊãÉA àÉéxÉä c®àÉiÉÉÒ ºÉä <Ç]ÉxÉMÉ® BÉEä ÉÊãÉA |É{ÉÉäWÉãÉ ÉÊnªÉÉ lÉÉ*
In the map of Indian Railways, up to some extent work has been initiated in Manipur but Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Sikkim have been totally cut off from the rest of the country. India needs the territory of Arunachal Pradesh but it does not want to provide the facilities. Today, there is no civil aviation or national highway in Arunachal Pradesh. In NH-52 from Tezpur to Pasighat in East Siang district, more than 12 wooden bridges are existing. While this is the case in national highways, what to speak of railway lines!
The second proposal was for the Harmati-Itanagar line. There were other proposals for extension of 37 kilometres of the line from Murkong Selek to Pasighat and another line from Tinsukia to Parasuramkund. Parasuramkund is a place of historical importance which lakhs and lakhs of devotees visit regularly.
I am totally against the Railway Budget. In the next financial year, if the UPA Government is there to present the Railway Budget, I would congratulate seeing its activities in the North-Eastern region.
‘Bharatiya rail’ means something connecting the entire country, all the States of the country, and connecting all the people of the country.
But you have left more than five or six States in the country where there is no railway line. So, either you change it or you extend the railway lines to the place where they are necessary. … (Interruptions) ºÉ£ÉÉ{ÉÉÊiÉ VÉÉÒ, ®äãÉ´Éä xÉä £ÉÉÒ +ÉxªÉÉªÉ ÉÊBÉEªÉÉ, +ÉÉ{É £ÉÉÒ +ÉxªÉÉªÉ BÉE® ®cä cé* BÉEàÉ ºÉä BÉEàÉ +ÉÉ{É iÉÉä àÉä®ä ºÉÉlÉ +ÉxªÉÉªÉ xÉ BÉE®å* àÉÖZÉä lÉÉä½É ºÉàÉªÉ +ÉÉè® ¤ÉÉäãÉxÉä BÉEä ÉÊãÉA nä nÉÒÉÊVÉA*
Before becoming a Member of Parliament, I was a member of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission and Vice Chairman in the Tribal Commission.
I would like to point out here that decentralisation of employment opportunities for Groups C and D are very important. As pointed out by the Members from Bihar, until and unless we do not have decentralisation for Groups C and D ªÉc iÉxÉÉ´É, ªÉä ÉÊb{ÉE®åºÉäºÉ +ÉÉè® ªÉc àÉÉ®-{ÉÉÒ] cÉäiÉÉÒ ®cäMÉÉÒ* <ºÉÉÊãÉA àÉé <ºÉä ºÉ¤ÉºÉä VÉ°ô®ÉÒ àÉÉxÉiÉÉ cÚÆ* ºÉ® ´ÉcÉÆ ®äãÉ´Éä BÉEÉÒ ºÉÖÉÊ´ÉvÉÉAÆ xÉcÉÓ cÉäxÉä BÉEä BÉEÉ®hÉ AäºÉÉ cÉä ®cÉ cè* The job opportunities are not there for the young and educated people of the North-East. … (Interruptions) How many North-East people are there in the Indian Railways? It is three percent or so. That is why, special recruitment is necessary. The creation of job opportunities for the North-Eastern Region is important. On top of that, when I was a Member of the National Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission, I had seen that there was a backlog of more than 30,000 posts for Groups C and D. Last time also, the hon. Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad, had promised that he would look into this backlog problem. àÉcÉänªÉ, ¶ÉäbáÉÚãb BÉEɺ]ºÉ, ¶ÉäbáÉÚãb ]ÅÉ<¤ºÉ, +ÉÉä.¤ÉÉÒ.ºÉÉÒ. +ÉÉè® +ÉxªÉ ÉÊ®VÉ´ÉÇ BÉEè]äMÉ®ÉÒ BÉEä 50 cVÉÉ® {Én ÉÊ®BÉDiÉ cé* That is why, my strong demand for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes is 50 cVÉÉ® ÉÊ®BÉDiÉ {ÉnÉå BÉEÉä £É®xÉä BÉEä ÉÊãÉA +ÉÉ{ÉBÉEÉä ABÉE º{Éä¶ÉãÉ bÅÉ<´É SÉãÉÉxÉÉ SÉÉÉÊcA* Many people are dying because of this problem. A lot of job opportunities are there but we are not extending these opportunities to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe people of our country.
Sir, with these few words, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Railways for further consideration of extending the railway lines to the North-Eastern Region especially to Arunachal Pradesh.
SHRI S.K. KHARVENTHAN (PALANI): Mr. Chairman Sir, I rise to support the Railway Budget on behalf of my Party, the Indian National Congress, and on behalf of my leader, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi. First of all, I want to thank the hon. Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad, for the presentation of this populist Budget which is being welcomed by one and all in this country. More importantly, I want to thank the hon. Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad, Shri R. Velu and Shri Naranbhai Rathwa for sanctioning the new line between Erode and Palani. It was the long-pending demand of the people of that region, that is, Dharapuram, Kangeyam and Chennimalai
Sir, I want to mention here that during 1950, the length of the Indian Railway lines was 54,000 kilometres. After 50 years, that is, in the year 2000, it was developed only to 63,000 kilometres. So, the progress is only 17 per cent. As compared with the road development, in the year 1950, we had only 9 lakh kilometres and after 50 years in 2000, it was extended to 36 lakh kilometres, that is, 400 per cent development. The reason being that all the Government had concentrated on allocating funds for the development of roads. I would like to point out here that the National Highways Authority was created and Rs. 62,000 crore were allotted exclusively for the road development.
In the same manner, sufficient and necessary funds have to be allocated for Railways. Then only the Railway lines will increase in this country. Why I am saying this is because the people residing in the villages are thinking that rail journey is like air journey to them. For example, I want to mention that if one person wants to travel in a train he is paying 13 paise per kilometer whereas when he travels by bus he is paying 25 paise. That is the situation in this country. The railway lines can only connect throughout the North, South, East and West of the nation. Hence, the Government has to allocate specific funds for the development of the railway lines.
I would request that our Government has to aim to achieve the goal of two lakh kilometer broad gauge lines without converting the meter gauge lines into broad gauge. Throughout the country, in six States, there are 15,000 kilometers of meter gauge which is 25 per cent of the total railway line available in this country. Without taking steps to convert these 15,000 kilometers of meter gauge lines into broad gauge, we have to construct new broad gauge lines. Then, automatically the total rail length of 63,000 kilometers of the country will be raised to 78,000 kilometers. When compared to converting the faulty meter gauge into broad gauge, for the construction of new broad gauge lines the expenses will be less. Moreover, by using these meter gauge lines, we can operate passenger trains. Hence, instead of converting meter gauge into broad gauge, we should have new broad gauge lines to be constructed throughout the country.
For example, I want to mention that instead of taking out the meter gauge line between Trichy-Dindigul-Madurai, if we can form a new broad gauge line between Trichhy-Viralimalai-Natham-Melur-Madurai, it would give more income and also the traffic will decrease. If this line is formed, then it will be easier for the goods to reach Tuticorin port. The distance and the transport expense would be reduced. The traffic on Trichy-Dindigul-Madurai line would also be reduced. In the meter gauge, by not removing the Trichy-Dindigul-Madurai section, we can operate passenger trains and the people of this region would reach Palani, Quilon and Rameshwaram easily from Trichy. Hence, a new broad gauge line as suggested above is to be formed without gauge conversion.
In Tamil Nadu the total length of meter gauge is 4,010 kilometers and that of broad gauge is 3,195 kilometers. The gauge conversion will not increase the length of railway lines. But the new broad gauge line should be formed early.
I would like to mention that certain important new lines are to be formed in Tamil Nadu. They are :
Coimbatore-Palladam-Kangeyam-Karur connecting two textile cities. Coimbatore is the Manchester of South India.
Palladam-Dharapuram-Karur-Trichy
Dindigul-Natham-Karaikudi
Madurai-Natham-Trichy
Palladam-Dharapuram-Oddanchatram-Dindigul. Oddanchatram is famous for vegetables which are exported throughout the country.
The long-pending request of the people of Mayiladuturai, Tiruvarur, Pattukottai, Peravoorani, Aranthangi and Karaikudi is to have a new broad gauge line between Mayiladuturai and Karaikudi. The survey work is already completed between Dindigul and Sabarimalai, that is 201 kilometers. That work has to be taken up immediately. Lakhs of devotees from throughout the country are going to Sabarimalai every year.
The gauge conversion of Dindigul-Coimbatore line is to be completed. I want to particularly congratulate the hon. Minister for Railways for the implementation of the Paranjpe Committee recommendations, which is Railway Traffic Enquiry Committee for rationalisation of tariffs in this year. The budgetary support to complete the pending schemes need Rs. 50,164 crore. The funds have to be generated for completing the schemes. The Indian Railway Finance Corporation has to mobilise funds.
The Railways have tried the ‘Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT)’ method with Konkan Railway Corporation. This has to be extended to all pending railway schemes and for new schemes. I would submit to the hon. Minister of Railways that unnecessarily keeping unprofitable projects cost unnecessary expenses to the Railways. Those unprofitable projects are to be scrapped.
I would like to make another important request on behalf of the people of my constituency – the railway over-bridge in Engiyur in Kangeyam taluk is already sanctioned. The tender is also over and contract is also given. For the past one-and-a-half years the work is not taken up. This has to be taken up immediately.
In between Dharapuram and Palani, there is a railway crossing in Palani. Lakhs and lakhs of devotees visit the Palani hill temple. Therefore, a Rail Over Bridge (ROB) is necessary in Palani. I am ready to allocate necessary funds for construction of the over-bridge in Palani from the MPLAD Scheme. I request the hon. Minister to consider this proposal and accord sanction immediately.
The doubling line in Tamil Nadu has reached up to Chengalput only. I would request that it must reach till Madurai. The Electrification of the line is extended only till Villupuram. I would request that it should be extended till Tuticorin.
Surveys for more than 112 ROBs and RUBs were completed for Tamil Nadu, but last year only 32 were undertaken. The remaining are yet to be taken up.
I want to mention another point on behalf of the people residing in Delhi. It is about the Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, which is plying two days in a week, that is, on Friday and Wednesday at 1530 hours. It is impossible for the personnel in the Government service to travel in this train. Hence, the days on which this train runs has to be changed to Saturday, and the time at which it starts has also to be changed. Increasing the frequency of this train is also necessary.
I would like to mention another very important point. “Tirupur” Kumaran died in Tirupur. I have already written a letter to the Government requesting to rename the Tirupur Railway Station as “Tirupur” Kumaran Railway Station.
The first freedom fighter in South India, Thiyagi Dheeran Chinnamalai, was hanged to death by the Britishers at Sankari Fort. I would request that the station should be renamed as Thiyagi Dheeran Chinnamalai Railway Station. This is also one of my requests.
Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak here. I am supporting this Railway Budget.
SHRI LALIT MOHAN SUKLABAIDYA (KARIMGANJ): *Sir, I rise to support the Railway Budget for the year 2005-06, which has been presented by the hon. Railway Minister.
