LOK SABHA

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SYNOPSIS OF DEBATES*

(Proceedings other than Questions & Answers)

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Thursday, July 11, 2019 / Ashadha 20, 1941 (Saka)

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SUBMISSION BY MEMBERS

Re: Farmers facing severe distress in Kerala.

THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI RAJ NATH SINGH)

responding to the issue raised by several hon. Members, said: It is not that the

farmers have been pushed to the pitiable condition over the past four to five years

alone. The miserable condition of the farmers is largely attributed to those who

have been in power for long. I, however, want to place on record that our

Government has been making every effort to double the farmers' income. We have

enhanced the Minimum Support Price and did take a decision to provide an amount

of Rs.6000/- to each and every farmer under Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana irrespective

of the parcel of land under his possession and have brought it into force. This

* Hon. Members may kindly let us know immediately the choice of language (Hindi or English) for obtaining

Synopsis of Lok Sabha Debates.

initiative has led to increase in farmers' income by 20 to 25 per cent. The

incidence of farmers' suicide has come down during the last five years.

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*MATTERS UNDER RULE 377

1. SHRI JUGAL KISHORE SHARMA laid a statement regarding need

to establish Kendriya Vidyalayas in Jammu parliamentary constituency,

J&K.

2. DR. SANJAY JAISWAL laid a statement regarding need to set up

extension centre of Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Motihari

(Bihar) at Bettiah in West Champaran district of the State.

3. SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL laid a statement regarding need to include

Bhojpuri language in Eighth Schedule to the Constitution.

4. SHRI RAVI KISHAN laid a statement regarding need to develop a

monitoring mechanism to weed out alleged corrupt elements with

regard to implementation of social welfare schemes.

5. SHRI GANESH SINGH laid a statement regarding need to develop a

mechanism to unearth benami property in the country.

6. SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI laid a statement regarding need to

undertake doubling of Madhupur-Giridih-Kodarma railway route.

* Laid on the Table as directed by the Speaker/Chair.

7. SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA laid a statement regarding

need to facilitate payment of dues to the investors of Adarsh Credit

Cooperative Society.

8. DR. SUJAY VIKHE PATIL laid a statement regarding sanction and

disbursement of Central share of insurance claims under PMFBY-

WBCIS for Mrug Bahar year 2018 in Ahmednagar district of

Maharashtra.

9. SHRI PARBHUBHAI NAGARBHAI VASAVA laid a statement

regarding need to include banana crop under Pradhan Mantri Fasal

Bima Yojana.

10. SHRI R.K. SINGH PATEL laid a statement regarding need to start

flight services from Chitrakoot in Uttar Pradesh.

11. SHRI GOPAL SHETTY laid a statement regarding implementation of

Government schemes and programmes by autonomous bodies.

12. SHRI S. MUNISWAMY laid a statement regarding opening of gold

mines in Karnataka.

13. SHRI AJAY BHATT laid a statement regarding need to develop and

promote tourism in Uttarakhand.

14. SHRI SANJAY SETH laid a statement regarding need to establish

zonal office of railways in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

15. DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR laid a statement regarding need to

expedite the development of a Dry Port at Niphad in Dindori

parliamentary constituency, Maharashtra.

16. SHRI ABDUL KHALEQUE laid a statement regarding problems

posed by erosion.

17. SHRI T. N. PRATHAPAN laid a statement regarding widening of NH

66.

18. SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH laid a statement regarding improving

railway services in Mavelikkara parliamentary constituency, Kerala.

19. SHRI S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN laid a statement regarding

implementation of Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.

20. SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA VISWANATH laid a statement

regarding construction of protection wall in Kakinada parliamentary

constituency, Andhra Pradesh.

21. SHRI MARGANI BHARAT laid a statement regarding gas leakages

in East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.

22. SHRI OM PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR laid a statement regarding

need to construct a road between Tembhurni and Latur in Maharashtra.

23. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR PINTU laid a statement regarding need to

start services of superfast trains from Sitamarhi in Bihar.

24. SHRI P.K. KUNHALIKUTTY laid a statement regarding problem

being faced by professionals in Kuwait.

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MOTION

Re: Suspension of Rule 331G

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF

PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE

MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) moved that the Rule 331G of the Rules of

Procedures and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha in its application to the

discussion and voting on the Demands for Grants for 2019-20 be suspended.

