Lok Sabha Question No. 2517 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-21
Subject: Introducing New Trains in Kozhikode
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: M. K. Raghavan

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2517

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 21.12.2022

## INTRODUCING NEW TRAINS IN KOZHIKODE

## 2517. SHRI M.K. RAGHAVAN:

## Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Government is aware that despite approval to introduce new  trains  between  Bangalore  and  Kozhikode  and  Rameshwaram  and Kozhikode no new trains have been provided on these routes, if so, the details regarding the same;
- (b) whether the Government has observed that the Time Table Committee has been recommending the same continuously for the past five years, if so, the details for such a delay that has happened for the past five years;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  in  receipt  of  any  such  recommendation from the Time Table Committee, if so, the details regarding the same and the steps taken to expedite the matter;
- (d) whether the Government also plans to introduce more passenger trains connecting Kozhikode and Kannur and Kozhikode and Shornur, if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  whether  the  Government  has  any  plans  to  introduce  Vande  Bharat trains through Kerala, if so, the details and steps taken for the same;
- (f)  whether  the  Government  plans  to  modernize  and  develop  Calicut, Vellayil, Feroke, West Hill and Kadalundi railway stations, if so, the details of steps taken in this regard;
- (g)  whether  the  Government  has  observed  that  there  is  lack  of  basic infrastructure at these railway stations, if so, the details of steps taken in this regard;
- (h) the details regarding all the trains that had stoppages at these stations
- before Covid-19 pandemic period and as on Novermber, 2022;
- (i)  whether  the  Government  is  planning  for  stoppage  of  more  passenger trains at these railway stations, if so, the details thereof; and
- (j) whether the Government has any data regarding the status of FerokeAngadipuram project, if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

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STATEMENT    REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a) TO (j) OF UNSTARRED  QUESTION  NO.  2517  BY  SHRI  M.K.  RAGHAVAN  TO  BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 21.12.2022  REGARDING INTRODUCING NEW TRAINS IN KOZHIKODE (a) to  (e)  Indian  Railways,  with  a  view  to  assess  the  feasibility  of various proposals pertaining to operations of passenger services, annually holds a meeting  viz. The  Indian Railway  Time  Table  Co-ordination Conference (IRTTC).  The meeting is attended by all Zonal Railways and provides  an  opportunity  for  detailed  discussion  and  deliberation,  on  the proposals of zonal Railways and also those received from various quarters including  Public  representatives.      Tentative  Minutes  relating  to  the feasible/workable proposals are prepared. Keeping in view the availability of resources, competing demands, etc. some of these feasible proposals are  taken  up  for  implementation  normally  during  the  course  of  the  year and  incorporated  in  Time  Table.    At  present,  there  is  no  immediate proposal  for  introduction  of  additional  trains  from  Kozhikode  to  KSR Bengaluru, Rameswaram, Kannur and Shoranur. As regards, introduction of Vande Bharat Express service from the State of Kerala, it is stated that Indian Railways do not run train services on State- wise basis as Railway network  straddles  across  State  boundaries.  However,  introduction  of trains  including  Vande  Bharat  trains,  is  an  ongoing  process  over  Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic demand, availability of resources, etc. (f)  &  (g)  Ministry  of  Railways  is  undertaking  techno-economic  feasibility studies  for  redevelopment  of  Stations.  Based  on  the  outcome  of  these feasibility studies, stations are planned to be taken up for redevelopment in  phases,  especially  the  stations  located  in  major  cities  and  important tourist  destination.  Kozhikode  (Calicut)  Railway  Station  in  the  State  of Kerala is one of the stations identified for such studies. Vellayil  is  a  HG2  category  Halt  station  and  already  provided  with  the requisite  'Minimum Essential Amenities' as per norms except high level platform for PF No. 1. Feroke Railway Station is a Non Suburban Grade 5 (NSG5)  category  railway  station.  It  has  already  been  developed  under 'Adarsh  Station  Scheme'.  West  Hill  and  Kadalundi  Railway  Stations  are Non  Suburban  Grade  6  (NSG  6)  Category  Railway  Stations  and  already provided with the requisite 'Minimum Essential Amenities' as per norms. Improvement to passenger amenities at stations on Indian Railways is a continuous and ongoing process and works in this regard are undertaken as per requirement depending upon need, volume of passenger traffic and availability  of  funds.  However,  priority  for  improvement  to  passenger amenities at a station is accorded to higher category of station over lower category of station while sanctioning and executing the works.

(h) & (i) Prior to discontinuation of regular passenger carrying trains w.e.f 23.03.2020,  Kozhikode,  Vellayil,  Ferok,  West  Hill  and  Kadalundi  stations were  served  by  105,  08,  33,  08  &  12  trains  services  respectively,    and presently, these stations are being served by 112, 04, 32, 08 & 14  train services  respectively.  At  present,  there  is  no  immediate  proposal  for provision  of  additional  stoppages  of  trains  at  Kozhikode,  Vellayil,  Ferok, West Hill and Kadalundi stations. However, provision of stoppage of trains is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, commercial viability etc. (j)  Ferok  is  connected  to  Angadipuram  by  Rail  via  Shoranur  junction. Presently, no proposal for direct connectivity between Ferok and Angadipuram  is  under  consideration.  However,  a  Survey  for  a  new  line between  Kozhikode  and  Angadipuram  via  Malappuram  (77  Km)  was completed in 2009-10. The project could not be taken forward due to low traffic projection as per survey reports.

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