The Budget is a passenger-oriented Budget like the last year. A number of news trains are introduced, and the speed of some trains is also increased. The tracks trains and stations are proposed to be improvement so that the Indian Railways becomes the world class railway. Keeping in view the social welfare, many concessions have been granted, including free journey for interviewers who are going for interview for a job. Besides this, the system of reservations has been made easier. All these things were discussed here, and everybody, in and out, appreciated the Railway Budget for being people oriented.
Sir, I wish to place before you the plight of the railway passengers in my region Barak Valley in South Assam. Through this region, Manipur and Tripura can be connected by the railways with the rest of India. The people of this region are suffering for the last 10 years from transportation problem due to the withdrawal of metre gauge from Lumbdig to Guwahati. The gauge conversion from Badarpur to Lumbdig was started some time 10 years back. Last year, the hon. Minister of Railways agreed with me that only 25 per cent work was completed. He assured me in writing that he would try to make it a National Project. I thank him once again for declaring this as a National Project along with Badarpur-Kumarghat in Tripura and Jiribam-Tupul (Imphal) in Manipur.
Now, I would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to construct the Badarpur-Lumbding Section. It should be completed on a priority basis. No train can move to Tripura or Manipur unless the completion of this project. Recently, one pillar, which was under construction for Barak Bridge at Badarpur Ghat, was collapsed. This puts a question mark on the standard of working of Broad gauge. I would like to request the hon. Minister to ensure the quality of work for future safety.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
Regarding safety, I would like to suggest a very important point. We have one peculair rail-cum-road bridge over Katakhal River. This bridge is in a very deplorable condition. Everyday, we find the railway employees are repairing the bridge. The train passes over the bridge at a snail’s pace. Hundreds of vehicles carrying goods and passengers remain stranded at both sides of the bridge. So, in order to avoid major accidents and to save the loss of huge amount of manhour, the track should be diverted soon by immediate completion of nearby bridge, which is under construction for broad gauge. However, I thank the Railway Authority for taking up the repairing work of metre gauge in Barak Valley which was pending for the last seven to eight years.
Sir, I had drawn the attention of the hon. Railway Minister earlier also. The metre gauge railway work in Barak valley moves at very slow speed. The tracks are in a dilapidated condition. There are no passenger amenities at the railway stations. It seems to me that the Railway Authority does not want to attract the passengers. They frequently suspended the trains. ‘Suspension of trains’ means compulsion of the people to travel by road by paying more fare. When a train from Lumbding to Badarpur is suspended, people are compelled to travel by night-super buses on the one hand. On the other hand, the prices of vegetables and other essential commodities rise sharply fearing shortage, as this is the supply line for vegetables and all other essential commodities.
Another important point, which I would like to refer, is that the Railway Authority has closed down some railway stations, including Ramnathpur, Mohammadpur, and in Manipur, the Lalabazar-Bhairavi Section branding as uneconomic.
Sir, there is no system for ticket collecting or checking in many stations. In some stations, the person responsible for ticket selling comes by same train for which he is supposed to sell the ticket. Suspension of railway stations added to the sufferings of the daily commuters, as the road conditions are also deplorable. There is no road in many localities. Therefore, the trains are the only means of transportation to the villagers. The stations so closed were earning revenue for a long time but due to negligence of the Railway Authority in detailing TTC for checking and collecting tickets, and also timely selling of tickets, they are suffering. If the purchase of tickets is enforced by timely opening of ticket counters, if the tickets are checked in running trains, then these stations also would earn revenue as they did earlier. Therefore, I would like to request the Railway Authority to open all the stations immediately and enforce purchase and checking of tickets.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, I want to say that in Badarpur, almost all the Railway quarters are in a dilapidated condition. These are required to be repaired and renovated. If Badarpur, where requisite railway land is available for Divisional Office, is declared as Railway Division, the railway system of Barak Valley will surely improve, and the broad gauge conversion can also be supervised more effectively, and Badarpur can be turned into a nice railway township.
Mr. Chairman, Sir, lastly, I would like to urge upon the hon. Minister for Railways to make provisions for establishment of the proposed sleeper factory in Assam in the first phase instead of the second phase. I would also request to provide one goods express for Assam and also to introduce one overnight express train from Guwahati to Kolkata, which will accelerate trade and commerce in the region and movement to and fro Kolkata will become easier for the common people of the region. I also propose for extension of Karimganj-Dullavchhera railway line up to Cheragi for which I would request the hon. Minister to take action for necessary survey works. Since it is a Budget for the people, I hope, the hon. minister will fulfil our desire also.
With these few words, once again I support the Railway Budget, which is aimed at the welfare of crores of commuters.
DR. ARUN KUMAR SARMA (LAKHIMPUR): Thank you, Sir, for allowing me to speak on the Railway Budget.
This is a populist budget which gave some concessions to various sections of the society. There is no hike imposed in the passenger fares in the Budget. However, as a Member representing the North-Eastern region I am compelled to say that the North-Eastern region is largely discriminated against in this Railway Budget. The people of the North-East have been cheated by manipulation of facts and data.
There was a declaration to the effect that a few ongoing projects like Lumding-Silchar, Agartala-Jiribam are national projects. These are ongoing projects. There is nothing new about it. Not a single kilometre of new survey, not a single kilometre for broad guage conversion, not a single kilometre for doubling and not a single kilometre for electrification has been added in the North-Eastern region in this Budget.
The Prime Minister’s declaration that the 10 per cent of budgetary allocation of every Ministry should be invested in the North-Eastern region is being defied by the Railway Ministry. In railway budgets year after year the allocation for the North-Eastern region has been less than five per cent. They are showing off Katihar Division and Alipurduar Division with allocation of large amount to that area in order to paint a picture that the entire amount is being given to the whole of North-Eastern region. That is a blatant lie intended to hoodwink the people of the North-Eastern region.
I can cite an example to show as to how people in the North-Eastern region are being discriminated against. A little while ago hon. Member Shri Tapir Gao has mentioned the Rangia-Mukongchalak line. This is a line that goes up to the Chinese border. This runs along the north bank of river Brahmaputra and it serves Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. While the cost of guage conversion of this project is Rs.950 crore, the amount allocated this year is Rs.7 crore only.
The Bogibeel Bridge project was sanctioned in 1997. Foundation stone for this project was laid by the hon. Prime Minister. The total outlay for the project is Rs.1768 crore. This year the allocation is Rs.12 crore. If we roughly calculate, it would require more than 150 years to complete this project at the present rate of allocation. Railway Ministry should have taken greater initiative to finalise the sources of funding for this national project.
I would request the hon. Ministers of State for Railways who are sitting here now to take all measures so that these projects are declared as national projects and assured source of funding is provided. Otherwise it will be a mockery on the people of the North-East.
Assam is the gateway for the entire North-Eastern region. To ease traffic congestion in this region, guage conversion of the railway track from New Jalpaiguri to Guwahati is a must. I hope this will be considered by the hon. Railway Minister. The new Moinaguri-Jogighapa line, which was conceived a few years back, should be completed expeditiously.
As demanded by the other Members of the region, I also plead for creation of a separate railway zone for the North-Eastern region in order to cater to the needs of the people there. I want to appeal to the Ministry of Railway to ensure that 10 per cent of the budgetary allocation, including the Railway Safety Fund and Diesel Cess, is spent on the projects in the region in the true sense of the term. So far, only less than three per cent of Railway Safety Fund and Diesel Cess is allocated to the North-East.
Because of slow progress in track renewal from SRSF, we come across news of various kinds of accidents and other incidents.
Rangia Division was sanctioned five years back but is yet to be completed. I hope, adequate funds would be provided to complete this project on time. I also appeal to the Railway Minister to have equitable share in the allocation of model stations and introduction of new technologies. The criteria of economic rate of return are not feasible for the North Eastern Region. The entire North-Eastern Region should be looked from the social point of view. As such, this criteria should be abolished.
About the passenger reservation centers, I would like to emphasise that although State headquarters have been provided with passenger reservation center, it could not cater to the needs of inaccessible areas specially border areas. I would request that every district headquarters should be provided with passenger reservations centers because almost all the borders districts of the North Eastern region are inaccessible.
Regarding the railway recruitment policy, the people of North-East have been demanding that a separate policy for the Group `C”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” & `D”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” posts should be declared for the entire country so that every region has equitable share in employment. We have been demanding 100 per cent reservation for the local youth of every region in the Group `C”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” and `D”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” posts. But the Railway Ministry has kept the issue hanging without taking a final decision because of which we always face trouble. Only by issuing a specific notification of the reservation policy, the proportionate share of every region will be met.
The North-Eastern and North Frontier Railways should be kept under the priority list for track renewals, diesel cess, restoration of bridges, computer reservation centers, introduction of new technology, and allocation of rakes to backward areas in the North Eastern Region.
We demand that a separate computer brain head for Guwahati is set up. If Guwahati is given a separate brain head for computer reservation, it can have access to all the destinations of the country. Now, it is not possible because it is routed through Kolkata. Allocation of rakes to Lakhimpur and Harmoti Stations of NF Railways for carrying cement have been restricted or stopped. I would request the Ministry to make it functional.
Sir, I would like to make one or two points for the consideration of the Ministry. One is the five km. BG conversion of Dangori to Saikhowa line in the Tinsukia district of the NF Railways. Survey and feasibility report had been completed three years back but till today it has not yet been implemented. I would request that gauge conversion of at least this five km. line is added to the North-Eastern Region in this Budget.
Another demand is for the construction of Rail Over Bridge at Chaboti area of North Lakhimpur Town in the NF Railways. I hope the hon. Minister would order for the re-survey because the road is linked to hospitals and airport of the Lakhimpur district. With these words, I thank you once again for giving me the opportunity.
20.00 hrs.
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Thank you very much. At the outset, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to speak on the Railway Budget.
I want to draw the attention of the hon. Railway Minister to this point, through you, Sir. Since the hon. Minister belongs to Tamil Nadu, last year, in the overall analysis, Tamil Nadu has got an amount of Rs.307 crore for new lines, doubling and gauge conversion, etc., and this year, it has got an amount of Rs.470 crore, the highest allocation for the State in the entire Budget, vis-à-vis what has been given to the State of Karnataka.
In the last 55 years, many new lines, gauge conversions, electrification projects, doubling of tracks, etc. had been announced for the State of Karnataka and the total amount spent on them is to the tune of Rs.4,500 crore; this year, we have been allotted a paltry amount of Rs.190.67 lakh.
20.11 hrs. (Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal in the Chair)
In that, for new railway lines, an amount of Rs.29.67 crore has been allotted; for doubling, Rs.97 crore has been allotted and for gauge conversion, Rs.64 crore has been allotted. Here, I want to put forth some suggestions, according to which, if some more funds are allotted, some projects could be completed within this year.
For example, Hassan-Bangalore is a very prestigious railway line; in 2006, we are going to have Mahamastakabhishekam for Shravanabelagola. Bangalore-Shravanabelagola line needs to be completed; it is of 166 kms. and an amount of Rs.412.91 crore is the total requirement. An amount of Rs.150 crore is spent so far. But to complete it up to Shravanabelagola, a few more crores of rupees are required. Last year, they allotted Rs.26 crore and this year, they allotted only Rs.20 lakh for this line.