OBSERVATION BY THE SPEAKER

HON. SPEAKER: Hon. Members, although Rule 331G of the Rules of

Procedure has been suspended to enable the House to pass the Demands for Grants

without the same being referred to the concerned Departmentally Related Standing

Committees. The Demands would, however, stand referred to the Standing

Committees, after they have been constituted, for examination and report to the

House so that the Committees can make suitable recommendations which may be

used in the preparation of Demands for Grants for the next year.

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THE UNION BUDGET- 2019-2020

DEMANDS FOR GRANTS-2019-2020

Ministry of Railways

SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY initiating said: The Indian

Railways has been suffering capacity constraints. The traffic flow on the rail

network is highly uneven and imbalanced. Line capacity is severely constrained

due to introduction of more trains over the year. All these things affect railway's

ability to meet customer expectations. The Minister of Railway has claimed that

they will mobilise Rs.50 lakh crore but he has failed to mention as to how he will

mobilise this huge corpus. The Budget does not make any provision in this regard.

Operating ratio is one of the parameters to assess the efficiency of the Railways

and this Budget clearly shows that the Indian Railways' operating ratio is not

sustainable. The total internal revenue has come down. The net surplus on the

expenditure side shows a negative trend. Everybody knows that the Railways need

huge amount of funds during the last three years. The Government of India has

signed a number of MOUs with the LIC, France, China, Russia etc. but there is no

news of execution of these MOUs. The Government has made its intention clear to

corporatize the 7 production units of the Railways. All these production units are

profit earning units. After corporatisation, the Government will move on to

privatise these units. This decision of the Government has created unrest among

the railway employees. Indian Railways have a network of more than 1.17 lakh

kilometers; some of it is aged and some over-burdened. Only 4000 kilometers of

track, that is 3.5 per cent of the total rail lines have been renewed. As for

electrification, till December 2018, 30212 kms. of track was electrified. The

Railways have failed several times to meet the deadline of constructing 334 kms.

of dedicated freight corridor along trunk routes and have set April 2020 as the new

target. Under the Diamond Quadrilateral project of high speed train network,

proposed high-speed projects between Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Bhopal, Delhi-

Kolkata and Delhi-Mumbai are yet to take off. The Vande Bharat Express has the

capacity to run at 160 kms/hour but is running at the maximum speed of 110-130

km/hour. Among the top 21 commodities moved by the railway, fruits and

vegetables have the lowest share of transportation. The Railways have failed to

install bio-toilet in all coaches, as promised in 2017-18 Budget Speech. The

Railways have failed to provide lifts and escalators on the 500 stations. There is

no punctuality. Trains are being cancelled. The average speed has come down.

The Government has reduced its contribution in the Depreciation Reserve Fund.

The growth rate of Railways' earnings from its core business of running freight and

passenger trains has been declining. Indian Railways has been losing out on high

potential market such as FMCG, hazardous materials, automobiles and

containerized cargo. It is the stated policy of the NITI Aayog that if there is a need

to hike passenger fare, it must be passed on to the common people. But the

Government has some social obligations too and these must be honoured. Besides

I would request the Minister to allocate funds for Bengal also. I would also like to

draw the attention of the Minister towards the Kasim Bazar station in my district

Murshidabad where the people have to suffer a lot because of the fault of the

engineers.

SHRI SUNIL KUMAR SINGH: The Indian Railways ensure the unity and

integrity of the country. After coming into power, our Government has ensured

that the rich cultural heritage of India gets imprinted on the Railway stations and

offices. The hon. Prime Minister has a clear vision with regard to the role of the

Railways. He has envisioned the Indian Railways as the growth engine for the

development of our country. The Railways now has been receiving sufficient

amount of funds. UPA Government has executed only 10 per cent of the promises

they have made to the public. This is because of lack of political will and

administrative inefficiency. National interest was never the priority of the UPA

Government. Our Government never executes the plans under pressure groups.

National interest is the supreme for our Government. During the last 30 years

before 2014, only 317 projects were completed out of 676 but our Government

fulfilled all the projects which it promised. We execute works by planning in

advance and planning in details. Our Government has fulfilled the hopes and

aspirations of the people of India. Government is making efforts to solve the

problems of Railways through massive capital investment and completing the

projects on time. The result is before all of us. Government has enhanced capital

expenditure more than double. In this fiscal year the target of capital expenditure

is 1.6 lakh crore. The Government has made Budgetary allocation of Rs.65,838

crores in Budget for the year 2019-20. We have enhanced around 200 per cent

funding for passenger amenities. This is historic in itself. In this current fiscal year

a sum of Rs.7255 crores have been allotted for construction of new rail lines. Our

Government is continuously making efforts to expand railway network. Our

priority is to improve safety and security. Vandey Bharat Express is the first train

service which has been developed indigenously. Government has connected

Arunachal Pradesh from Dibrugarh and Guwahati and from Delhi also. The

Government has also taken initiatives to connect backward districts of the country.

