UditVani, New Delhi/Jamshedpur: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented a comprehensive report on the achievements and future initiatives of the Indian Railways during the Lok Sabha session, focusing on modernization, passenger convenience, and safety.
12,000 General Coaches to Enhance Accessibility
Addressing the demand for unreserved passenger travel, the Minister announced a special manufacturing initiative to produce 12,000 general coaches. Of these, 900 coaches have been inducted this financial year, with plans to manufacture an additional 10,000, ensuring better travel options for unreserved category passengers.
Balanced Coach Ratio for Inclusive Travel
Highlighting the railways’ commitment to inclusivity, Vaishnaw stated that the ratio of 2:3 for non-AC coaches and 1:3 for AC coaches is being maintained to cater to passengers across economic strata. This balance aims to serve middle-class and economically weaker families efficiently.
Preparations for Mahakumbh: 13,000 Trains Planned
In response to queries about Mahakumbh preparations, the Minister revealed plans for 13,000 special trains to accommodate the expected surge in passenger traffic. This initiative underscores the Railways’ dedication to managing large-scale events and ensuring seamless travel for pilgrims.
Festival Success: 7,900 Trains for Chhath and Diwali
The Railways demonstrated operational excellence during the Chhath and Diwali festivals, operating 7,900 special trains that transported over 1.8 crore passengers. This achievement highlights the Railways’ ability to meet peak-season demand without significant disruptions.
Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat Trains: Innovations for the Future
The introduction of the Amrit Bharat train series, exclusively for non-AC passengers, showcases a blend of affordability and comfort. These trains offer noise-free and jerk-free travel, with plans to produce 50 additional trains following the success of the initial fleet.
The Namo Bharat trains, designed for high-frequency shuttle services on short-distance city pairs, aim to replicate European regional train standards. Two Namo Bharat trains are already operational, with large-scale production to follow based on performance reviews.
Transparent and Efficient Recruitment Process
Vaishnaw lauded the transparency of the recent Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examination, which saw participation from 1.26 crore candidates across 211 cities. The process concluded without a single incident, leading to 1,30,581 appointments. The Railways has also introduced an annual recruitment calendar and is currently processing 58,642 positions, with over 11 lakh candidates competing for loco pilot roles.
Safety Milestones: 12,000 Flyovers and Underpasses Constructed
All unmanned authorized level crossings have been eliminated, either by deploying personnel or constructing flyovers and underpasses. In the past decade, 12,000 such structures have been built, enhancing safety and ensuring smooth train operations.
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