When there is going to be Mahamastakabhishekam, national and international yatris are going to come; tourists are going to come; the entire Jain community is going to be there; not only the Jain community, but also people belonging to other communities are going to gather in crores. So, the hon. Minister has to take some special note of this line – Hassan-Bangalore via Shravanabelagola.
Secondly, there is Sholapur-Gadak line via Hutki, which is of 330 kms. Till now, an amount of Rs. 223.37 crore has been allotted, out of Rs.268.21 crore. Only Rs.45 crore is needed to be spent to complete the gauge conversion. Half of Karnataka – Bagalkote and Bijapur Districts – has become an island like Andaman and Nicobar. The Minister has provided Rs.15 crore in this Budget; he has to raise it to Rs.45 crore so that the entire North Karnataka is benefited – the traders, the entrepreneurs and the farmers of North Karnataka will be benefited by this.
There is one more suggestion. Hubli-Ankola line is a 100-year dream, of the engineer-statesman Shravan Vishveshwaraiah, of connecting West Coast with East Coast. You must be knowing that there is one huge naval project at a cost of Rs.10,000 crore. It is in Karvar, 30 kms. off Ankola. There are three important ports in Southern India – one is Chennai, another is Mangalore and the third is Karvar. These three ports need to be connected. The environment clearance for this has not been given. It is a project for Rs.997 crore. Last year, for land acquisition, an amount of Rs.15 crore has been provided; this year, only Rs.5 crore has been provided. Both the hon. Ministers are sitting here; I am very happy and I would request them that they should speak to the hon. Minister of Environment and Forest to get speedy clearance for that project.
There is one more important project in the State of Karnataka, that is Bidar-Gulbarga. This project was inaugurated and the land acquisition has also started. If the Minister could complete it, it would be quite helpful as the total run from Bangalore to Delhi would be reduced by nearly 500 Kms. Bangalore-Delhi is a very important link. Entire Hyderabad-Karnataka area or Northern Karnataka stretch will be linked. There is already a railway line up to Gulbarga. That small stretch of Bidar-Gulbarga, which has already been sanctioned, needs more allocation. I would like to add two more things before I conclude.
Bangalore is a very prestigious city and a fastest growing city. I represent Bangalore South. We have local rail network for Mumbai and Kolkata. When I was the Urban Development Minister, you know very well, I also did my bit to have the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation moving. For Bangalore Metro Rail, during my tenure, Rs.3.50 crore was given for a survey. A Detailed Project Report has been culled out. Shri Shreedharan, the DMRC Chief himself came and made the soil test. For Delhi Metro, there is a Special Purposes Vehicle of 50 per cent participation from the Government of India and 50 per cent from the Government of Delhi. I request the participation of Indian Railways in Bangalore Metro Project. It is 4,500 Kms project; North-south and East-west, with 88 railway stations. It will be carrying nearly 30 lakh passengers every day. Bangalore requires this ultra modern public transport system and both the Government of Karnataka, through the Government of India is also approaching the Japanese Bank of International Cooperation for funding. The Government of Karnataka has also culled out an amount of nearly Rs.700 crore in this year”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””’’s Budget. I request that instead of it being a 50:50 project involving the Government of Karnataka and the Government of India, it may involve one-third participation from the Government of Karnataka, the Government of India and the Indian Railways. Bangalore being the fastest growing metropolis and the IT Headquarter, I request the Indian Railways to take special interest in this.
Finally, there has not been a single Rupee that has been allocated for electrification for the entire Karnataka State – neither for South-central Railway, Southern Railway and nor South-western Railway. This has to be looked into. We are a progressive State. If there is so much of electrification in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh or Mumbai, why not for Bangalore and why not for the entire State of Karnataka?
We need doubling also, especially from Mysore-Bangalore-Hubli-Belgaon-Pune-Mumbai. Now, the doubling of railway line is up to Meeraj. But from Meeraj to Bangalore and to Mysore, which is one of the trunk routes, there is no doubling or electrification. I, therefore, request that we may have doubling and electrification on this route so that the revenues will increase.
Once again I thank the hon. Chair for providing me this opportunity. Two senior colleagues in the Government are here. I hope when the hon. Railway Minister replies tomorrow, they will pursuade him. They will collectively decide that they will be participating in Bangalore Metro rail and will be giving the additional support for Bangalore-Hassan for the sake of Mahamastakabhishekha. They will also be completing this year Bangalore-Sholapur doubling, which is only 45 Kms. away. The Government will give us a gift in the shape of an increased railway allocation for Karnataka from Rs.190 crore to Ras.450 crore
MR. CHAIRMAN : Now, Shri Manjunath Kunnur to lay his speech.
SHRI MANJUNATH KUNNUR (DHARWAD SOUTH): Sir, before laying my speech, I would just want to say a few words.
MR. CHAIRMAN: I would not be able to allow you. Then you have to wait for that. I would call you a little later.
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Sir, I would just request you that since you have called his name, kindly allow him to speak. This would be his maiden speech.
MR. CHAIRMAN: I am sorry I would not be able to do that. We will have to proceed from the other side. I would call him a little later.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Much as I would have liked to give more time to the hon. Members, but I would like to inform that there are still 40 more names with me. Even if I give 5 minutes to each speaker, then also it would take 200 minutes, that is more than 3 hours, to exhaust the list of speakers. Therefore, I would like to request the hon. Members to kindly make their submissions and points as briefly as possible. I will ring the first bell after four minutes and the final bell after five minutes.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN (BALASORE): Mr. Minister, is it a fact that Sampark Kranti Express did not reach the destination? It is a very serious allegation that he is making.
SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH (JHALAWAR): *Sir, I rise to speak on the Indian Railway Budget 2005-06. I would like to thank you for the opportunity for allowing me to speak on the Railway Budget. Sir, the UPA Government has drawn ambitious plans for the Railways to meet increasing demand for the economy. Sir, the hon. Minister has mentioned in his Budget speech that they will work towards streamlining passengers services and also ensuring proper improvement in the quality of passengers services. But, Sir, this is an utopian idea carried out by the UPA Government, and it is only on paper and not in reality. Sir, the success of any economy is through its efficient railways system. Sir, at this point, I must mention that the Railways have not clarified vis-à-vis safety and security for its passengers. It is very important for us to mention that the Minister has announced Rs. 10 crore for safety to build bridges, tracks, signals and for inter-locking all the Railway tracks. Sir, I must, at this moment, say that the Minister for Railways is invisible. We are discussing a very important matter and I do not see either hon. Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav nor any Members of the Railway Board. It is very sad to see such attendance by the leading Members of the Railways team.
For security, the hon. Minister of Railways had mentioned that I quote him: “Railway Protection Force (RPF) posts, which were recruited by the Railway Recruitment Board, have been discontinued, and previous practice of filling up the vacancies directly by the field units should be restored”. I urge the hon. Railway Minister, as he is so dear and near to the Aam Admi, and also the UPA Government in their Common Minimum Programme, to carry out the recruitment process and employ the workforce for the RPF from the districts of the location to the posts.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
Sir, the Aam Admi have always complained to Railway Officials that they are unable to connect to the Railway Information Line. It is due to awful telecommunication facilities provided since the UPA Government took control, especially in Jhalawar. I thank the Railway Minister for expanding this line to the village level. But at this point, I must also put it in black and white that the hon. Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad Yadavji has given the preferential treatment to his State of Bihar by providing a Call Center at Patna. He should be more open and have a center outside the State also to expand a reach to the village level. We need to establish telephony network to the village level. We need to initiate education awareness campaign by which local artisans, marginal farmers and Aam Admi, as mentioned by the UPA, can take full opportunity of the services provided by the Railway Ministry, such as Internet Booking, and make full use fo the Call Center. I hope, this is not a Call Center only on paper, and what the hon. Railway Minister has mentioned in his Budget, does come into action and assist the people of India, and not the one region only. Sir, I must mention at this stage that the Indian Railways are not only the largest Railway network in the world, but also a biggest public sector undertaking, and we need to think of modernising our Railway.
“Sir hungama khara karna mera maksad nahin, Meri Koshish hai ke ye surat badalni chahiye”.
Our hon. Railway Minister mentioned a quote, which follows in his Railway Budget Speech :
I am disillusioned and disappointed by hon. Railway Minister and his officials for not being present at the debate on Railways Budget. How can you make a system better without learning, listening and creating awareness of local problems of individual Members from the respective States? So, I urge the Railway Minister that he should have been here. This is the same unfortunate situation that arose in Punjab when a train accident took place in Hoshiarpur District. And instead of attending Parliament and informing the Members of
Parliament, the Railway Minister had travelled to Bihar to take care of the local issues in Bihar without bothering about the Aam Admi who was in misery in Punjab. He was more bothered about the release of the Banerjee Report. It was just to garner votes, and use religion to do so. The modernisation plan undertaken by the UPA Government is only for the so-called metropolitan cities of New Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. What does happen to the common man’s problem? Why should we not also modernise Railway segments to cater to rural India? At this moment, I must thank the initiative of our hon. Minister for giving the opportunity to unemployed youths to travel in second class if they are going to appear for any Government jobs. It is also proposed by the hon. Railway Minister to help the farmers, the agriculturists and the artisans by giving them concession of 50 per cent in lieu of training. I hope at this stage, he is not using his political mind to garner for the next national political election. I must commend the hon. Railway Minister for giving to rural students, especially girl child, for travelling from rural areas to attend National level entrance level examinations for medical, engineering and other courses. AT this stage, the hon. Railway Minister has mentioned that patients, who die while undergoing treatment in major Government hospitals, be carried on priority basis to the nearest Rail head connection to the home town at 50 per cent concession on normal tariff. I urge him to be more sympathetic, concerned and show empathy for the bereaved family, aid the rural poor by giving him 100 per cent concession in tariff.
Sir, now I must shift your attention to my State of Rajasthan, and my constituency of Jhalawar. I must mention that the hon. Railway Minister was not generous to the State of Rajasthan. By this Railway Budget, we can see how the UPA feel about the States who have voted the NDA lead Governments in the respective States such as Rajasthan. In the previous Budget, Ramganj Mandi – to Bhopal line, which is a new train line, had a budget of Rs. 27 crore for the year 2004-05, but its total cost amounts to Rs.7,000 crore plus. This year, the Budget allocation for the same line is Rs. 15 crore. I must say that at this stage, Ramganj
– Mandi is one of the Asia’s largest Agriculture Mandi which has been provided to people, for the traders and marginal agricultural farmers. With this new Budget 2005-06, the provisions provided by the previous Budget have been reduced. Sir, the cost of Ramganj Mandi – Bhopal line is aproximately Rs.7,000 crore, and you have provided a small amount of Rs. 15 crore this year. This shows a balance of about Rs. 6,080 crore which is yet to be disbursed by the Central Government in order to have this train line between Bhopal, Jhalawar and Ramganj Mandi. Sir, I had requested the hon. Railway Minister, through numerous letters, that the common man, the Aam Admi, needs a shuttle from Nagda in Madhya Pradesh to Kota in Rajasthan with stoppages at Chomela, Bhawani Mandi to Kota. This is a train by which a local middle class person could travel to and fro from his work place. Still no announcement has been made for this memo train from Nagda to Kota. I urge you to assist us – Members of NDA – and be generous to us by giving us this facility. I must also mention that during daytime, local people of the Jhalawar constituency need to travel for short distances. During daytime, the sleeper coaches are not provided. I urge the hon. Railway Minister to provide the people with an opportunity to have reservations for sleeper coaches for the short day journeys, and trains should have more bogies for the common man. We need extra reservation facility at Bhawani Mandi, Choumela and Salpura. As the reservation facilities are limited, we need more counters for booking facilities. Sir, in your Budget Speech, you have clearly mentioned that you will be assisting the local people with facilities like rest room and better catering. I urge you to provide these facilities at Bhawani Mandi, Choumela and Salpura.