Today, Jharkhand contributes around 40 per cent of the total freight charges. A

railway zone must be set up in Jharkhand. I request hon. Minister of Railways to

complete the Barwadih-Chirimiri rail line. This will reduce the distance of around

300 kilometers between Kolkata and Mumbai. I thank you very much for giving

me an opportunity to speak on Demands for Grants in respect of Ministry of

Railways.

SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI: The Indian Railways is the fourth largest

railway network in the world carrying nearly 23 million travellers every day. It is

also the eighth largest employer and it has more than 13 lakh employees as of

March 2017. The Southern Railway projected its demand under various plan

heads, seeking an allocation of Rs. 5,312 crore. Unfortunately, only Rs. 4020 crore

has been granted which shows that there is a wide gap of over Rs. 1291 crore,

which will totally disrupt the execution of the projects. To this Government, the

solution to everything is privatization. But I would like to tell the Government that

any attempt to corporatize or privatize ICF, Indian Railways or the Salem Steel

Plant will be resisted by the people of Tamil Nadu. A new Division comprising of

Thoothukkudi, Tirunelveli, Kanniyakumari and some parts of Thiruvananthapuram

Division, which falls in Tamil Nadu, must be created in Tirunelveli. I would urge

the Government to revive the project related to the construction of a new Broad-

Gauge line between Karaikudi and Kanniyakumari via Ramanathapuram, Tuticorin

and Tiruchendur along the Eastern coast. Similarly, there are 12 more projects,

which are stalled and which have to be revived in Tamil Nadu. I would also

request the Government to rename the Erode Railway Station as Thanthai Periyar

Railway Station. I would like to request the Government to introduce a new daily

express train between Chennai and Thoothukkudi via Thanjavur, Kumbakonam,

Mayiladuthurai which will ease passenger traffic on this route. Besides, extension

of the Intercity weekly Madurai-Mumbai Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Express till

Thoothukkudi and also Intercity Palaruvi Express, which currently runs between

Palakkad and Tirunelveli to Thoothukkudi will help the people. More than 95,000

people are employed as cleaners in railways and they work as manual scavengers,

however the Government has been denying it. It is a shame to this nation to

continue this.

SHRI SUDIP BANDYOPADHYAY: The Budget Speech of the hon.

Finance Minister indicates that the railway is moving towards privatization. We

have proposed world-class railway stations. A lot has been told about it but in

reality, world-class railway stations are not progressing in a very fast mode. The

occupancy rate of the super quality trains like Palace on Wheels, Maharaja

Express, Golden Chariot, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels and Deccan Odyssey has

come down to less than 30 per cent. So, I would submit for the consideration of

the Government that the travel package duration in these trains should be reduced

from seven to eight days to three to four days. The Safety Review Committee

under the Chairmanship of Shri Anil Kakodkar made many recommendations but

they have not been accepted up to the desired level. I want to know how many

recommendations of that Committee have been accepted by the Government. We

hope that Indian Railways will attain the zero level accident rate and that should be

the motto of Indian Railways. Moreover, there is the issue of vacancies in Indian

Railways. Gangmen in Indian Railways are they who maintain the railway line.

Vacancies in this grade have reached more than two lakh. There is a shortage of

drivers also in Indian Railways. Both of them are directly associated with the

safety and security of the common passengers. When is the Government going to

fulfil the vacancies of gangmen and drivers? I propose base kitchens should remain

clean, safety, security, passengers' amenities, well-organized railway stations,

cleanliness, food quality, condition of the railway compartments, coaches in

quality trains to be maintained including Wi-Fi facilities and CCTV facilities are to

be provided. In this Budget, inadequate funds have been allocated for the projects

in West Bengal. So, I feel that a very step-motherly attitude has been reflected in

the Budget. I hope that the Government will take all positive steps to see that

funds are allocated to the whole country treating everyone as equal.

