opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 1690 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Electrification of Nilambur-Shoranur Railway Line
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: M. P. Abdussamad Samadani

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1690 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## ELECTRIFICATION OF NILAMBUR-SHORANUR RAILWAY LINE

1690. DR. M.P. ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government is aware of delays in electrification works in the Nilambur-Shoranur line in Palakkad Division of Southern Railway and if so, the details thereof;
- (b)  whether  there  is  any  updated  schedule  in  place  to  expedite  the completion of this work, along with the expected time limit and plan for operations of trains fully on electric mode on this line and if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether the Government has plans to initiate new trains upon the completion of electrification of the track; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(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. 1690 BY DR. M.P. ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI TO BE ANSWERED  IN LOK SABHA ON 13.12.2023 REGARDING  ELECTRIFICATION  OF  NILAMBUR-SHORANUR  RAILWAY

LINE

(a)  Electrification  work  of  Nilambur-Shoranur section is  a  sanctioned work. One of the major reason for delay in completion of the project is non-commencement  of  underground  (UG)  cabling  work  for  Melattur Railway  Traction  sub-station  (RTSS)  being  executed  by  Kerala  State Electricity Board (KSEB).

(b)  The  completion  of  Electrification  project(s)  depends  on  various factors like forest clearances by officials of forest department, shifting of  infringing  utilities,  statutory  clearances  from  various  authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. All these factors affect  the  completion  time  of  the  project(s).  As  such  the  confirmed time frame for completion of this project cannot be ascertained at this stage. Operations of trains fully on electric mode on this line shall be initiated accordingly.

(c) & (d) At present, Nilambur Road-Shoranur sector is being served by 2  pairs  of  Mail/Express  and  5  pairs  of  Passenger  special.  Besides, introduction of train services is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject  to  operational  feasibility,  traffic  justification,  availability  of resources, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1684 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: New Train Services for Dhubri
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Badruddin Ajmal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1684 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## NEW TRAIN SERVICES FOR DHUBRI

1684. SHRI M. BADRUDDIN AJMAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

- (a) whether Dhubri and its adjoining districts are among those where train  service  is  insufficient  and  there  is  need  of  new  track  and  new train services;
- (b) if so, whether the Ministry proposes to conduct any field survey to consider the demand; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (c)    Dhubri  station  is  a  station  situated  on  Gauripur  Junctiondhubri  section.    It  is  presently  being  served  by  4  Mail/Express  train services  and  04  Passenger  Special  services  which  are  considered adequate  for  the  present  level  of  traffic.    Introduction  of  trains  and new  line  connectivity  is  an  ongoing  process  over  Indian  Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility, resource availability, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1682 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Stoppage of Trains at Wadsa
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ashok Mahadeorao Nete

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1682 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## STOPPAGE OF TRAINS AT WADSA

†1682. SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Wadsa is the only railway station in the tribal and severely naxal affected district, Gadchiroli in Maharashtra, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take any steps to provide  stoppage  of  all  the  trains  passing  through  Wadsa  railway station  for  the  convenience  of  the  people  of  this  tribal  dominated area; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof, area-wise?

ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

- (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.  1682  BY  SHRI  ASHOK  MAHADEORAO  NETE  TO  BE ANSWERED  IN  LOK  SABHA  ON  13.12.2023  REGARDING  STOPPAGE  OF TRAINS AT WADSA

(a):  Wadsa is an important station in Maharashtra. A new line WadsaGadchiroli of 52 km length having cost Rs. 1069 cr has been taken up. All statutory clearance have been obtained for this project.

Ministry of Railways has launched 'Amrit Bharat Station Scheme' for development  of  Railway  stations  on  Indian  Railways.  This  scheme envisages upgradation and modernisation of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term approach.

This scheme involves preparation of Master Plans and their implementation  in  phases  to  improve  the  amenities  at  the  stations like  improvement  of  station  access,  circulating  areas,  waiting  halls, toilets, lift/escalators as necessary, cleanliness, free Wi-Fi, kiosks for local products through schemes like 'One Station One Product', better passenger information systems, Executive Lounges, nominated spaces for business meetings, landscaping etc., keeping in view the necessity and requirement at each station.