Sir, I must mention that in your Railway Budget, 2005-06, there is no mention for electrification of new lines. I urge you to provide the people of Hadoti with better Railway electrification facility between section of Kota BARAN – Guna – Bina. Along with it, the Jaipur – Swai Madhavpur sector also needs to be electrified. A glance at your Railway Budget provides no assistance to our State, which is the largest State in India. All the trains that your have provided us are
either after gauge conversions or memo trains. We feel that you have acted without any thought for providing the people of Rajasthan with proper new train facilities. Rather you were occupied in Bihar election. I urge you to look at for providing us with new train facility, and also change memo train into passenger trains and passengers trains into express trains. You have overlooked the Hadoti region. You have only provided trains to areas where there is an elected partner of UPA Government. We can see this in your generosity where you have provided Guna Shivpuri Gwalior Train – Budget of Rs. 25 crore is sanctioned. The train lines which you have sanctioned, such as Dausa via Alwar to Mathura are primarily to assist your UPA partners because Indian National Congress Members have been elected from these three respective constituencies. While you have overlooked our Jhalawar Parliamentary constituency. I, once again, urge you to be sympathetic towards our people, and give us some train stoppages of trains, such as, at Bullets Jaipur, Indore Express at Bhawani Mandi, and Choumela – Dhanbad Express (3349) and Parshawanath Express (3350) at Bhawani Mandi and Choumela.
For the State of Rajasthan and for the District of Dholpur and Swain Madhavpur, I urge you to link after gauge conversion Dholpur, Sarmuthra to Gangapur City. You colleague in UPA-lead alliance, representing Swain Madhavpur, hon. Shri Namonarayan Meena, who is Minister in your coalition Government, has also urged to do so. We need to increase the frequency of trains passing through our State. We urge to make the Jodhpur Guwahati Express – which runs once in a week – thrice a week. Jaipur Bangalore Express, which runs twice a week, I would request you to make it trice a week with a stoppage at Bhawani Mandi and Choumela.
To end, I would like to quote your favourite quotation:
“Sirf hungama khara karna mera maksad nahin, Meri koshish hai ki ye surat badalni chahiye.”
Sir, you are running a lot more trains than you can provide for in your Budget. Hon. Minister has only put his view on paper, which is not at all practical. He has only provided for areas of its alliance partners. Therefore, I urge him to indulge in too much of talking and let us work for people who have elected us without any prejudice and any malaise. Let us actually help the common without any caste, religion faith and any political compulsions. I hope, he will be more sympathetic and generous to us in future.
Thanking you for giving an opportunity to speak.
DR. COL. (RETD.) DHANI RAM SHANDIL (SHIMLA): Mr. Chairman, Sir, I rise to speak in support of the Railway Budget presented by Shri Lalu Prasad, our hon. Railway Minister on 26th February, 2005. In a country of our size and the rising needs of the population, I think, it is a very good job done by the Railway Minister. Let us appreciate the good work done by him. He has kept in mind the needs of all sections of our society. The Railways’ task is a stupendous one. I think, with 1,07,000 track kilometres, carrying more than 11 million passengers a day, transporting 40 per cent of the freight of our nation is not a small or mean job. Under these circumstances, making a balanced Budget is a big challenge. I would always appreciate those hon. Members who have tried to appreciate the good work done by the Railways.
I think, under the responsive and dynamic approach of the UPA Chairperson, Shrimati Sonia Gandhi and under the able leadership of Dr. Manmohan Singh, this is the second time in succession that in the Railway Budget there has been no increase in the rail fare. Once again I should say that Shri Lalu Prasad deserves all the credit for that. The hon. Minister has also introduced a lot of welfare measures. He has introduced down-to-earth, popular and people-friendly concessions for weaker sections of the society, like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs and minorities. As far as the rural India is concerned, he has given a lot of concessions to the aspiring village students and unemployed youth. Keeping all this in mind, this is a welcome Budget.
You had also very rightly briefed as also all other hon. Members that there has been little attention towards Himachal Pradesh in this respect. We have been neglected. The only railway which was inaugurated in the year 1903 under Lord Curzon is still a testimony there. We find that has now been a heritage railway. But let us improve it, let us conserve it and bring it at a world-class ambience.
I am grateful to the hon. Railway Minister that he gave the Chandigarh-Baddi railway line. He announced the upgradation of Pathankot-Joginder Nagar railway line. Last year, he had also approved a line from Chandigarh-Kalka-Parwanoo railway through Baddi, Arki and Darlagha area where we have Asia’s the biggest cement plant. That is an important rail section. If it comes through, we would be able to save the environment and also we would be able to give development to that area. There would be industrialisation, tourism in that sector. I am sure that this Northern hub, this Northern corridor, that is, between Paonta Sahib, Amb Trilokpur, Nahan, Parwanoo, Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh and Una is an important corridor and requires railway development at faster phase. The hon. Ministers of Railway are here. I would request them to give special attention to it. I think, it will be a future Birmingham of Northern India if we give special impetus to that.
There are investors keen on coming to this area. But they see where the infrastructure is. Infrastructure should be there. The most important organ is the railway. If it comes up, I think, there will be faster phase of development. We will be getting rid of the unemployment problem which is the one problem that the State is acutely facing now.
Sir, I just like to add only two things. The first is that we should have a focus from Dehradun side along Tons River, Pabbar Valley, Rohru Valley going to Sangla or from Bilaspur-Joginder Nagar which is the existing rail line going towards Satluj Valley, and on the lines of Jammu and Kashmir. We should develop the railways in that area so that that completes the loop, strategic region. It is also the border region. It would take the shape of, I should say, a world-class railway. We see a future in that area where we develop industrialisation, where we see hydel generation coming up in a big way and where we see horticulture mission taking 21st century approach in a very big way, where we see an apple economy also going forward. For all these, if we develop the railway, if we give special impetus to the railway, I am sure, as I said earlier, it will be a future Birmingham of Northern India.
With these words, I once again like to commend and appreciate this Budget. It is a wonderful Budget. In spite of all the difficulties, a very big challenge, I should say, in front of the Railway Minister, which was there, he gave a very viable solution to it. We should all appreciate it.
I thank you so much for giving me this chance.
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI BIJOY HANDIQUE): Sir, I have pleasure to announce that dinner is ready. All the hon. Members, including you, Sir, members of the Press and members of the staff are welcome.
MR. CHAIRMAN : Thank you.
Now, Shri P.C. Thomas to speak – he is absent.
Shri Francis George – he is absent.
Shri Vijay Kumar Khandelwal
21.00 hrs.
(Mr. Deputy Speaker in the Chair)
SHRI P.S. GADHAVI (KUTCH): *Sir, I would like to express my views on Railway Budget as under:
In this year’s Railway Budget, hon. Railway Minister has neglected or failed to consider the demands of Gujarat State so far as the developments of Railway facilities are concerned. I have submitted the following demands for my constituency which are not considered by hon. Railway Minister.
Frequency of Ala-Hazrat express from Bhuj to Barielly may be increased from four days in a week to Daily as it is the long-standing demand of Army personnel and people from North India and Bihar who are staying in my constituency.
Upgradation of Bhuj Railway Station and declaration of Gandhidham Railway Station as a Model Station.
Expedition of Gauge conversion construction work between Samkhiyali and Palanpur, which is a very important and prestigious project of Indian Railway.
As there is no direct train from Kutch to Andhra Pradesh and Orissa as thousands of labourers settled there since many years in my constituency, and for that long-standing demand of direct train from (A) Bhuj to Hyderabad and (B) Bhuj to Bhuvaneshwar via Andhra Pradesh.
Extension of following trains be declared :-
Navjivan Express Train Nos. 2655/2656 from Ahmedabad to Bhuj.
Ahmedabad – Howrah Express Train Nos. 8033/8034.
Ahmedabad Jammu Tawi – Sarvodaya Train Nos. 2473/2474 from Ahmedabad to Bhuj.
Bhuj-Naliya-Meter Gauge train service requires to be restarted as this train was very much useful to Army personnel.
Gauge conversion of Bhuj-Naliya Railway track.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
Moreover, there is a very long-standing demand of the third Railway track between Mumbai to Ahmedabad which is also not considered. The goods traffic as well as passenger traffic over this route is increasing day by day. If this project is sanctioned, then the Railway is definitely going to be benefited.
I am sorry to state that though the hon. Railway Minister claims to be the protector of the poor man’s interest but under his leadership, Western Railway authorities are crushing the interest of the poor in my constituency. In my constituency, i.e., Kutch, one small area known as Cargo Jjopadpatti in Gandhidham where more than 1500 hutments are there in which more than 15,000 poor labourers are staying since the last more than 25 years. Many of them are in below poverty line (BPL) goup.
Recently, for the best reasons known to the Western Railway authorities, these hutment dwellers are threatened to be evicted forcefully and land in question is to be given to some private moneyed parties. These slum dwellers are having with them (a) Ration Cards, (b) names in Electoral Rolls, (c) Water and Electricity Connection, etc.
I would like to urge the hon. Railway Minister to kindly intervene in the matter and see that these hutment dwellers may not be evicted forcefully and without following proper procedure of law by the Western Railway Authorities. If, at all, these slum dwellers are to be evicted, then in that case, they must be adequately allowed to be given land for relocation and due compensation for the rehabilitation.
In my speech in the last year’s Railway Budget, I had also invited the attention of hon. Railway Minister that in my constituency at Bhuj, Western Railway is having land worth more than Rs.100 crore which is lying vacant, unoccupied and completely in neglected position. Many land grabbers have encroached upon this land and still encroachment activities by land grabbers is going on. The value of this land is estimated, at the present market price, of about Rs.100 crore.
Thus, at one hand, Western Railway does not care to have proper protection of their vacant and unoccupied land and, on the other, Western Railway authorities are trying to evict poor labourers who have settled there since the last more than 25 years.
I urge the Railway Minister to please consider the demand for Railway facilities of Gujarat and try to protect the poor labourers who have settled in Cargo Jjopadpatti since the last more than 25 years.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER : Shri Chhewang Thupstan to speak now – not present. Shrimati Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo to speak now.
SHRIMATI SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO (BOLANGIR): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to participate in the discussion on the Railway Budget for the year 2005-2006. At the very outset, I would like to say that the Railway Budget for this financial year is a consumer-friendly Budget, and in all fairness, efforts have been made to accommodate the weaker sections of society and to bring about overall development, which is quite apparent in the following like no increase in passenger fares, no across-the-board increase in freight rates, 46 new trains have been introduced and frequency of ten trains has been increased etc., also, various concessions have been granted to rural school students and to girls from rural areas, which is a very welcome thing in the Budget, however, important areas have not been taken up properly.