SHRI BALLI DURGA PRASAD RAO: In this Budget, no timeframe has

been mentioned for the completion of Obulavaripalle-Krishnapatman project with

regard to my new State, Andhra Pradesh. Similarly funds allocated for Guntur-

Tenali doubling and electrification projects is insufficient. The Government may

explain the timeframe for completion of this project. I would also like to ask about

the timeframe for completion of Nadikudi-Srikalahasti new line project. Similarly,

I want to know when will Cuddapah-Bengaluru new rail-line project be completed.

Also, Kotipalli-Narsapur new line project is going at slow pace. So, I would

request the Government to speed up the project. Moreover, the Government has

released only Rs.126 crore for Gooty-Dharamavaram double line project in this

financial year. I would like to ask how is it possible to complete it with such a

meager amount? We would also like to know the fate of Vijayawada-Kazipet

section. Another point is regarding Vijayawada junction to Guntur junction

connectivity. No time-line has been informed for this project. So, this has to be

informed in an appropriate manner. Similarly, the balance work pertaining to

Obulavaripalli -Krishnapatnam rail line is required to be completed at the earliest.

So, I would request the Government to sanction another Rs.1000 crore for

completing all these projects.

SHRI RAJAN BABURAO VICHARE: This Government has presented a

very good Budget which has been welcomed by every section of the society.

Again, no hike in railway fare in this Budget has provided a great relief to the

railway passengers. In this Budget, greater emphasis has been given on the

infrastructural development of railways along with extending passenger amenities

and modernisation. A target of world class re-development of 22 major railway

stations of the country by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation has

been set in this Budget. I would urge upon the Government that Thane Railway

Station under my Parliamentary constituency should be included in it. Similarly,

Thane Railway Station should be accorded the status of world class station and

more facilities should be made available for the passengers. Apart from that, I

would also like to request that a new building should be constructed in place of the

existing dilapidated building. I would also like to request the Government that the

work pertaining to Aroli-Kalava link may be commenced at the earliest. In

addition to that, I would also request that local and AC local train services should

be introduced and stoppages of long distance trains should be provided at

Bhayandar station in my Thane parliamentary constituency. Apart from that, I

would also request the Government that passenger amenities should be provided at

all the railway stations under Navi Mumbai area.

SHRI DINESH CHANDRA YADAV: At the outset, I would like to

express my gratitude towards the Government for sanctioning Supaul to Araria and

Araria to Galgalia railway projects in Bihar for the first time after independence.

So, I would urge upon the Government that required funds should be provided by

taking necessary initiatives for completing this important project as early as

possible. In 2008, Saraigarh, Bhaptiyahi to Forbesganj railway line was damaged

by the devastating flood of the Kosi river. Railway traffic has still not commenced

on this railway line. Similarly, since 2016, railway traffic is stalled due to non

completion of gauge conversion work from Saharsa to Forbesganj section. So, I

would like to request that work on these projects should be expedited to get them

completed at the earliest.

SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU: People of Odisha are surprised when

they got to know that the Central Government Budget allotment for Railway

projects in Odisha is not up to their expectations. Considering the bucket of on-

going projects, Odisha requires increase of capital allotment to complete the on-

going projects early. Moreover, no new railway line project has been sanctioned in

this year's Budget for Odisha. Odisha needs new railway line projects and all

railway projects of Odisha have been economically beneficial to the Railways as

well. After all, Railways earn about Rs.20000 crore a year from Odisha alone.

Various new projects have been proposed by our State Government to the Ministry

of Railways. These projects need early sanctioning by the Ministry of Railways.

Additionally, Jajpur Keonjhar Road-Jajpur via Aradi link is equally important for

pilgrims. More importantly, various new trains are required to be introduced from

several parts of Odisha to other States across the country. The next point is

regarding increase in frequency of trains. I also request that Samata Express

should run daily. To meet the travelling needs of daily commuters, there is a need

to introduce DEMU/MEMU services in various corridors. Similarly, this would be

an appropriate time to commence detailed planning for rail-based city transport

system in greater Bhubaneswar region. Similarly, Railways need to expedite

railway station re-development in Odisha. There is an urgent need to re-develop

the Puri railway station because cyclone 'Fani' has occurred mainly in Puri. I have

one more small suggestion to make that the Chamber of Commerce representation

may be given in DRUCC.

