Lok Sabha Question No. 179 (STARRED), answered on 2018-03-07
Subject: Stoppages of Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: ANIRUDHAN SAMPATH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 179 TO BE ANSWERED ON 07.03.2018

## STOPPAGES OF TRAINS

- *179   DR. A. SAMPATH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  there are any criteria for fixing stoppages of various trains at different stations and if so, the details thereof;
- (b) if not, whether the Government intends to fix such criteria and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  instances  of  violation  of  criteria  have  been  noticed during the last three years and if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether the Government intends to lay down new criteria/re-fix the existing criteria for stoppages; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COAL

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
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STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 179 BY DR. A. SAMPATH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 07.03.2018 REGARDING STOPPAGES OF TRAINS

(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. At present, Indian Railways have a policy on stoppage of trains. Some of the important criteria  are as under:(1) Total  sale  of  tickets  at  the  station  for  both  Up  and  Down directions distance wise, class-wise & cost wise. (2) Traffic pattern at the station (3) Availability of alternative services, convenience and occupancy of existing services. (4) Nature of train and occupancy in question (5) Passing  time  of  the  train  in  question  at  the  station  where stoppage is under consideration. (6) Operational constraints- effect on the line capacity of the section and punctuality of other services

The  policy  guidelines  which  encompasses  both  the  operational and commercial aspects for provision of stoppage of trains  inter alia stipulates  that  the  minimum  number  of  tickets  to  be  sold  at  the station so as to recover the cost of stoppage (which ranges from ₹ 12,716/-  to ₹ 24,506/-  depending  upon  traction,  composition  and other  factors)  should  be  40  or  more  tickets  per  day  per  train  for sleeper class for a distance of 500 kms or its equivalent in terms of cost  for  mixed  class  of  passengers  like  AC,  General  and  distance (multiple of 100 kms) toward/from destination/originating stations of the train. The policy also stipulates that no additional stoppage to be provided in sections having capacity utilization above 90%. Additionally,  population  and  significance  of  the  town/city  and  new developments  thereat,  are  other  factors  taken  into  account  while considering provision of new stoppages.

(c) No,  Madam.  However,  large  number  of  consistent  requests  are received  for  provision  of  stoppages  of  trains  at  various  stations. Experience  suggests  that  most  of  the  requests  do  not  meet  the extant commercial parameters stipulated in the policy guidelines for provision  of  stoppages.  Generally,  in  those  cases  where  the  overall running time is not impacted by the provision of additional stoppage, Indian  Railways,  with  due  approval  of  the  Competent  Authority, resorts to provision of experimental stoppages for limited period with the dual intent to meet the aspirations of travelling public as also to gauge the volume of traffic.

(d) & (e) No, Madam. At present, there is no such proposal.

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