Railways assume great importance in the development of the country’s economy and care must always be taken to ensure that the development is all-round so that it does not lead to regional imbalances. While observing in detail, it becomes quite clear that several areas of the country have been neglected. It is unfortunate that though an Assembly Committee led by the hon. Speaker of the Orissa Assembly had visited Delhi last October and met the hon. Prime Minister as well as submitted a memorandum to the hon. Minister of Railways demanding an allocation of Rs. 700 crore for the State, unfortunately, Orissa has been terribly neglected.
I represent an extremely backward area namely Bolangir which is in my parliamentary constituency. It also is one of the KBK districts which is perennially drought-prone. Some of the points which require immediate attention of the hon. Minister of Railways in my constituency and which I would request should be taken up on priority are – computerised passenger reservation system in one of the stations in Khariar Road which is in Nuapada district. Then, I would request that the station should be re-modelled.
I would request that certain important express trains should be made to halt there. Otherwise, there is no point of having a railway station there. Doubling of the Titlagarh-Sambalpur section should also be carried out. A survey has already been done for it.
I would also request you to introduce new trains in western Orissa. The Sampark Kranti Express, which is to be launched soon from Bhubaneshwar, should be diverted from Raipur so that it passes through Sambalpur and Bolangir. This would be a very important step in linking western Orissa — which is relatively backward — with the coastal regions. Western Orissa is very rich in mining activities. This would serve the dual purpose of increasing the business interests as well as the industrial interests in our backward areas.
I would request the hon. Minister to increase the frequency of the Bhubaneshwar-Kurla Express from once a week to thrice a week. I would also request him to increase the frequency of Puri-Ahmedabad Express via Bolangir from once a week to thrice a week. I would further request to sanction a new railway line from Bolangir-Nuapada via Padampur. The survey for this railway line has also been sanctioned. I would be extremely grateful if something could be done about it in the near future. Also, the massive railway tark, in Kantabangi should be cleaned up.
I would request the hon. Minister to sanction funds for Khurda Road-Bolangir railway line. This has been in the pipeline for the last more than 20 years. I have myself got fed up of sounding repetitive in this House, and asking for it year after year. I would sincerely request the hon. Minister to consider it. He has made a budgetary allocation of Rs. 10 crore, and my humble request to him would be to increase it to at least Rs. 50 crore. I would also like to state that the construction work should be immediately started from both ends as the land acquisition has been completed.
I think, I should touch upon certain demands of the State, besides the immediate needs of my parliamentary constituency, namely, the doubling and electrification work. It should start on the railway line between Talcher and Sambalpur, so that more number of express trains — from Mumbai to Delhi and other places — can run from Bhubaneshwar via Sambalpur.
Special priority should be given for completion of the Daitari-Bansapani railway line as a large number of Steel Plants, Sponge Iron Plants, and Charge-chrome Plants are coming up in this area. Sin it is ironical that even though Orissa is one of the richest States with regard to mineral ore and gemstones, yet due to lack of infrastructure we are lagging behind. If these railway lines are hurriedly setup, at least, it would give some sort of encouragement to the industry, and trade.
I would suggest that funds should be provided for construction to start work on the Haridaspur-Paradeep railway line, which connects the steel township of Kalinga Nagar to Paradeep Port. Also, the construction work should start immediately on the Lanjigarh-Junagarh railway line up to Bhawanipatna, which is in my neighbouring district Kalahandi.
Sir, I would request you to give me a couple of minutes more to speak.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Madam, you can lay the rest of your speech on the Table of the House.
SHRIMATI SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO : Sir, I would take only two more minutes to conclude my speech. Everybody else has taken a lot more time than I have taken while speaking. … (Interruptions)
SHRI ANANTH KUMAR (BANGALORE SOUTH): Sir, we are all supporting her to continue her speech.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Okay Mrs. Deo, kindly continue with your speech.
SHRIMATI SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO : Sir, I would like to demand a few more new trains. A new express train may be introduced between Puri and Jeypore in Koraput district via Sambalpur-Bolangir-Raipur. A super-fast express train may be introduced to run between Sambalpur and Allahabad. A new express train may be introduced from Titlagarh to Puri via Sambalpur. An Inter-city express train may be introduced between Koraput and Rourkela via Rayagada. Another express train may be introduced from Vishakhapatnam to Howrah via Titlagarh, Raipur and Bilaspur. Rajdhani Express from Bhubaneswar presently runs for four days a week. For the remaining three days another Rajthani should be introduced from Bhubneswar to New Delhi via Sambalpur. Romwla, Ranchi and Gomo. Vishkapatnam-Nigammuddin Express which runs for three days a week should run daily. The Express train which runs from Sambalpur to Raipur may be extended upto Bhubneswar.
I would like to conclude by saying that we all know that the belt of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa is terribly deprived, and is backward. We have great hopes of seeing some improvements in this area, after seeing that the hon. Minister also hails from one of those backward States.
Though the budgetary allocation has been more than previous year’s, in fact, it has been the highest till today, however, we are a little disappointed and we feel deprived of our genuine share. My humble request to the hon. Minister is that since Orissa is a backward State and is prone to natural calamities — you all must be knowing about the super-cyclone; floods and droughts are a common occurrence there — therefore, we are looking forward to his full support and a lot of benevolence from his side.
SHRI ABDULLAKUTTY (CANNANORE): *Sir, I welcome the Railway Budget 2005 presented by the hon. Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasadji at it gives much relief to common citizen by not increasing the passenger fares.
But, there are many areas where he could have tapped additional resources like abolition of uneconomical and unviable lines, commercial exploitation of surplus railway land and a nominal increase in freight tariff. Without raising additional resources, it will be difficult to undertake basic expansion and passenger amenities including improved sanitation and upkeep of the railway premises.
I would like to confine myself to the long-standing demands of railway users in North Malabar region. The Minister has announced introduction of 46 new trains and extension of the existing ones but none of these serve the people in North Malabar area.
Because of increasing passenger traffic orginating from this region, I suggest the following :
6604 Trivandrum – Mangalore Maveli Express, presently bi-weekly, should be made daily.
Kannur – Yeshwantpur Express, presently bi-weekly, should be made daily.
The newly-introduced Madgaon – Mangalore Jan Shatabdi Express should be extended to Calicut as a lot of tourism traffic along the West Coast bound for Goa and beyond will ensure better traffic revenue.
There should be more quota berth allotment from Kannur for all north-bound trains like Mangala Express and Trivandrum New Delhi Rajdhani Express. Further, all rakes deployed in these regions are old and unserviceable. New rakes should be pressed into service.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
There has not been much allocation for doubling projects in Kerala with a meagre Rs.53.00 crore which should be revised upward by at least Rs.250.00 crore. Likewise, no substantial allocation has been made to convert level crossing into Railway Overbridges/Underbridges. This allocation should be increased and share of Central Road Fund meant for building ROBs and RUBs should be utilized for the following works of top priority :
A long-standing demand of the local people is a Railway Overbridge/Underbridge at Kannapuram Railway Station at IRINAVU with an estimated cost of Rs.72.00 lakh. The Railways should come forward to initiate work on this project of utmost utility and safety by setting apart Rs.22.00 lakh for this project and the balance amount of Rs.50.00 lakh. I am willing to contribute from my MPLAD funds. Railways should immediately respond to my offer and initiate work on this project in the current financial year.
Likewise, there are two other level crossings with dense traffic that need to be converted into Railway Overbridge or Underbridge :
On NH-17 intersecting rail lines between Edakkad and Kannur and Chovva–Kannur South.
Railway line intersecting State Highway at Pappinisseri.
Railway line intersecting State Highway at Pazhayangadi.
Kannur is an important station in the entire North Malabar area but the present facilities are far from adequate to cater to increasing passenger traffic originating from Kannur. Kannur being the biggest handloom production and marketing centre in Kerala, a lot of businessmen and traders travel in and out of Kannur. The station premises should be expanded and passenger amenities like retiring rooms, waiting rooms including cloak room and free parking facilities in the station premises.
For mobilisation of additional resources, railways has been experimenting with the commercial exploitation of its surplus land. For instance, a vast expanse of railway land near Kannur station is lying idle which could be developed into a commercial shopping plaza. Apart from beautification of the area surrounding the station, this will generate additional revenue as also improved amenities for the rail travellers.
Increasing share of private participation in railways like catering services and goods clearing, etc., will cause much concern for the labour force comprising of more than 7 lakh railway porters and around 6 lakh workers engaged in catering services. With the increase in deployment of wheeled luggage trolleys, the average income of porter has come down. The Railway Minister claims himself to be the champion of the poor and he should also do something for these poor and underpaid category of porters and catering workers. It should also be ensured that the livelihood of these workers is not compromised in pursuit of privatization of railway services.
I sincerely hope that the above suggestions will be taken note of by the Government while finalizing the railway budget in the larger interest of the common man.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Bwiswmuthiary.
SHRI SANSUMA KHUNGGUR BWISWMUTHIARY (KOKRAJHAR): Sir, if you are going to give not more than two minutes, I would prefer to lay my speech.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: You are welcome to do so.
SHRI SANSUMA KHUNGGUR BWISWMUTHIARY (KOKRAJHAR): Sir, with your permission, I lay my speech on the Table.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Vijoy Krishna. – Not present.
Shri Ramdas Athawale – Not present.
SHRI SANSUMA KHUNGGUR BWISWMUTHIARY (KOKRAJHAR): *Sir, with due respect, through you, I submit my speech on the Railway Budget for 2005-2006, on the table of the House, and request you to take appropriate steps in order to help and keep the same on record.
Sir, I am extremely sorry to inform the House, through you, that I am not at all happy and satisfied with the Railway Budget for 2005-2006, particularly with regard to the discriminatory policy approach adopted in relation to North Eastern Region while allocating funds for the region in question. Now, I would like to submit some of my long-pending genuine demands connected with the inadequate railway-service facilities and connectivity in our Bodoland Territory in particular and also in the entire North Eastern Region for favour of kind information of the Railway Minister and necessary follow-up actions thereon.
Line conversion:
The existing M.G. line between Murkhongselek (Arunachal Pradesh) and Rangia Railway Junction should be converted into B.G. with double line provision and after gauge conversion, a new train by the name ‘Bodoland-Arunachal Super-fast Express Train’ from Murkhongselek to New Delhi should be introduced with immediate effect.
The existing M.G. line between Dhubri and Fakiragram Railway Jn. also should be converted into B.G. with double line provision, and regular train service should be provided to the people of the concerned neglected region in question through this railway route at the earliest possible time.
New Railway Lines : Some new Railway lines should be sanctioned for the following important sectors :-
*Speech was laid on the Table.
From Fakiragram Railway Junction to Jamduar in Kokrajhar District within land Bodo territory should, and trains in line with the Toy Trains being run on N.J.P- Darjeeling sector, should be run on the aforesaid proposed new sector at the earliest possible;
From Salakati to Galegphu (Bhutan);
From Borpeta Road to ‘Manas Wild Life Sanctuary – World Heritage Site’; and
From Rangia Railway Jn. to Sandrup Junkha (Bhutan).
