opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2427 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Vacancies in Maharashtra High Court
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: RAJAN BABURAO  VICHARE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2427

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, THE 26.12.2018 Vacancies in Maharashtra High Court

†2427. SHRI RAJAN VICHARE:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state :

- a) whether the Government has taken any action to fill the vacancies in the High Court of Maharashtra;
- b) if so, the details thereof;
- c)  whether  the  Government  has  formulated  any  scheme  to  fill  the vacancies in a timely manner in the High Courts; and
- d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS (SHRI P.P. CHAUDHARY)

(a) to (d): The sanctioned Judge strength of the Bombay High Court is 94 against which the working strength is 71 leaving 23 vacancies in the High Court. Filling up of vacancies is a continuous process. While every effort is made to  fill  up  the  existing  vacancies  expeditiously  and  in  a  time  bound manner, vacancies keep on arising on account of retirement, resignation or elevation of Judges. As per the existing Memorandum of Procedure (MoP)

for appointment of judges in High Court, the proposal has to be initiated by the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court. Due to combined effort of the Executive and Judiciary, 06 Additional Judges  have  been  made  Permanent  Judges  and  04  fresh  Additional Judges  have  been  appointed  during  the  year  2018  in  the  Bombay  High Court.  Recommendation  for  appointment  of  02  Judicial  Officers  and  10 Advocates  as  Judges  of  Bombay  High  Court,  received  from  the  Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court is currently with the Supreme Court of India.

****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2426 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Naval Offshore Petrol Vessels
Ministry: DEFENCE
Asked by: RAMACHANDRAN MULLAPPALLY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF DEFENCE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2426

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 26 TH  DECEMBER, 2018

## NAVAL OFFSHORE PETROL VESSELS

## 2426.  SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE j{kk ea=h be pleased to state:

- (a) whether punitive action has been  taken  against  Reliance  Naval  and  Engineering for the delay in delivery of Naval Offshore Petrol Vessels;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether Government has cancelled the contract with the firm; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## A    N    S    W    E    R

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

र  ा रा य मं ी

(DR. SUBHASH BHAMRE)

(डा. सुभाष भामरे)

(a) & (b): Yes, Madam.  The Liquidated Damages have been imposed on M/s Reliance Naval and Engineering.

- (c) No, Madam.
- (d) Does not arise.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2424 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Diesel Locomotives Converted into Electric Locos
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: KRISHNAN NARAYANASAMY RAMACHANDRAN, SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNPURIA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION  NO. 2424 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.12.2018

## DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES CONVERTED INTO ELECTRIC LOCOS

2424.  SHRI K. N. RAMACHANDRAN: SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  policy  formulated  by  the  Government  to  replace  diesel engines by electric engines on electrified railway routes in the country;
- (b) the details of expenditure in regard to operation of trains hauled by diesel engine and electric engines;
- (c) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  replace  diesel engine operated trains by electric engine operated trains on all electrified rail routes to reduce expenditure and travel time of the trains; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a)to(d) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (d)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 2424 BY SHRI K. N. RAMACHANDRAN AND SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 26.12.2018 REGARDING DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES CONVERTED INTO ELECTRIC LOCOS

- (a) A decision has been taken for 100% electrification.  In order to achieve  the  benefits of electrification,  diesel  engines  are  being replaced with electric engines.
- (b) Expenditure for operation of trains hauled by diesel and electric locos is basically the Line Haul Cost (LHC)/1000 Gross  Tonne Kilometers  (GTKMs).    LHC  for  the  year  2016-17  as  per  published figures in Year End Results is given below:
- (c) Yes, Madam.
- (d) Diesel engine hauled trains will be hauled by electric engines on existing  non  electrified  routes,  on  completion  of  electrification  and commissioning, after necessary clearances from concerned authorities.

| LHC/1000 GTKMs (BG)- Freight                 | Diesel   |   277.66 |
|----------------------------------------------|----------|----------|
| LHC/1000 GTKMs (BG)- Freight                 | Electric |   132.21 |
| LHC/1000 GTKMs (BG) - Coaching (Mail/Express | Diesel   |   413.25 |
| & Ordinary)                                  | Electric |   183.48 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2423 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Delay in Passport Issuance
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2423

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.12.2018

## DELAY IN PASSPORT ISSUANCE

- †2423.     SHRI RAM TAHAL CHOUDHARY:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the work of issuing passport in Ranchi city of Jharkhand is being delayed without any reason and the passports are not being issued on time;
- (b) if so, the reasons therefor;
- (c) the number of applications received for issuance of passports and the number of passports issued within the prescribed time limit during the last year;
- (d) the number of applications lying pending for more than three months at present; and
- (e) whether the Government has taken any action against any officer in this regard and if so, the details thereof for the last three years?

ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) & (b) There   has   been   no   delay   in   the   issuance   of   passports   by   the Passport Office (PO) at Ranchi, Jharkhand during the calendar year 2018.
- (c) As on 1st December 2018, the total number of applications received by PO, Ranchi for passports for the period from December, 2017 to November, 2018 is 96,869 out of which 90,725 passports were issued within 30 days [excluding Police Verification (PV) time] as stipulated in the Citizens' Charter of the Ministry for Issuance and Delivery of Passport Services.
- (d) The number of applications pending as on 30 th  November, 2018 for more than 90 days with PO, Ranchi is 220 of which 180 were pending with the applicants and 40 were pending for police verification report.
- (e) There is no cause for action. *****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2422 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Golden Quadrilateral Freight Corridor
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: VINCENT H PALA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2422 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.12.2018

## GOLDEN QUADRILATERAL FREIGHT CORRIDOR

## 2422.   SHRI VINCENT H. PALA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the status of implementation of the projects under the Golden Quadrilateral Freight Corridor;
- (b)    the details of the amount sanctioned for these projects; and
- (c) the details of the amount released out of the total sanctioned budget till November 2018?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a): Presently,  construction  of  two  Dedicated  Freight  Corridors (DFCs) viz. Eastern Corridor (Ludhiana - Dankuni 1856 Kms.) and the Western  Corridor  (Jawaharlal  Nehru  Port  Terminal  (JNPT)-Dadri, 1520  Kms.)  has been  sanctioned. As on November,  2018,  all contracts  have  been  awarded  except  for  System  contracts  for Khurja-Dadri and Khurja- Ludhiana sections of EDFC.

The  physical  and  financial  progress  of  both  the  corridors  as  on November, 2018 is:

| Physical progress   | 53.7%   |
|---------------------|---------|
| Financial progress  | 51.5%   |

(b):  The  revised  estimated  cost  of  these  two  Dedicated  Freight Corridors is 81,459 Crore  (EDFC 30,358 Crore  and  WDFC -

51,101 Crore).

(c): Amount sanctioned and released for both EDFC and WDFC till November, 2018 is 41814.94 Crore which also includes External Aid Component (EAP) of 3870.96 Crore.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Bio-technology Board
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: LALLU SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2421 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26/12/2018

## 2421. SHRI LALLU SINGH:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up bio-technology boards in all the districts in Uttar Pradesh;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with its current status; and
- (c) the total funds allocated/ spent for the said purpose?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY  AND  EARTH  SCIENCES AND ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE

(Dr. Harsh Vardhan)

- (a) No, Madam.

- (b) & (c)      'NIL'

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2420 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Laws and Rules Governing Communication
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: ABHISHEK SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2420 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 TH  DECEMBER, 2018

## LAWS AND RULES GOVERNING COMMUNICATION

2420. SHRI ABHISHEK SINGH:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  acts  and  rules  which  govern  various  wired  and  wireless  communications  in  the country;
- (b) whether  the  Government  proposes  to  bring  amendment  to  the  said  acts  and  rules  in view of majority of them reportedly being archaic in nature and communication being a constant evolving field and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Government has set up any Committee to study the relevance of such old laws and rules and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a)  &  (b)      The  Acts  governing  wired  and  wireless  communications  in  the  country  are  Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Rules made under these Acts. The Principal Rules are:-
- (1) Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951
- (2) Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Commercial Radio Operator's Certificate of Proficiency and Licence to Operate Wireless Telegraphy) Rules,1954
- (3) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Demonstration) Rules, 1962
- (4) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Experimental Service) Rules, 1962
- (5) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Possession) Rules, 1965
- (6) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Foreign Aircraft) Rules, 1973
- (7) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Foreign Ships) Rules, 1973
- (8) Indian Wireless Telegraphy ( Amateur) Rules, 1978; and
- (9) Indian Wireless Telegraphy (Commercial Radio Operators Certificate of Proficiency and Licence to operate Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) Rules, 1997
- (10) Further, various new rules have been issued for exemption of licencing requirements in exercise of powers conferred under section 4 and 7 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and section  4  &  10  of  Indian  Wireless  Telegraphy  Act,  1933  from  time  to  time  since 2003 onwards.