SHRI HAJI FAZLUR REHMAN: Saharanpur is famous for wood

carving. Saharanpur railway station is important from the industrial area point of

view as well as for the tourists. There is a need to complete the doubling work of

the railway line from Tapri to Muzaffar Nagar. An express train from Saharanpur

to Delhi should be introduced during the day time. Stoppage of Golden Temple

Mail and Udhampur Express be provided at Deoband. There is a need to improve

cleanliness at Saharanpur railway station. Number of common platforms be

increased and beautification done at Saharanpur junction.

SHRI BHARTRUHARI MAHTAB: Indian Railways has the fourth largest

rail networth in the World after United States, China and Russia. The Railways

revenue for 2019-20 is estimated at Rs.2,16,935 crore. In the last few years

Railways has been struggling to generate its own revenue. Railways earnings

from its core business of running freight and passenger trains has been declining.

The Union givernment supports Railways in order to expand its network and invest

in capital expenditure. In 2019-20 Railway expects to earn 66 per cent of its

internal revenue from freight and 26 per cent of its internal revenue from

passenger traffic. The Government expects a growth in passenger traffic from

2019-20 to be 2.7 per cent. In the past few years, borrowings have increased

sharply to bridge the gap between the available resources and expenditure. The

standing committee on Railways in 2017 had recommended that the Ministry of

Finance should reimburse the Ministry of Railways. Therefore, it is urgent that

Railways streamline the recruitment process, rationalise manpower and make the

organisation more business oriented. It has been told repeatedly that more funds

be provided for speedy implementation of the ongoingRail projects in Odisha.

Odisha would oppose any division of East coast Railway. It would be a mistake if

Waltair Division is taken away from East coast Railway Zone. No attempt should

be made to bifurcate East Coast zone at all.

SHRI MANNE SRINIVAS REDDY: There is a need to complete the

Mahabubnagar-Munirabad new railway line project in Telangana which was

sanctioned in the year 1997-98 and to speed up the doubling of Secunderabad-

Mahabubnagar railway line and electrification works. Modernization and

expansion of existing Mahabubnagar Railway Station as well as Divitipalli

Railway Station is essential. Besides, all other pending railway projects should

also be completed. I request the Government to carve out a separate Division at

Kazipet and establish a coach factory there.

SHRI RAKESH SINGH: Hon‟ble Modi ji came to power in 2014. And

projects announced earlier were completed without any partiality. Jabalpur is the

headquarter of West Central Railway. But there is no infrastructure and good

connectivity in Jabalpur. I have registered my protest. The foundation stone of

Jabalpur-Gondia Broadgauge Project was laid down in 2001 and it is about to be

completed under the leadership of Hon‟ble Modi ji. Government led by the

Congress do not pay any attention to the infrastructure and passenger facilities.

Our Government has paid attention to it. Today, any passenger may find a solution

to his difficulty by posting a tweet. Jabalpur-Gondia Broadgauge Project and

Itarsi-Allahabad Electrification work should be completed. Madan Mahal Station

should be developed as a terminal station. Escalator facility should be provided at

Jabalpur and at other railway stations in my Constituency. Platforms should be

constructed as per norms. A new railway line Jabalpur-Indore via Misraud

should be constructed. New Trains should be introduced between Jabalpur to

Patna/Muzaffarpur. Special trains--Jabalpur-Pune-Jabalpur special train and

Jabalpur-Atari-Jabalpur special train should run daily. The frequency of Jabalpur-

Jammutawi-Jabalpur Express, Jabalpur-Hazrat Nizamuddin-Jabalpur-M.P.

Sampark Kranti Express and Jabalpur-Mumbai-Jabalpur Garibrath Express should

be increased.

SHRI ANNASAHEB SHANKAR S In the interest of the development of

the nation infrastructure development of the railway system needs to be still

focused upon. All the pending projects and surveys to be carried out has to be

done and preferably using the expertise of professionals or experts from the private

companies also. The time period of sanction of a project in the indian railways till

the successful completion needs to be reduced and this is possible by focussing on

increased funds for speedy implementation.There should be focus on Private

Public Partnership in the future for the over all improvement of the system.

SHRI P.R. NATARAJAN : Coimbatore to Pollachi rail gauge conversion

work was conducted by the railway more than eight years before. Even after

completion of the work the southern railway is not opetating the trains. I request

the Hob‟ble Minister of Railways to take action for an immediate restoration of the

trains is the long pending demand of the Coimbatore and Pollachi people.

