Lok Sabha Question No. 1771 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2020-09-21
Subject: Compensation of Revenue Loss due to Lockdown
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Behanan Benny, Kaushalendra Kumar, Pratima Mondal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1771 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.09.2020

## COMPENSATION OF REVENUE LOSS DUE TO LOCKDOWN

1771.  SHRI BENNY BEHANAN: SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR: SHRIMATI PRATIMA MONDAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the time by which Indian Railways' network is expected to return to normalcy, as lockdown is being lifted across States;
- (b)  the  quantum of loss suffered by Railways due to lockdown and stoppage of trains as compared to 2019;
- (c) the plan formulated by the Government to cover up the loss;
- (d) the manner in which the Government plans to compensate for the various  developmental  works  of  Railways  during  the  current  fiscal year; and
- (e)  the  steps  taken  by  the  Government  to  ensure  safe  travel  of passengers in the special trains?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## ANSWER (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) Passenger train services on Indian Railways remained suspended between the period 23 rd  March, 2020 to 30 th  April, 2020. Passenger services  resumed  on  1 st   May  2020  with  the  operation  of  Shramik Special  trains,  to  enable  movement  of  Stranded  persons/migrant workers  in  terms  of  the  guidelines  and  protocol  issued  by  the Government.  In  its  efforts  to  further  normalise  passenger  train

services, Indian Railways has started operation of special trains, in phases, as detailed below:

- (i)  15 pairs of Rajdhani specials w.e.f. 12.05.2020.
- (ii) 100 pairs of Special trains w.e.f. 01.06.2020.
- (iii) 43 pairs of Special trains w.e.f. 12.09.2020.
- (iv)705 Suburban services (Central Railways-355 & Western Railway-350) w.e.f 15.06.2020.
- (v) 20 pairs of Special train services w.e.f. 21.09.2020.
- (b) Profit or loss during a financial year is calculated at the close of the year. The nationwide lockdown has adversely impacted railway operations and revenue during the current year. Scheduled passenger  services  have  been  discontinued  and  freight  traffic  is below normal.  Till the end of August 2020, freight loading has been at  86.6%  of  the  corresponding  level  of  last  year.  Consequently,  by the  end  of  August,  2020,  Railways'  traffic  revenue  at ₹ 41,844.31 Crore declined by 42.3% over the corresponding period of last year. Freight loading has picked up now. In August, 2020 loading increased  by  4%  over  the  corresponding  month  of  last  year.  In September, 2020 the loading has further increased by 13% compared to last year.
- (c) The following measures have been taken to boost freight traffic during COVID-19 pandemic

Long  lead  concession,  short  lead  concession,  reduction  in classification of Industrial Salt, concession  to fly ash traffic, relaxation in distance for operation of Mini rake, reduction in size of BCNHL rake, 5% discount in haulage charges for loaded containers, exemption from levy of demurrage and wharfage charges non-levy of haulage charges for movement of empty containers and empty flats, Round Trip Tariff for goods traffic, exemption of Automobile Freight Train Operator takes from stabling charges, etc. Apart from above, General Purpose Wagon Investment Scheme (GPWIS), Special Freight Train Operator (SFTO) policy, Private Freight Terminal (PFT) Policy,  Private  Siding  Policy,  etc.  have  been  liberalized.  Further  to this, a number of measures have also been taken to promote parcel traffic.

Further, with a view  to  enhance  passenger earnings,  the resumption  of  passenger  train services  has  been  undertaken  by Indian  Railways in a phased manner based on the demand pattern subject to COVID-19 situation and Government's directives. Periodical review  of  occupancy,  quota  utilization,  waiting  list  of trains is done  and adjustments are made, wherever  required. Besides, measures to enhance passenger earnings are a continuous and an on-going process.

- (d)  Current  year's  Budget  Estimates  (BE)  for  Railway's  capital expenditure  on  infrastructure  and  various  development  works  is ₹ 1,61,042  crore.  Despite  the  lock  down, ₹ 56,368.15  crore  have already  been  spent  to  end  of  August,  2020  indicating  a  35% utilization of the BE.
- (e)  Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for movement of passengers by trains including special trains has been laid down are as under:-
1. For special express trains, only reserved tickets are issued and confirmed  ticket  holders  are  allowed  to  enter  the  Railway Stations.
2. No linen, blankets, curtain are being provided on train.
3. All passengers are to reach station at least 90 minutes to two hours in advance.
4. Separate  entry  and  exit  gates  provided  at  Railway  stations  to the extent feasible.
5. Thermal  Screening  has  been  arranged  at  the  Station  and  only asymptomatic passengers are permitted to travel.
6. Passengers  are  advised  to  wear  Masks/face  cover  at  stations and in the train.
7. Passengers are advised to download and use the Aarogya Setu application.
8. All Passengers are advised to observe social distancing both at stations and on trains.
9. All passengers are advised on arrival at destination stations to follow the health protocol as prescribed by destination station State/Union Territories.
- *******