Amendments to the above mentioned Rules have been carried out from time to time.

- (c)    Government has not set up any separate Committee as on date to study the relevance of such laws and rules.

****************
Lok Sabha Question No. 2419 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Low Percentage of Funding for R&D
Ministry: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: PARASURAMAN K.

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2419 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26/12/2018

## LOW PERCENTAGE OF FUNDING FOR R&D

## 2419.  SHRI K. PARASURAMAN:

Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ be pleased to state:

(a) whether there has been very low funding allocation (0.7% of GDP) to Science and Research and Development (R&D) in India for the past two decades;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and

(c) the measures taken by the Government to improve such status quo in the areas of scientific innovation and development?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MINISTER OF EARTH SCIENCES AND MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ +ÉÉè® |ÉÉètÉÉäÉÊMÉBÉEÉÒ àÉÆjÉÉÒ, {Éßl´ÉÉÒ ÉÊ´ÉYÉÉxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ +ÉÉè® {ÉªÉÉÇ´É®hÉ, ´ÉxÉ A´ÉÆ VÉãÉ´ÉÉªÉÖ {ÉÉÊ®´ÉiÉÇxÉ àÉÆjÉÉÒ

(bÉ. c­ÉÇ ´ÉvÉÇxÉ)

(a) & (b) : During the past two decades, India's Gross Expenditure on Research & Development (GERD) has been consistently increasing over the years and tripled in a decade from Rs. 24,117.24 crores  in  2004-05  to  Rs  85,326.10  crores  in  2014-15.  It  is  estimated  to  be  Rs  94,516.45  crores  in 2015-16 and Rs 1,04,864.03 crores in 2016-17. However, in terms of GDP, the investment in R&D has been fluctuating between 0.69% - 0.84% of GDP during the past two decades.

(c)  The  Government  has  been  constantly  engaged  in  the  promotion  and  growth  of  scientific research in the country through various measures such as successive increase in plan allocations for scientific departments, setting up of new institutions for science education and research, creation of Centres  of  Excellence  and  Facilities  in  emerging  and  frontline  areas  of  S&T  in  academic  and national institutions, supporting Mega Facilities for Basic Research, launching of new fellowships, substantial grant to potential scientists through extramural research funding, scaled up funding in the  new  areas  such  as  Clean  Energy  and  Water  including  Energy  Efficiency,  Clean  Coal Technology,  Smart  Grids,  Methanol,  Desalination,  Genome  Engineering  Technology,  National Supercomputing  Mission  (NSM),  National  Mission  on  Interdisciplinary  Cyber  Physical  System (ICPS)  etc,  promotion  of  innovation,  entrepreneurship  and  start-ups  grant  for  young  scientists, Funds for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST), encouraging public-private partnerships, fiscal incentives and support measures for enhancing the participation of industry in R&D etc.

- ********
Lok Sabha Question No. 2414 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Introduction of New Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: A.T. (NANA) PATIL

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2414 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.12.2018

INTRODUCTION OF NEW TRAINS

†2414.  SHRI A.T. NANA PATIL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a)  the  number of routes on which new trains have been introduced in the country during the last four years;

(b)  the  names  of  such  routes  along  with  the  details  of  stations  where stoppage has been provided on these routes;

- (c) the names of such stations along with the dates of commencement of the said trains, train-wise; and

(d) the present status of all these trains along with the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

- (a)    to  (d):  The  information  is  being  collected  and  will  be  laid  on  the Table of the House.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2413 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Holding of Simultaneous Election
Ministry: LAW AND JUSTICE
Asked by: RODMAL NAGAR

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2413

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 26 th  DECEMBER, 2018

## HOLDING OF SIMULTANEOUS ELECTION

†2413. SHRI NAGAR RODMAL:

Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government  is formulating any scheme  to hold simultaneous election in the country;
- (b)  if  so,  the  steps  taken  in  this  regard  including  legal  framework, logistics  infrastructure  and  finances  required  so  far  and  if  not,  the reasons therefor; and
- (c) whether the Government is considering e-voting linked to Aadhaar in the near future and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND JUSTICE AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS

## (SHRI P.P.CHAUDHARY)

- (a) and (b) : The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee  on  Personnel,  Public  Grievances,  Law  and  Justice  had examined the issue of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies in consultation with various stake-holders including  Election  Commission  of  India.  The  Committee  has  given certain  recommendations  in  this  regard  in  its  79 th Report.  The  matter now stands referred to the Law Commission for further examination to work out practicable road map and framework for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
- (c) : The Information is being collected and will be laid on the table of the House.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2412 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Policy for Non-Performing Civil Servants
Ministry: PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Asked by: ANIRUDHAN SAMPATH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS (DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING)

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2412

(TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.12.2018)

## POLICY FOR NON-PERFORMING CIVIL SERVANTS

## 2412. DR. A. SAMPATH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  made  any  policy  for  removal  of  non-performing  civil servants;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and
- (c) the total number of non-performing civil servants who have been removed during the last three years?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

- (a)  &  (b):        Yes,  Madam.  The  provisions  under  Fundamental  Rules  (FR)  56(j),  Rule  48  of Central  Civil  Services  (CCS)  (Pension)  Rules,  1972  and  Rule  16(3)  (Amended)  of  All  India Services (Death-cum-Retirement Benefits) [AIS (DCRB)] Rules, 1958 have laid down the policy of periodic review and premature retirement of non-performing Government servants.
- (c):      Upto  July,  2018,  a  total  of  28,057  Group  'A'  and  60,450  Group  'B'  officers  have  been reviewed,  out  of  which  provisions  of  FR  56(j)  and  other  relevant  rules  were  invoked/ recommended against 98 Group 'A' and 133 Group 'B' officers.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2410 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Floor Prices for Voice and Data Services
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: B.V. NAYAK, S.P. MUDDAHANUMEGOWDA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2410 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26 TH  DECEMBER, 2018

## FLOOR PRICES FOR VOICE AND DATA SERVICES

2410.  SHRI B.V. NAIK:

SHRI S.P. MUDDAHANUME GOWDA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that some of the telecom companies including BSNL, have asked TRAI to consider setting floor prices for voice and data services and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (b) whether the Government has conducted a study to examine the repercussions of setting up floor prices for voice and data and its impact on the progress of Digital India; and
- (c) if so, the details and the outcomes thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has informed that in a Meeting of CEOs of the Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) with the Authority, held on 15.6.2017, among  various  issues  relating to  financial  health  of  the  telecom service sector, one of the issues raised, was fixation of floor price for voice, data and SMS service, which was decided to be further deliberated upon. In a further meeting of CEOs of TSPs with the Authority on 21.7.2017 the TSPs were found to be generally in agreement that the existing  policy  of  forbearance  in  telecom tariff  should  continue for  the  present.  It  was agreed during the meeting that fixing of floor price is not a workable idea and it need not be pursued at this point of time.
- (b) & (c) Government has not conducted any such study to examine the repercussions of  setting  up  floor  prices  for  voice  and  data  and  its  impact  on  the  progress  of  Digital India.

****************
Lok Sabha Question No. 2407 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2018-12-26
Subject: Redevelopment of Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: R. GOPALAKRISHNAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2407 TO BE ANSWERED ON 26.12.2018

REDEVELOPMENT OF STATIONS

2407. SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation (IRSDC) has taken up a number of railway stations in the country for redevelopment;

(b)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  names  of  railway stations  which  have  been  redeveloped  so  far  and  chosen  to  be redeveloped in the coming years; and

(c)  the  details  of  developmental  works  carried/being  carried  out by the IRSDC in the chosen railway stations?

ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (c) :  A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

******

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2407 BY SHRI R. GOPALAKRISHNAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 26.12.2018 REGARDING REDEVELOPMENT OF STATIONS

(a) to  (c):  Yes,  Madam.  Railways  have  planned  for  redevelopment  of major railway stations by making Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) as Nodal Agency, through simplified procedures and with longer lease tenures.

At present,  work  has  commenced  at  Gandhinagar  and Habibganj stations.  Bids for Anand Vihar, Bijwasan and Chandigarh have been received, which are presently under evaluation.  Bids have been invited for Surat station.

Government  has  recently  approved  Railways'  proposal  for redevelopment of railway stations by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) as Nodal Agency, through simplified  procedures  and  for  longer  lease  tenure  up  to  99  years, allowing multiple subleasing, redevelopment of station through various business modes etc.  Accordingly, necessary action has been initiated  for  redevelopment  of  important  railway  stations  all  over India, by commercial utilization of sparable railway land and air-space in and around stations.

*****