Tragically unresolved and burning issue of deaths of wild elephants due to train

hits nowadays increasing especially in the States of Tamil Nadu, Assam and

Uttaranchal. In Pollachi Constituency, around 25 elephants killed by speeding

trains in the past 10 years. This is because of the rail stretch between Madukarai

and Walayar of Coimbatore-Palghat trunk route passes through this traditional

elephant corridor. The Railways should issue strict warnings to loco-pilots to

adhere to the speed limit especially during night hours. The Ministry of Railways

should initiate action to bring the two lines together and built fences along tracks

using old discarded rails.

SHRI K. SHANMUGA SUNDARAM : I request restoration of the trains –

Coimbatore to Rameswaram Express, Coimbatore to Kollam Express and

Coimbatore to Madurai Passenger on Coimbatore to Pollachi rail track. Steps

should be taken to start Coimbatore to Bangalore night express. Deaths of wild

elephants due to train hits are increasing in the states of Tamilnadu, Assam and

Uttaranchal. Rail track passes through reserve forest. Electric fences erected on

sides of tracks have been ineffective as elephants pulled them down. The Railways

should issue strict warnings to loco-pilots to adhere to the speed limit especially

during night hours. The Ministry of Railways should initiate action to build fences

along tracks. There has to be better co-ordination between the Ministry of

Railways, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Respective State Governments

and Wildlife NGO‟s to tackle the problems.

SHRI GOPAL SHETTY: Railway fares have not been increased in this

Budget whereas amenities have been increased during the period from 2014 to

2019. Approximately 3000 passengers die every year in Mumbai in rail accident

and an equal number of passengers are injured. I agree that railway officers have

done a wonderful job during the last five years but our expectations are higher.

Some closed door trains have been introduced in Mumbai and many more are

likely to be introduced in future. Women passengers have to struggle a lot while

travelling on local trains in Mumbai. Therefore, I demand from the Government to

introduce a ladies‟ special train. Mumbai and Maharashtra have got a lot in this

Budget. Work on metro rail and monorail is going on very fast. When this project

completes in 2020, fifty per cent load will be shifted on metro for a great relief to

the railway passengers. Six months back 250 houses were demolished on railway

land in Dahisar. The hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra immediately called the

Municipal Commissioner and asked him to provide shelter to the affected

immediately. But this issue also remained entangled in the rules and those 250

people are still homeless. I feel that not only in Mumbai but everywhere in the

country the people settled on railway land should be given houses according to the

guidelines of the state concerned. PPP model is the way ahead for development in

the country. The Government has a plan to develop railway stations throughout

the country under PPP model. People demand railway services to certain private

locations. We should introduce such new system to provide maximum facilities to

the people in future.

SHRI SAPTAGIRI ULAKA:I welcome highest ever allocation of Rs.

159908 crore for 2019-2020. Key focus area of Rail Budget should be around

railway safety which continues to be in a poor state given the recent train accident

of Samaleswari express at Rayagada. The provision made in Rail Budget of 2019

is very disappointing for Odisha. No new lines have been declared. The

allocation for construction of new lines have been declining in the last few years

as the target is not met. Only 0.10 crores have been allocated to Gunupur-

Therubali rail line which is a meagre amount. Previously Rs. 935 crore have been

allocated but no visible progress has been made so far. Request for new lines:

Gopalpur-Signapur Road broadgauge line (via Padmapur, Ramanaguda, Bankili)

has been ignored. Request for dedicated East coast freight corridor from

Kharagpur to Vijayawada and east-west dedicated freight corridor from Jharsuda

to Bilaspur has been met. Demand of new Train(inter-city) from Jepore to

Bhubaneswar via (Rayagada ) has not been met after several requests. Stoppages

of Express Trains at “Ambadola” Station of Rayagada District should be made and

new train Intercity/Fast train from Gunupur to Bhubaneswar/Bhadrak should be

introduced.

SHRI SUNIL DATTATRAY TATKARE: Konkan Railway is the only

operating railway system, owned and administered as a PSU. There is a need of

additional funds for improvement in passenger amenities at stations, construction

of foot over bridge, ROBs and replacement of tracks. Konkan Railway is carrying

a huge debt, the annual interest burden of which is approximately Rs. 150 crore

because of which it does not have any surplus for improving passenger amenities

and augmenting its capacity. Konkan Railways is being given only Rs. 17 crore as

a Government share to a PSU. It should either be taken over by the Central

Government or it should be strengthened. Up to Roha, it is in the possession of the

Central Railways, which should be given to the Konkan Railways so that Konkan

Railways can become self-sustained. New DPRs should be prepared for Pen to

Alibaug, Veer to Mahad, Chiplun to Karad, and the long-distance express trains

should get halt at least at Mangaon, Khed and Chiplun.

