Lok Sabha Question No. 3823 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: New Train Services for North Kerala
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri Shafi Parambil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3823

## TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## NEW TRAIN SERVICES FOR NORTH KERALA

## 3823. SHRI SHAFI PARAMBIL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware that the trains running through North Kerala  are  always  overcrowded  and  passengers  are  often  forced  to  get down due to the harrowing experiences within the crowded compartments;
- (b) if so, whether the Government has any plan to increase the compartments  in  existing  trains  and  allot  more  train  services  in  North Kerala;
- (c) if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (a) to (d)  On  Indian  Railways,  the  demand  pattern  of  reserved accommodation is not uniform throughout the year and it varies over lean  and  peak  periods.  Moreover,  trains  running  on  popular  and convenient timings are generally well patronized. However, State-wise data of the number of passengers is not maintained.

As the Railway network straddles across State boundaries, trains are  introduced  as  per  network  requirement,  across  such  boundaries. However, during the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25 (till 31.10.2024), 10 train services including 04 Vande Bharat Express have been  introduced,  on  originating/Terminating  basis,  from  the  stations located in the State of Kerala.

In  its  constant  endeavour  to  provide  additional  accommodation to  travelling  passengers,  Indian  Railways  (IR),  in  addition  to  the various  types  of  regular  trains,  also  operates  Special  train  services during festivals, holidays etc. to cater to the extra needs of passengers.  Accordingly,  during  the  year  2024,  13523  special  train trips were operated to meet the extra rush of passengers during Holi and summer vacation. To cater to the rush during Durga Pooja/Dipawali/Chhath,  7990  trips  of  Special  trains  have  also  been operated during the period 1st October, 2024 to 30th November, 2024, to  serve  approximately  1.8  crore  passengers.  IR  also  augments  the load of trains, both on a permanent and temporary basis, to generate additional accommodation for different segments of passengers.

During  the  year  2023-24,  872  coaches  have  been  utilized  for augmentation of train services on a permanent basis while during the year 2024-25(till November, 2024), 774 coaches have been utilized for permanent augmentation. Keeping in view increased demand, IR has planned  to  manufacture  10,000  non-AC  Coaches  including  General Class and Sleeper Class Coaches.

Besides, augmentation of load of existing trains, introduction of new  train  services,  etc.,    is  an  ongoing  process  on  Indian  Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic justification, resource availability, etc.

To run more trains, the capacity of the existing rail network situated in Kerala is required to be increased. To increase the capacity, several projects  passing  partly/fully  through  Kerala  has  been  taken  up  the Railway.

Budget allocation for infrastructure projects and safety works, falling fully/partly in the State of Kerala is as under:

| Period   | Outlay                           |
|----------|----------------------------------|
| 2009-14  | ₹372 crore/year                  |
| 2024-25  | ₹3,011 crore (more than 8 times) |

However, execution of important infrastructure projects falling fully/partly  in  the  State  of  Kerala  are  held  up  due  to  delay  in  land acquisition.  Status  of  land  acquisition  in  the  State  of  Kerala  is  as under:

| Total Land required for Projects in Kerala   | 475 Ha       |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------|
| Land Acquired                                | 64 Ha (13%)  |
| Balance Land to be acquired                  | 411 Ha (87%) |

Government  of  India  is  geared  up  to  execute  projects,  however success depends upon the support of Government of Kerala.  Railway had  deposited  ₹2111.83  crore  for  land  acquisition  to  Government  of Kerala.    Support  of  the  Government  of  Kerala  is  needed  to  expedite the land acquisition.

*****