Lok Sabha Question No. 1933 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-03-09
Subject: Special Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1933 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2016

## SPECIAL TRAINS

†1933. SHRI RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a)  the  number  of  special  trains  being  run  in  the  country  along  with  the details of the special amenities provided to the passengers in such trains;
- (b) whether there are a number of passengers eligible for concessions but have not been able to avail the same;
- (c)  if  so,  the  number of such passengers along with the reasons therefor; and
- (d) the details of the rules under which concessions due to senior citizens were not provided?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

- (a).  Special  trains  are  being  run    during  peak  seasons,  festivals,  special events for clearance of extra rush of passengers traffic keeping in view the pattern  of  traffic,  commercial  justification,  operational  feasibility  and availability of resources. Running of special trains on various sectors is a continuous process and continue to vary on day to day basis. .

During last 3 years, following new  types of rakes have been introduced:

1. LHB type Mail & Express rakes: These have LHB AC as well as non-AC coaches,  with  higher  carrying  capacity,  when  compared  with  similar coaches of ICF design conventional type of coaches. Besides, these are safer and have better ride quality.

2. LHB  AC  Double  Decker  rakes:  Coaches  of  these  rakes  have  higher carrying  capacity  when  compared  with  LHB  Shatabdi  type  coaches.  In the  latest  design  variant,  reclining  seats,  snack  tables,  bottle  holders, Mini Pantry etc. have been provided.
3. Model  rake: Model  rake coaches  which  have  been  introduced  in Mahamana Express have additional amenities:
- i. Aesthetically appealing toilet modules provided with enhanced passenger  amenities  -  big  mirror,  platform  washbasin,  controlled discharged water tap, odour control system, exhaust fan, LED lights, dustbin inside the toilet.
4. ii.
5. iii.
6. Ergonomically designed Ladders.
7. Snack tables provided for side berth passengers also.
- iv. Windows with powered venetian blind provided in FAC coaches and roller blind in ACCW coaches.
9. v.
10. vi.
11. Composite panels without visible screws.
12. Provision of dustbin in all coaches.
- vii. Enhanced scale of light fittings including berth reading lights in GSCN Coaches and embarking light in all classes of coaches.
14. viii.
15. LED based berth indicators for reserved coaches.
- ix. Provision  of  Passenger  Address  system  &  Passenger  Information System in all the coaches.
- x. The scale of mobile/ laptop charging points have been increased in all classes of coaches.
18. xi.
19. Use of LED Lighting.
- xii. Shifting  of  electrical  junction  points  from  passenger  area  to  nonpassenger area for enhanced safety.
- xiii. Use  of  e-beam  cables  and  polyamide  conduits for  enhanced electrical and fire safety.
22. xiv.
23. Provision of fire extinguisher in all coaches.

- xv. Provision of electrically operated chimney in Pantry Car.
- xvi. Stainless steel panelling in Luggage Compartment of SLR.

Besides above, exterior and interior colour scheme of the coaches has also been changed to impart more pleasing feel to passengers.

- (b)  &  (c):  Special  trains  on  normal  fare  structure  (equivalent  to  regular time Tabled trains) with concession are run under the following circumstances:-
- (i).   Unreserved special train for all distances including Jansadharan Express.
- (ii) To  clear  passengers  due  to  hold  up  of  traffic  on  account  of incidents  like  accidents,  floods,  breaches,  line  blocks,  cancellation  of trains etc.

Apart  from above special trains, Suvidha trains and special trains on  special  charges  are  introduced  on  higher  fares  based  on  demand pattern. No concession is permissible in these trains.

In the unreserved  sector,  train wise  tickets are not issued, therefore,  overall  data  for  concession  in  special  train  is  not  maintained separately. However, for all trains in which concession is permissible, the revenue foregone due to concession being given to various categories of passengers have increased during last two years.  The revenue foregone for  2013-14 and 2014-15 are ` 1313 crores and ` 1423 crores respectively. (d).  As  per  Commercial  Circular  No.  33  of  2015  dated  02.06.2015  and Commercial  Circular  No.  30  of  2015  dated  21.05.2015,  no  concession  is permissible  in  Suvidha  trains  and  special  trains  on  Special  charges. Further, the total revenue foregone due to concession being given to senior citizens in all the trains as per rule during last two years for  2013-14 and 2014-15 are ` 933 crores and ` 1148 crores respectively.

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