The scheme also envisages improvement of building, integrating the station with both sides of the city, multimodal integration, amenities for Divyangjans, sustainable and environment  friendly solutions, provision of ballastless tracks, 'Roof Plazas' as per necessity, phasing and feasibility and creation of city centres at the station in the long term.

So far 1309  Railway  Stations have  been  identified over Indian Railways  under  this  scheme.  In  all,  126  railway  stations  including Wadsa  station  in  the  State  of  Maharashtra  have  been  identified  for development under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

(b) & (c): At present, Wadsa station is served by 4 Mail/Express and 9 Passenger  train  services.  Besides,  provision  of  stoppages  is  an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic justification, etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1681 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Operation of Luxury Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ramya  Haridas

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1681 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## OPERATION OF LUXURY TRAINS

1681. MS. RAMYA HARIDAS:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that luxury trains in India have seen a fall in occupancy  and  revenue  in  recent  years,  especially  after  the
- pandemic;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  the  Railways  plans  to  implement  a  scheme  to  promote luxury trains to attract tourists, especially foreign tourists to India, if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether  the  Railways  plans  to  discontinue  the  operation  of  any train owing to a fall in occupancy rates; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (e)  Indian Railways has policy for tourist trains. It has issued 'Bharat Gaurav Trains'  policy  in  November'  2021,  under  which  theme  based  tourist circuit  trains  are  being  run  with  the  objective  to  showcase  India's  rich cultural heritage and magnificent historical places. Under this policy, service providers  have  full  flexibility  to  decide  the  themes/itineraries/tariff  as  per market demand. The Service Provider offers a comprehensive package with facility  of  rail  transportation,  accommodation,  meals,  local  road  transport, sightseeing etc. There is no policy for luxury trains.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1680 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Auction of Mines in Keonjhar
Ministry: MINES
Asked by: Chandrani Murmu

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF MINES

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1680 ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## AUCTION OF MINES IN KEONJHAR

1680. MS. CHANDRANI MURMU: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government plans to auction any mines in Keonjhar district; (b) if so, the amount of compensation both in terms of cash and kind paid to persons displaced due to mining activities; and (c) the final authority to supervise the compensation package including the timeline for
2. completing the compensation package?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF MINES, COAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI)

- (a): Yes, Sir. As per the information received from the Government of Odisha, four mineral blocks are ready to be put for auction in Keonjhar District. The details of the blocks provided by the Government of Odisha are given at Annexure.
- (b) & (c): As per the  information  received  from  the  Government  of  Odisha,  the amount of compensation and the time-line for completing the compensation to be paid to persons displaced due to mining activities in Odisha is assessed and supervised by the  competent  authority  i.e.  concerned  Collector  &  District  Magistrate  of  Revenue Department and recovered from the successful bidders after successful auction and grant of such mineral blocks by the State Government.

*****

Annexure as mentioned in part (a) the Lok Sabha Un-starred question number 1680

|   Sl. No. | Block                                                   | District              | Expired/ Virgin   | Mineral Ore          |
|-----------|---------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|-------------------|----------------------|
|         1 | Rengalaberha N-Eextension & Nuagaon West Iron ore Block | Keonjhar              | Virgin            | Iron ore             |
|         2 | Roida -I Iron Ore & Manganese Block                     | Keonjhar              | Expired           | Iron ore             |
|         3 | Gandhalpada West Iron ore Block                         | Keonjhar & Sundargarh | Virgin            | Iron ore             |
|         4 | Roida-D Manganese Block                                 | Keonjhar              | Virgin            | Manganese & Iron ore |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1679 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Procurement of Rice by FCI
Ministry: CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Asked by: M V V Satyanarayana

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## INISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION DEPARTMENT OF FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1679 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13TH DECEMBERI 2023

## PROCUREMENT OF RICE BY FCI

## 1679.  SHRI M.V.V. SATYANARAYANA:

Will the Minister of CONSUMER  AFFAIRS, FOOD  AND PUBLIC

DISTRIBUTION aq$fttm wi8, @rw Bit tIT#TtRq f+var THt be pleased to state:

- (a) the status of procurement of rice by Food Corporation of India (FCI) from Andhra Pradesh in FY 2021-22;
- (b) whether there is any plan to increase the procurement from Andhra Pradesh; and
- (c) if so, the details  of the quantum likely  to be increased and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

(SADHVI NIRANJAN JYOTI)

- (a): Andhra Pradesh is a Decentralized Procurement (DOP) State wherein procurement of  paddy is  undertaken by the State Government &  its Agencies. The surplus rice is handed over to Food Corporation of India (FCI) for  movement to  deficit States.