New Trains :-
A new train like the Satabadi Express train should be introduced from N.J.P. to Guwahati, w.i.e. ;
The proposed new train – ‘Guwahati – New Bongaigaon (daily)’ – should be extended upto Gossaigaon Hut in Bodoland territory;
A new superfast train by the name ‘Bodoland – Arunachal Express Train’ from Murkhong selek(Arunachal Pradesh) to New Delhi, should be introduced with immediate effect.
Improvement of services and standards of the following trains:
Sifung Train being run from Fakiragram to Guwahati, should be allowed to run up to Gossaigaon Hut Railway Station in the West;
Regular services should be provided to the people of Dhubri District by way of rea running trains on Dhubri-Guwahati railway line.
Model Railway Stations:
The proposal on Kokrajhar Railway Station for ‘model station’ should immediately be implemented;
Borpeta Road Railway Station
Overbridges:
Overbridges should immediately be sanctioned and constructed at the following places/locations:-
Kokrajhar town, 2. Shri Rampur, 3. Gossaingaon Hut, 4. Fakiragram Rly. Jn., 5.Chautara, 6. Salakati, 7. Basugaon, 8. Dangtal, 9. Saprakata [over NH 31(c)], 10. Bijni Town, 11. Patiladoha, 12. Sarbhog, 13. Barpeta Road, 14. Sarupeta, 15. Pathsala, 16. Rangia over NH-31, 17. Sangsari over NH-31, 18. Rangia over Rangia-Sandrup MG line, Jungkha Raod, 19. Goreswar, 20. Udalguri, 21. Majbat, 22. Choprakatha over NH-31, etc.
Stoppage of Trains:
All south-west bound trains, including the following specific trains, should be allowed to have halt at the following railway stations:
Dadar, Trivendrum, Bangalore, Saraighat Exp., Lohit Express, Jodhpur Express, Purbottar, Jankranti Express Sampark, etc. at Kokrajhar;
Kamrup Express and N.E. Express trains at Gossaigaon Hut.
Kamrup Express and N.E. Express trains at Bijni;
NE Express, Lohit Express, Saraighat Express, Puri Express, Jodhpur/Bikaner Express at Borpeta Road.
Rangia Railway Station division’s western boundary limit should be extended upto Shri Rampur Railway Station.
New Proposals:
A separate Railway Corporation in line with the Konkan Railway Corporation should be set up for N.E. Region.
A separate Railway Zone for the North-Eastern Region should be set up independently.
100% job reservation in the Railway Department under ””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””C & D”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” category services should be provided to the youth of the N.E. Region.
Proposed plants: Coach-manufacturing plant should be set up at the northern site after NBQ.
Mr. Deputy Speaker: Shri Vijay Krishna – Not Present
Shri Ramdas Athawale – Not Present.
*This part of the Speech was laid on the Table.
SHRI A. SAI PRATHAP (RAJAMPET):Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I rise to support and welcome the Railway Budget for the year 2005-05 presented by the hon. Railway Minister, Shri Lalu Prasad-ji. This is the dream Budget of the UPA Governemnt satisfying all sections of the rail users. I call it a passenger-friendly Budget carrying out various reforms.
Sir, the hon. Minister has taken a decision to spend Rs. 25,000 crore on modernisation and Rs. 3,500 crore on the railway safety in five years time.
Railways employ about 15 lakh people of which 40 per cent are unskilled. More than 100 passenger trains are running on uneconomical routes. What I suggest for the unskilled labour is that schemes like ‘Golden Handshake’ and VRS should be introduced and encouraged. Corruption, pilferage and other malpractices should be curbed with iron hands.
In regard to allotment of stalls, monopoly should go away and there is a request to the hon. Minister to introduce fresh policies and guidelines for unemployed graduates, particularly Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, OBCs, women and handicapped persons. A Committee should be formed with NGOs and MPs in this regard so that they can consider and sanction to the required people, honestely.
In regard to wastelands, I suggest to the hon. Minister to get the reports from the Zonal Railways with blueprints. They should consult other Departments before dispatching the lands. Health and environment aspects should also be taken into consideration while disposing of the valuable railway lands and properties.
In regard to my State and Parliamentary Constituency, I wish to state that Andhra Pradesh is the least covered vis-à-vis other States regarding sanction of projects. Andhra Pradesh proposed ROB & RUB 25 projects for inclusion, but only four have been considered. The total cost comes to Rs.260 only. In this country, the on-going projects during 2004-05 amount to 292 and the required amount is Rs.46,000 crore. Andhra Pradesh has recommended only 25 projects, ROB & RUB in AP out of which four have been considered; the on-going new line projects require only Rs.260 crore, whereas only Rs.46 crore has been sanctioned. That comes to 18 per cent.
In regard to passenger amenities and modernisation of important railway stations, an amount of Rs.27.9 crore has been allotted last year, and this year, the South Central Railway has sought Rs.35 crore, but an amount of Rs.13.32 crore has been sanctioned.
Another point is that five new line projects have been considered by the Andhra Pradesh Government for sanction, out of which only one was referred to the Planning Commission. The other projects are also financially viable with rate of returns of more than 14 per cent.
I want to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister that the survey for Cuddapah-Bangalore new railway line has been conducted and the feasibility report has given returns of more than 17 per cent. It is the most backward area and this will cover backward regions. It will be useful and mineral-based industrialists, mine-owners, farmers and all sections of the people will benefit from this. Once again, I would request the hon. Minister to consider this line for inclusion at least in the next Budget speech.
In regard to gauge conversion, though Dharmavaram-Pakala line is considered in 1997-98, the allotment is almost nil in this Budget. I would request the hon. Minister to allot Rs.30 crore to start this work and complete the gauge conversion of this line in another 2 or 4 years.
Nandyal-Yerraguntla line was sanctioned in the year 1996-97; the total cost of this project is Rs.167 crore. I would request the hon. Minister to sanction at least Rs.25 crore during this year.
Finally, I wish to draw the kind attention of the hon. Minister that out of the seven Divisions in South Central Railway, Guntakkal stands third in earnings. With completion of doubling and electrification works between Guntakkal and Renigunta, this would come to second place. I sincerely request the hon. Minister to advise the authorities to complete the doubling work on a war footing.
In regard to the new train, Tirupati-New Delhi, stoppage is required at Rajampet, my Parliamentary Constituency; with this, again the industrial areas of Yerraguntla and Tadipatri will be give stoopage.
I would request the hon. Minister to consider that these halts are given to the Parliamentary Headquarters, Rajampeth. Another point is that people are asking for a new train from Tirupati to Shiridi. For the last few years, I have been requesting the hon. Ministers to introduce this train. In this regard, I represented personally to both the hon. Ministers. I would once again request the hon. Minister to consider this. Finally, there is no computer reservation centre at the Parliamentary Headquarters, Rajampeth. I would once again request the hon. Minister to provide a reservation centre.
SHRI MOHAN JENA (JAJPUR): *Sir, I want to draw the attention of the Central Government, through you, towards the problems of my State Orissa so far as the Railways are concerned. At the outset, I would like to thank the hon. Railway Minister, Shri Laloojee, for not increasing the railway fares and giving some innovative concessions to weaker sections of the society.
Sir, Orissa is one of the least developed States of India, due to the continuous apathetic attitude of the Central Government. Ninety per cent of the Orrisa’s population belongs to the Dalit, Tribes and the backward classes. Since Independence, Orissa has not progressed satisfactorily as far as Railways are concerned. Railway lines are the lifeline of the nation. Development in Railway is the indicator of progress. If the railway network is good, then that State is progressive one. I want to speak about the national average of railway lines. Sir, the national average is 19.11 kms. Per 1000 square kms. If we go to State average in West Bengal, it is 43.01 kms. and in Bihar, it is 30.04 kms. But, in Orissa, it is only 15.03 kms per 1000 square kms.
Sir, for the ongoing railway projects in Orissa, we need a fund allocation of Rs. 5000 crore. But the recent Budget allocation is very discouraging.
There are 30 districts in Orissa, among which 7 districts are untouched by the Railways, they are Baudha, Kandhamal, Nayagarh, Deogarh, Kendrapara, Malkangiri and Nawrangpur. So, I want to draw the attention of the Ministry of Railways to take steps to make these districts well connected to Railways. Orissa is giving Rs. 4000 crore of revenue to the Indian Railways but it is not giving proper attention to my State.
*Speech was laid on the Table.
Under this backdrop, I want to draw the attention of the Government to the following problems/demands:
Nizamuddin-Bhubaneswar Hirakud Express, which is connecting the State Capital with the national Capital has not been renovated since long. It has 2nd Class AC coaches but induction of 3rd AC is also very necessary. A large number of people depend on this train as it is economical. So, instead of bi-weekly, it should be run daily.
Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express is the most important train connection which provides greater scope to the business community and V.I.P. travellers for its short travel time and better facilities. But, as there is no stoppage in the Western Orissa, people of those areas are deprived of this facility.
Another Rajdhani Express through Anugul-Sambalpur to Delhi is very very essential for our State.
The Lokmanya Tilak Express, which is running between Bhubaneswar-Kurla (Mumbai) only once in a week should be made daily and its route is needed to be run through Anugul-Sambalpur-Titlagarh-Raipur.
Sambalpur-BBSR-Inter-city Express is a very important train which is connecting Western Orissa with the coastal Orissa. But, another inter-city express is necessary for a better connectivity of both the ends of our State.
Prui-Ahamedabad Express, via Sambalpur is running only once a week. But, in view of the importance of this train, this should be run thrice every week.
Prui-Patna Baidyanath Dham Express is running only once every week. As this train is conecting two important States like Orissa and Bihar, it should be made daily for the interest of the people.
One Shatabadi Express is connecting Rourkela and Howrah. But another Shatabadi Express is very necessary to connect BBSR-Howrah.
Berhampur is one of the important city and business centres of the State of Orissa. So, in view of its importance, a direct train should be run from New Delhi to Berhampur.
In the tourist map of India, our Orissa is a dazzling spot with its world renowned places like Konark, Puri and the ancient Buddhist monuments of Jajpur District. So, a train introduced to connect Goa and Orissa through Panjion to Bhubneswar will attract the foreign tourists.
It is a matter of regret that although the electrification work between BBSR-Palasa has been completed but EMU (Electro-Multiple Unit) Train has not been run as yet.
There is no direct train connection to Chennai from Bhubaneswar and the Howrah-Chennai Coromandal Express does not fulfil the need. So, a direct train from BBSR to Chennai is very essential.
The coach repairing factory of Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar should be converted into a coach manufacturing factory.
With the renovation of the Bhubaneswar Railway Station, the other important stations like Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Berhampur and Dhanmandal, etc. should be renovated on the same lines.
A large number of people depend on roadways for their travel from Khurda to Cuttak. So, inter-city EMU Train in every hour should be provided between these two cities.
A stoppage should be provided at Jajpur-Keonjhar road Station of the BBSR-New Delhi Rajdhani Express.
A new railway line with passenger train should be provide to connect Bhadrak to Aradi (Akhandalmali Dham) to Jajpur town (Biraja Khetra).
So, I hope my above mentioned demands will reach the Central Government through the Sir.
