Lok Sabha Question No. 3704 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-18
Subject: Deplorable Condition of the Sabari Express
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri K Sudhakaran

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3704 TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.12.2024

## DEPLORABLE CONDITION OF THE SABARI EXPRESS

## 3704 SHRI K SUDHAKARAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has received representation/request from  a  Hon'ble  Member  of  Parliament  regarding  the  deplorable condition of the Sabari Express (17229/17230);
- (b)  if  so,  the  details thereof and the steps taken or proposed to be taken to address issues related to (i) disrepair of washrooms, electrical fittings, and passenger seats; and (ii) the infestation of insects and rodents;
- (c)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  the  journey  on  this train goes beyond the distance of 1,500 km and takes approximately 29 hours, significantly impacting passengers' comfort;
- (d)  if  so,  whether  the  Government  has  considered  the  acute demand  for  increased  train  services  on  this  route,  especially during the Sabarimala pilgrimage season; and
- (e) the measures proposed to improve the condition of the Sabari Express  coaches  and  to  increase  train  frequency  during  peak passenger traffic periods?

## ANSWER

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

(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a)  to  (e)  :  Representations/requests,  both  formal  and  informal, are  received  from  State  Governments,  Ministries  of  Central Government, Elected Representatives,  Consultative  Committees

etc. by Railways at various levels including Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Division office etc. As receipt of such representations/requests  is  a  continuous  and  dynamic  process, centralized compendium of such representations/requests is not maintained.  However,  the  representation/request  etc.  are  dealt as per laid down procedure/guidelines.

Replacement/repair of coaches is a continuous process by Indian Railways  and  is  carried  out  based  on  condition/completion  of codal life etc.

Indian  Railways  has  proliferated  technologically  superior  LHB coaches with better riding, improved aesthetics and features like Lightweight  design,  Anti  climbing  arrangement,  Air  suspension (Secondary)  with  failure  indication  system,  less  corrosive  shell etc., as compared to the conventional ICF coaches.

Production of LHB coaches during 2014-24 vis a vis 2004-14 is as under:

| Period   | LHB coaches manufactured      |
|----------|-------------------------------|
| 2004-14  | 2,337 nos.                    |
| 2014-24  | 36,933 nos. (nearly 16 times) |

Accordingly, all ICF rakes are planned to be replaced with LHB rakes  in  phases.    So  far,  more  than  1245  ICF  rakes  have  been replaced with LHB coaches.  Further, Indian Railways has also

introduced  Vande  Bharat  &  Amrit  Bharat  trains  with  further enhanced safety features and passenger amenities.

Besides,  regular  actions  taken  to  ensure  and  improve  proper maintenance quality and cleaning of coaches including passenger trains are as follows:

-  Maintenance of coaches is carried at Coaching Depots/Terminals in line with laid-out detailed guidelines and prescribed standards.  All the trains are also properly cleaned, watered during these activities.
-  To facilitate the  upkeep of the coaches during run On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) and Clean Train Stations (CTS) services are also provided for en-route attention.
-  These are regularly  monitored  through nominated officials in Division/Depots &Workshop across Zonal Railways.

Further,  17229/17230  Thiruvananthapuram-Secunderabad  Sabari Express is a daily service, catering to the needs of passengers of Thiruvananthapuram Secunderabad sector. This train is maintained as per norms.

To  cater  to  the  extra  rush  of  passengers  during  Sabrimala season, IR operates special train services and accordingly, 166 trips  of  special  trains  were  operated  during  2023-24  and  more than 200 trips of special services have been notified this year.

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