State Government & its Agencies have procured 44.61 LMT paddy (in terms of  rice) under Central Pool  during Kharif Marketing Season  (KMS) 2021-22 and a  quantity of  6.54 LMT was handed over by  State

Government's  Agencies to  FCI

- (b) & (c):  The estimate for  procurement of paddy (in terms of  rice) is finalized by  the  Government of India  in consultation with  State Governments and  Food  Corporation of India (FC:1), before  the commencement of  each  marketing season based upon estimated production, marketable surplus and agricultural  crop pattern. Procurement in a  State depends not only upon production but also upon other factors like  marketable surplus, Minimum Support Price (MSP), prevailing market rate, demand & supply situation  and participation  of private traders etc-

#####
Lok Sabha Question No. 1678 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Modernisation of Railway Station
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Suresh Kodikunnil

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1678

TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## MODERNISATION OF RAILWAY STATION

1678. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  is  intending  to  modernize  Munroturuttu railway station in Southern railway under Thiruvananthapuram railway division owing to its potential as a hub for tourism in the region, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether the Government has allocated funds for modernization of railway stations including Enzhukone and Kottarakkara and to augment their infrastructure and amenities;
- (c) if so, the details thereof and funds allocated if any during the last three years and the current year; and
- (d) the details of the project, if approved?

ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(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. 1678 BY SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 13.12.2023 REGARDING MODERNISATION OF RAILWAY STATION

(a)  to  (d)  The  scale of  amenities provided at Munroturuttu, Ezhukone and  Kottarakara  are  more  than  the  prescribed  Minimum  Essential Amenities  norms.  Further,  upgradation/  modernization  of  stations  on Indian  Railways  is  a  continuous  and  on-going  process  and  works  in this  regard  are  undertaken  as  per  requirement,  subject  to  inter-se priority  and  availability  of  funds.  However,  priority  for  upgradation  / modernization  of  stations  is  accorded  to  higher  category  of  station over  lower  category  of  station  while  sanctioning  and  executing  the work.

The  details  of  allocation  funds  for  modernization/development  and maintenance of stations are maintained zonal Railway-wise not Statewise or station-wise. Passenger amenities are generally funded under Plan Head - 53 'Customer Amenities'. The details of funds allocated to Southern Railway under Plan Head-53 'Customer Amenities', during the last three years and current year are as under:-

(₹ in crores)

| Zonal Railway   |   2020-21 Allocation |   2021-22 Allocation |   2022-23 Allocation |   2023-24 Allocation |
|-----------------|----------------------|----------------------|----------------------|----------------------|
| Southern        |               213.11 |               218.22 |                436.9 |              1081.17 |

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1677 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: BharatNet Project
Ministry: COMMUNICATIONS
Asked by: L.S. Tejasvi Surya, E. T. Mohammed Basheer, Sunil Kumar Singh, Y. S. Avinash Reddy, M V V Satyanarayana, Basanta Kumar Panda

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1677 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH  DECEMBER, 2023

## BHARATNET PROJECT

## 1677.   SHRI L.S. TEJASVI SURYA:

SHRI E.T. MOHAMMED BASHEER:

SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH:

SHRI Y.S. AVINASH REDDY:

SHRI M.V.V. SATYANARAYANA:

SHRI BASANTA KUMAR PANDA:

Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has made new projects with regard to BharatNet;

(b) whether the Government have analysed the target and fiscal achievement of BharatNet, if so, the details thereof along with the progress made thereunder, State-wise;

(c) the specifics of the funds sanctioned, allocated and utilised under the project since the launch of the project, State-wise particularly the district of Kalahandi and Nuapada in Odisha, districts of Chatra, Latehar and Palamu in Jharkhand;

(d) the  number  of  villages/Gram  Panchayats(GPs)  connected  under  the  project  till  date, State/districts-wise;