SHRI SARBANANDA SONOWAL (DIBRUGARH): Hon. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I have some submissions regarding the Railway Budget. I am very sorry to say that at the time of preparation of Railway Budget, the hon. Railway Minister might have forgotten that Assam and North-Eastern States are also the integral parts of the country. This has been the practice since 1952. So, I would request that Assam and North-Eastern States should be kept in mind while preparing the Railway Budget as well as General Budget.
I would like to highlight a point which is related to Assam Accord. In 2002, when the then Prime Minister, Shri Vajpayee visited Dibrugarh, in the presence of Chairman, Railway Board as also the then Railway Minister, Shri Nitish Kumar promised to the people of Assam that within six years’ time, a rail-cum-road bridge will be completed. But we have seen that only Rs.12 crore have been allocated this year for the Bogibeel bridge. If this is the attitude, then this bridge will take another 100 years to complete. That is why, our first demand is that this particular project should be treated as a national bridge. This has also found place in the Assam Accord which was signed by late Rajiv Gandhi. So, to honour the then Prime Minister’s national commitment, this particular bridge should be completed as early as possible.
I have a few more points to make. We also want that there should be a separate zone for North-Eastern region in the name of North-East Railway Zone. As you know, constitutionally we have been categorised as Special Category States. That is why, this particular zone should be separately put into the Railway Budget.
There should be a metro railway authority at Guwahati. As you know, there is a huge growth of population in Guwahati. It is also the gateway of the North-Eastern States. Therefore, this facility should be provided there. Up till now, there is no double track broad gauge railway line in the entire region. We have seen in the Budget that this provision has been made for the other parts of the country. This should also be given particularly for Assam and North-Eastern States. There should be a double track broad gauge line from Rangiya to Mokocheleng because there is no double track broad gauge railway line. This has been committed earlier but up till now this has not been done.
During British rule, the Assam Railway Trading Company had built first railway line at Dibrugarh in 1884. It is a Railway heritage centre. That is why, Dibrugarh should be declared as a Railway heritage centre.
There should be another bridge to connect particularly Arunachal Pradesh and Assam at Sadiya. Therefore, there should be a separate rail-cum-road over bridge at Sadiya. The construction of Ramgiya Rail Division should be done. It was also a promise on the part of the Government of India. Up till now, this construction work has not been completed. This is also my sincere submission that this should also be included in the Railway Budget. In the entire region no rail over bridge has been constructed and because of this problem a lot of accidents occur every year. Just to avoid accidents, these bridges should be constructed immediately.
Sir, my next point is that an inter-city railway service should be provided in the State of Assam. Only two trains, one coming from Tinsukia to Guwahati and the other coming from Bongaingaon to Guwahati, are in operation within the State. We have got 65 townships in all in the Barak and the Brahmaputra Valley. This inter-city service should be provided to develop the communication network in the State.
My next point is about providing concessions to students who are going out of the State to avail of better educational facilities in different metropolitan cities of the country. Moreover, there should also be a cent per cent job reservation in the Railways for unemployed educated youth of the State. The State is backward in many respects. We have several million educated unemployed youth in our State. To accommodate these educated unemployed youth, there should be provision for cent per cent job reservation in the Railway Department.
My next point is about increasing the number of goods trains in the State. We have a very limited number of goods trains running in our State. As a result of this our local industries are suffering a great deal. The industries are unable to bring raw materials from other parts of the country and also transporting the finished products to the mainland is also a big problem for the local industries. So, the number of goods train running in the State should be increased.
The other point that I would like to mention is about setting up of a Regional Coach Factory in Assam. It has been promised in the Railway Budget that a number of manufacturing units would be set up in different parts of the country. My submission is that one such unit should be set up in the State of Assam.
My next point is about electrification of rail route. It has been mentioned that the Ministry has proposals for electrification of railway route. But till now, not even a single track in our State has been electrified. I would also like to submit that the railway workshop at Dibrugarh should be modernised and converted into a manufacturing unit.
Sir, these are the few points I wanted to bring to the notice of the hon. Railway Minister for his consideration. If the hon. Minister considers these points while replying to the debate, then I think, the people of Assam in particular and the people of the North-East in general would be largely benefited.
22.00 hrs.
DR. K.S. MANOJ (ALLEPPEY): First of all, I would like to congratulate our hon. Minister of Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad for presenting a populist Budget, which has not put any burden on the people by not increasing the passenger and freight rates. In addition to that, he has announced so many concessions for the unemployed youths and for those who are appearing for examinations. We do have several symbols of national integrity, like the national flag and the national anthem. Indian Railways is one among them, a prestigious one. But while presenting the Budget, our hon. Railway Minister, I think, has forgotten to maintain the national integrity. He has announced so many new trains and new lines, but there is nothing for Kerala. He has forgotten the Southern most State of India, that is Kerala. Of 46 new trains announced, not a single train has been introduced for the State of Kerala.
As far as the State of Kerala is concerned, rail traffic is congested there. It is over burdened. Doubling of railway lines is very essential there to maintain a safe and easy rail transport. So, I would request our hon. Railway Minister to allot adequate funds for the completion of Mangalore-Shoranur railway line. The hon. Prime Minister has declared Rs. 20,000 crore for many developmental activities in Kerala. That includes Vallarpadam Container Terminal and Rajiv Gandhi Thermal Power Project at Kayankulam. For completing all these projects, doubling of railway lines in Kerala is a must. So, I would request our hon. Railway Minister to take adequate steps for doubling Ernakulam-Kayankulam railway line, both via Allapuzha as well as Kottayam. Electrification of railway line has also to be completed from Ernakulam to Trivandram, via Kottayam as well as Alleppey.
I have already mentioned that out of 46 trains that were introduced, not a single train has been introduced to the State of Kerala. Now, there is a train from Trivandrum to Mangalore which runs twice in a week. My humble suggestion is that this train may please be run daily. A lot of students from Kerala are studying in Bangalore and Mangalore. So many private operators are plying buses daily in this route. They are conducting daily services from Trivandrum to Bangalore. If a new train from Trivandrum to Bangalore is introduced, it would be of great help to the students of Kerala.
Another blow to the Delhi Malayalees is that our prestigious train, the Kerala Express, running from the National Capital to the State Capital of Kerala, has been extended from New Delhi to Chandigarh in the new Railway Budget. That is a heavy blow to the Malayalees of Kerala. That should be withdrawn and an additional train from Trivandrum to Chandigarh should be started for the sake of the Malayalees living in Chandigarh.
Another request is that in the last Budget Shri Lalu ji announced a new train, the Sampark Kranti Express from Nizamuddin to Kochuveli. It has not been started until now. My humble request is that that train should be started at the earliest.
Next, there is the parcel booking service. In the Railway Stations where a train stops for not more than three minutes, there, parcel booking service is not allowed. That causes a severe hardship to the small agriculture growers, industrialists as also the porters who work in the Railway Stations. So, my humble request is that status quo should be continued. Formerly, in the Railway Stations where a train stops for three minutes and more, there, parcel booking service was allowed. So, I would request that status quo must be continued for the sake of the agricultural workers, industrialists and the porters.
Also, another request is that the Haripad Railway Station is a developing area. So many pilgrim centres are there. The NTPC is there. They are all nearby Haripad Railway Station. There is a proposal for the construction of a second platform in Haripad Railway Station. Also, there is a proposal for computerisation of the Haripad Railway Station. I would request the hon. Minister to consider these two proposals so that it will be helpful to the people of Kerala.
With these words, I conclude.
SHRI N.S.V. CHITTHAN (DINDIGUL): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, I thank you for giving me this opportunity.
I rise to support the Railway Budget for the year 2005-06. I would like to compliment our Ministers Shri Lalu ji and Shri Velu ji for presenting again a popular Budget for the second time.
It is a laudable Budget meant for generations. Some of the salient features of the Budget are that, as we know, no hike in fares and freight charges; 46 new trains have been announced; 27 train routes have been extended; between New Delhi and Chennai, a superfast train with 150 km. speed per hour is to be introduced; the running time for 30 trains have been reduced; 400 new carriages will be added in the crowded trains, and Rs.24,000 crore is allotted for modernisation. It is proposed to extend full concession in second-class to unemployed youth appearing for interviews of the State Government jobs also. Fifty per cent concession is given in second class to farmers and milk producers for travel to institutions of national level. Seventy-five per cent concession in second-class fare is given to Government rural school students, full fee concession has been announced for those who are affected by national calamities. These are the salient features of the Budget.
In Tamil Nadu, there are various schemes which deserve early implementation and completion which amount to Rs.2500 crore. I am sorry to note that Tamil Nadu is very poor in this regard. More than 1800 kms. of metre gauge lines are to be converted into broad gauge lines. I believe that the hon. Minister, while replying, will increase our share.
Between Madurai and Chennai, there is vast traffic potentiality. A day-time passenger train may be introduced so that the poor and middle-class passengers will be benefited.
The track between Madurai and Dindigul is over-utilised to the extent of nearly 150 per cent. I mentioned this during last year’s Railway Budget debate also. At present, both broad gauge as well as metre gauge tracks exist between Madurai and Dindigul. A scheme to double these tracks was announced in the year 2003-04. A small amount of Rs. 3 crore was allocated last year and this year only Rs. 15 crore has been allocated for this project. The distance between Madurai and Dindigul is only 62 kms. So, I urge upon the hon. Railway Minister to allocate the full amount so that this scheme is completed this year.
Sir, a survey has already been ordered for laying a new broad gauge line between Madurai and Kottayam. It seems that the survey report has been shelved due to financial crunch. This line is very vital for the traffic between Tamil Nadu and Kerala and also for export of cardamom since it will give a direct and shortcut line between Madurai and Ernakulam.
Then, early implementation of Dindigul-Sabarimala broad gauge line project via Periyakulam will cut short the distance between Dindigul and Kerala by 140 kms. This project is of prime importance to the people of Southern States as it will provide the shortest railway route to Sabarimala which is thronged by millions of pilgrims throughout the year from the Southern States. So, I earnestly pray for the early implementation of this important project.
So far as freight charges are concerned, nearly 4,000 items have been rationalised into 80 groups. I welcome this productive step. But I am pained to note that the classification of food grains has resulted in an increase of 33.3 per cent of freight charge. I suggest that it may be brought under Class 100 which will have a marginal increase in freight rate so that it does not affect the common man.
Then, for gauge conversion work between Thiruvarur and Nagore, only Rs. 4 crore has been sanctioned this year. This is very meagre. Apart from that, a new line is proposed to be laid between Nagappattinam and Velankanni. I think land acquisition is almost over. Nagappattinam has got port connectivity. Nagore is a religious centre for Muslims and also it attracts a lot of tourists. The line between Nagore and Karaikkal will link both Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu. So, I would request that additional funds may be provided to complete this project this year.
Sir, Thirumangalam, my hometown, is a municipal town with a Government Medical College, other colleges, reputed schools, industrial estates and commercial centres. There are so many jawans from this area who are serving in many parts of our nation. As there is a vast passenger traffic potential, it will be more fitting and convenient if a Computerised Ticket Reservation Centre is opened at Thirumangalam.