- (e) the estimated timeline for connecting the remaining villages/GPs under the project; and
- (f) the details of the standards set for fiber cables under BharatNet project?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS (SHRI DEVUSINH CHAUHAN)

(a) to (e) Under BharatNet Phase-I&II around 2 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) have been made service  ready  during  the  last  ten  years.  Further,  Rs.  40,000  crore  (approx.)  have  been  disbursed. Government has amended the BharatNet Program as follows:

- (i) Upgradation of existing BharatNet network.
- (ii) Focus  on  utilization  of  the  network  through  BharatNet  Udyamis  i.e.  village  level entrepreneurs.
- (iii) Operation and Maintenance of the entire network through professional agencies for ten years.
- (iv) Dedicated Network Operation centre.
- (v) Expanding scope to connect all inhabited villages.
- (vi) To provide 1.5 crore home fibre connections.

The information regarding State/UT wise funds allocated and BharatNet Status State/districts wise is available on DoT website.

(f) Optical Fibre Cable with specifications in line with best practices of industry has been used in BharatNet.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1676 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: Safety Audits to Prevent Accidents
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Poonamben Hematbhai Maadam

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1676 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.12.2023

## SAFETY AUDITS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

1676.  SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has been conducting regular safety audits to prevent accidents, if so, the details thereof;
- (b) whether  the Government  has  taken  steps to increase public awareness regarding railway safety ;
- (c) if so, the details thereof;
- (d) whether there is a reporting system for employees to raise safetyrelated issues; and
- (e) if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

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

*****

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (e)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1676 BY SHRIMATI POONAMBEN MAADAM TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 13.12.2023 REGARDING SAFETY AUDITS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.

- (a): Two  types  of  Safety  Audits  are  being  conducted  by  Railways regularly, viz.: (i)  Bi-monthly safety audit is conducted by the individual Zonal Railway of its own divisions; and (ii)  An  inter  -  zonal  railway  safety  audit  is  conducted  twice  a  year,  in blocks of January to June and July to December, by a multi-disciplinary team of Railway officers. asset require

The  basic purpose  of such  audits is to identify areas in maintenance, operations and safety procedures that improvement and can help prevent accidents.

(b) & (c):  Regular campaigns for public awareness like Nukkad Nataks, Safety  Seminars,  Audio  and  Video  advertisements  at  stations,  public announcement systems, and periodical bulk SMS alerts are conducted for inculcating safety awareness in the public.

(d)  &  (e):    Employees  are  encouraged  to  report  any  unusuals  that  are noticed,  to  the  concerned  authorities,  which  helps  in  rectifying  these unusuals  and  address  safety  related  issues.    Employees  can  raise safetyrelated issues in Crew Management System and Track Management System also.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 1673 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-12-13
Subject: MoU in Space
Ministry: SPACE
Asked by: A. Ganeshamurthi

- (a), (b) & (c)

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and French National Space  Agency  (CNES)  have  recently  signed  the  following  3 cooperative documents in the field of space, which were

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF SPACE

## LOK SABHA

## TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1673 MOU IN SPACE

## 1673.  SHRI A. GANESHAMURTHI:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  India  and  France  have  recently  signed  MoU  in  Digital Technology and Space;
- (b)
- if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the  details  of  areas  in  which  the  agreement  is  going  to  be focused along with its duration?

## ANSWER

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

****

announced during the visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister of India to France:

1. Implementing  Arrangement  concerning  cooperation  on  the joint visible, short wave and thermal infra-red earth observation mission, Thermal infRared Imaging Satellite for High  resolution  Natural  resource  Assessment  'TRISHNA'. This  document provides terms and conditions under which both space agencies work for realizing the joint satellite and will be valid for the duration of the satellite.
2. Agreement  for  receiving  services  on  conjunction  analysis, evaluation and recommendations related to SARAL satellite using JAC (JAVA for Assessment of Conjunction) software. The agreement is valid till December, 2029.
3. Arrangement  for  implementation  of  short  term  plan  for Maritime Domain Awareness of Indian Ocean with existing satellite  constellation.  This  document  will  be  valid  till  the implementation of the short term plan.

****