Finally, Shri Lalu Ji has changed the age-old dogma that new schemes could be brought only by enhancing fares and freights. He has boldly rationalised the freight structure and also invited private sector participation for commercial utilisation of surplus railway lands.
With these words, I conclude my remarks.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Shri Santasri Chatterjee – Not present
Shri P. Karunakaran – Not present
DR. THOKCHOM MEINYA (INNER MANIPUR): Mr. Deputy-Speaker Sir, today I am on roster duty on behalf of my Party, Indian National Congress, to sit in the House from 4 p.m. till the rise of the House. If the debate continues to be completed today, I seek your permission to express my felicitations to the hon. Minister of Railways and for this I beg to be excused.
Sir, as you know, the nearest Railway stations of Manipur are Dimapur in Nagaland and Silcher in Kachchar of Assam. This year, the hon. Minister has sanctioned one new line from Jiribam to Tupul, that is, Imphal, Manipur. The hon. Prime Minister has graciously laid the foundation stone of railways at Jiribam. We are very happy in the sense that the people in Manipur, who could not come out and have never seen any rail wagon not to speak of a rail line, could avail of this facility. This particular national project is targeted to be completed by March 2010. Therefore, I would request the hon. Railway Minister and officials of the Ministry of Railways to try to advance the completion of this project so that it could be completed by the year 2009.
The year 2009 is very important for us because the next parliamentary election is in 2009. So, please note this.
With these few words, the people of Manipur, the Government of Manipur and I on my own behalf express our gratitude to the hon. Prime Minister for laying the foundation stone of the railhead and the hon. Railway Minister for sanctioning this new rail line. Thank you very much.
SHRI MANJUNATH KUNNUR (DHARWAD SOUTH): Respected Deputy-Speaker, Sir, thank you very much for allowing me to speak on the Railway Budget.
I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Minister to the issues concerning my constituency in particular and my State of Karnataka in general. There is one underbridge in Haveri district headquarters and I had taken up this issue in my last year’s Budget speech, which I had laid on the Table of the House. This year also I am going to speak on the same issue. I have already met the hon. Minister in person in Rail Bhawan, and the hon. Minister, Shri Velu, assured me that he would take up this work. That underbridge is in a very, very dilapidated condition, and it was not built as per the technical specifications. The hon. Minister belongs to South India; he is from Tamil Nadu which is adjacent to Karnataka. I would request the hon. Minister to visit this spot and take the decision immediately. The estimated cost of the work pertaining to this underbridge is to the tune of one crore of rupees. I have promised to the hon. Minister that I would contribute a sum of Rs. 20 lakh from my MPLAD funds. Therefore, I would request the hon. Minister to take up this work as early as possible, and I hope I would not have to speak on the same issue in my next Budget speech. For this act of kindness, the entire population of my constituency and I would remember the hon. Minister forever.
The people are facing a lot of difficulty particularly in the rainy season because water stagnates there and as a result, the farmers and the people of that area cannot take their foodgrains through that underbridge. I would request you to rebuild that underbridge; a flyover bridge may please be constructed immediately as an alternative in the interest of the public. The whole thing, if I say it in Hindi, is like, ‘nÉÊ®ªÉÉ àÉå JɺÉJɺɒ. It is a very small thing from the Ministry’s point of view. Our Railway Ministry is an important Ministry in our country and it has taken up the task of networking the whole country, which will benefit the poor and the downtrodden. Therefore, my humble request to you is to construct this bridge immediately.
Secondly, in Rannibenur Railway Station, there is no foot-overbridge. There is a need to upgrade this Railway Station and to take construct this foot-overbridge immediately in the interest of the public.
Coming to Hubli, as you know, population-wise and from the viewpoint of passenger movement, it is the second largest city in Karnataka.
You have already established it but it is yet to become fully functional. The people of that area have been requesting you to make the South-Western Railway Zone fully functional immediately by providing stores, Railway Recruitment Board and all other administrative facilities.
Regarding new survey lines, in Karnataka no new double lines have been taken up and there are also no plans for electrification of lines. I request the hon. Minister of Railways to kindly ensure that a new survey is taken up in my area on Haveri-Kumta via Hanagal and Sirsi in the Konkan Railways on NH13 and from Kumta to Hanagal, Bankapur Cross that is on NH4. Yalivigi-Savanur to Gadag from coastal belt to the other belt is of utmost importance. Therefore, that may please be taken up. Davangere to Tumkur is also very important. If people of North Karnataka have to go to Bangalore they have to travel an extra distance of 80 kilometres now. From Davangere they have to take a round about route via Chikkajapur, Arisikere and Tumkur. A direct line between Davangere and Tumkur via Chitradurga is very essential. Therefore, that line may please be taken up.
Gauge conversion of Bijapur-Gadag line is very important. As you are well aware, yesterday there was an agitation, which is still going on. The project ought to have been completed by March, 2005. However, the work is delayed because sufficient funds were not made available. I humbly request you to take up this Bijapur-Gadag road.
Hubli-Ankola line is also a very important one. A broad gauge line which is already taken up is pending. That also may be taken up. There is an urgent requirement of introduction of new trains from Hubli to Pune, Hubli to Bombay, Bangalore to Hyderabad, and Bangalore to Chennai. There is a requirement of running of a Janshatabdi train from Bangalore to New Delhi.
One of my colleagues has also requested for a train from Tirupati to Shirdi. Shirdi is one of the important holy places of North India and Tirupati is one of the important holy places in South India. A large number of pilgrims keep travelling between these two places. A train may please be introduced between these two places at an early date.
An under-bridge at Yalivigi is also required in Haveri District. Upgradation of railway stations at Yalivigi, Byadaji and Rannibenur is a requirement. Stoppages of Janshatabdi and Rani Chennamma trains may please be provided at Byadaji and Yalivigi. There are a lot of burning problems. Therefore, I humbly request you to take up these works. I have already spoken on them in the past but I wanted to bring them to the attention of the hon. Railway Ministers once again. I would once again request the hon. Minister to take up the work of natural flyover of 395.6 metres at Haveri at the District Headquarters with utmost priority and complete that work. I would congratulate this Government if that work is undertaken and completed at the earliest.
Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.
SHRI KHARABELA SWAIN (BALASORE): Mr. Deputy-Speaker, Sir, since it is quite late in the night, I will not make an elaborate speech and confine myself to two-three questions.
The hon. Ministers of State for Railways Shri Velu and Shri Rathwa are sitting here now. I would like to know as to what is the progress on the ‘online information’ system which was introduced in the Western Railway when Shri Nitish Kumar was the Railway Minister. Through that system a passenger wishing to know about a passenger train was able to know where the train is. Has there been any development in this regard? Secondly, are you going to introduce it in the other Railways also? Thirdly, what about the monitoring of wagons? During his time Shri Nitish Kumar also wanted to have computerised monitoring of the wagons.
23.00 hrs.
Have you improved upon that? What about the increasing the speed of the freight trains? Have you made any achievement in this regard? The goods trains will run at a greater speed. Specifically, in the Railways from where I come – South Eastern Railways – whatever cleaning of the trains is being done by urchins by collecting 50 paise or one rupee from everybody. There is no sign of the Railway sweepers in the trains. Are you going to have a Department of Sweepers or do you have Sweepers? Or you have left cleaning to the outsiders. I would like to have answer from you.
Regarding the other development works concerning Railways in my constituency, I would be writing letters to you. Regarding the development, there is a station called Jaleswar in South-Eastern Railway in Kharagpur Division, it is the beginning of Orissa from the Northern side, which could be developed as a terminus. So also trains from Jaleswar to Koraput, the other end of Orissa, Sambalpur, which could be introduced.
Last but not least, in this Railway Budget the hon. Railway Minister has promised that Rupsa-Bangiripori narrow gauge conversion has already been completed up to Baripada. We have been pressing for it for many long years. Money was already allotted. Member (Engineering) wrote me a letter a year back that it would have been completed by the last June, 2004. Now, the hon. Minister has in his printed Railway Budget speech made it clear that already the gauge conversion is completed. It was mentioned that it had already been completed by this financial year. Fifty per cent of the work has not yet been completed. I am going to bring a Privilege Motion tomorrow against the Railway Minister.
SHRI DHANUSKODI R. ATHITHAN (TIRUNELVELI): Sir, first of all, I compliment the Railway Minister Shri Lalu Prasadji, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Railways Shri Veluji and Shri Rathwaji for not increasing the railway fares for two years. It shows that the UPA Government is more concerned about the peoples’ welfare. Even though so many financial burdens are there, yet they have not transferred the burden to the people by not hiking the railway fares. I compliment the Railway Minister for presenting a good Railway Budget.
Sir, I represent the Tirunelveli constituency. It is the Southern part of Tamil Nadu. People’s aspirations are too much. From Tirunelveli to Tirchendur, metre-gauge lines are there covering nearly 60 kilometres. We have been fighting for the last 15 years for conversion of this sector into BG lines. There are more than 165 small bridges. Out of these, works on more than 145 small bridges have been completed. When I was the Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports in 1996, at that time these projects were sanctioned. In spite of that, only half of the work has been completed. I had also met the Minister Shri Velu and represented the case before the Budget. I urge upon the Railway Minister that he should sanction necessary amount to convert these MG lines to BG lines which will cater to the needs of the people of Tirchendur and Arumuganeri.
It is a town of salt-pan. Nearly 10,000 people are involved in the salt-pan work there. Therefore, these people will be greatly benefited if these metre gauge lines are converted into broad gauge lines. This B-G conversion is very, very essential.
Sir, Kanyakumari to Chennai is a chord line. It is a trunk line. A survey has already been completed for its doubling. This is a very important line connecting Kanyakumari and Chennai. I urge upon the hon. Railway Minister to kindly immediately order for sanctioning the amount for doubling the Kanyakumari-Chennai chord line.
Sir, Tirunelveli is the headquarters of the district. But platforms are not maintained well. The first platform is very important. But that platform has not even been converted into a broad gauge line. People like us are travelling every week and we have to go to the fourth and fifth platform to get the broad gauge trains. I have also represented the matter to Mr.Velu. So, I urge upon him to convert the first line platform into broad gauge line to facilitate the Kanyakumari Express, Nellai Express, Mumbai Express — which are very important trains – to come and halt at the first platform. This is really very necessary.
Sir, we want a new train to be introduced from Tirunelveli and from Tuticorin to Chennai. More than 10 lakh people of my area are living in Coimbatore and nearby places. We also want a new train to be introduced from Kanyakumari or from Tirunelveli and Tuticorin to Coimbatore. This is also very much required.
Another important thing is that the Nellai Express has been now made very speedy express train. In spite of that we need a good express train which connects Tuticorin, Nellai, Kanyakumari while directly coming to New Delhi.
Mr. Velu-ji, had served as a collector in our district. He is a very popular person in Tirunelveli, and the people of Tirunelveli expect so many things from him. I would, therefore, urge upon the hon. Railway Minister to make these things good.
MR. DEPUTY-SPEAKER: Thank you.
Now, the House stands adjourned to meet again tomorrow, that is, 15th March, 2005 at 11.00 a.m.
23.13 hrs.
The Lok Sabha then adjourned till Eleven of the Clock
on Tuesday, March 15, 2005/Phalguna 24, 1926(Saka).