SHRI SUDHEER GUPTA: Tests for semi-high speed on Ratlam-

Chittorgarh track under Western Railway in my Parliamentary Constituency have

been conducted. Revenue will increase in my Constituency if a high speed train is

introduced between Mumbai-Delhi via Shamgarh. Hundred per cent electrification

on broad gauge routes will be completed by the year 2021-22. Electrification of

Ratlam-Chittorgarh track is almost near completion. Modern signal system has

been developed. Capacity and speed of the trains have increased and routes have

also increased. Dedicated freight corridor is expected to be completed by the year

2020-21. Work is going at fast pace for the development of the stations in the

country. Passenger coaches are being upgraded. Work on running Antyodaya

trains and long distance unreserved trains with modern facilities is going on. High

speed wi-fi services are being provided at the maximum number of stations in the

country. People are getting relief from the long queues and paperless unreserved

ticketing system is under process. In the last five years since 2014, more than 1.80

lakh bio toilets have been installed by the railways.

SHRI A. GANESHMURTHI : There is long pending demand for a new

railway line between Erode and Palani. Funds were allocated for carrying out

initial work and a survey of the said railway line. Even after initial fund allocation

and carrying out survey work the process of starting a the new railway line

between Erode and Palani has been kept pending. I urge upon the Union

Government to immediately start the work. The Railway Gate L.C. No. 16 near

Pasur Railway station on the Erode-Karur-Tiruchy railway line always remain

closed. In the view of heavy traffic in this area, I request the Government to

construct a Road Over Bridge(ROB) at said Gate. I also urge upon the Union

Government to construct bridges at L.C. No. 121 and L.C. 122.

SHRI ARVIND KUMAR SHARMA: My constituency is an important

part of NCR. The main cities of my constituency i.e. Rohtak, Jhajar and

Bahadurgarh are the Big source of income to Railway. I request to fulfill the

following demands in public interest. A rail line should be laid from Jhajar to

Farookhnagar and Jhajar to Bahadurgarh. Stopageshould be provided to train

running from Bikaner to Hardwar via Bhiwani, Rohtak, Panipat, Ambala and

Saharanpur at Kalanaur. An express or passenger train should be introduced from

Hissar and Bhiwani to Delhi via Kosali. Stopage should be provided to

Gorakhdham Express at Kalanaur. An underpass/flyover should be constructed at

railway crossing near sanpla railway station. Railway goods yard from Rohtak

railway station should be shifted near Lahali railway station. Order should be

issued to restart railway halt at Riwari.

SHRI RAMCHANDRA PASWAN: Hasanpur Sakari railway line,

Kushesar Sthan-Khagaria new railway line and many other such projects were

granted approval many years ago. Work on them is going on at a slow pace. I

would like to request the hon. Railway Minister to complete these projects as soon

as possible by according them highest priority. An over bridge has to be built near

Bhola talkies in Samastipur. I had raised this matter several times on previous

occasions but tender has not been invited so far in this case. I would like that

tender should be invited soon in this regard. An over bridge is also needed to be

constructed in Muktapur which is a long standing demand. Survey of Hajipur-

Sugrauli railway line via Samastipur-Karpurigram-Tajpur-Mahua has been

conducted but there is lack of fund till date. Funds should be provided for it.

Survey for Baheri-Shivajinagar-Kariyan-Rosra-Begusarai railway line was

conducted in 2017-18. This also lacks funds. Supporting this budget, I hope that

the hon. Railway Minister will get the works completed in my Constituency.

SHRI KOMATI REDDY VENKAT REDDY: Rs. 20 crore was allotted

for Ghatkesar-Yadadri Extension MMTS Phase-II, a joint project between Indian

Railways and Govt. of Telangana. I request to increase funds for this project as

Yadadri is considered as Telangana's "Balaji" temple. In the absense of proper rail

connectivity, passengers use roadways, which is burden sum on poor people.

Bibinagar-Nadikudi line is getting heavy traffic because of single line. I request

you to kindly sanction the doubling of said section. The development of Satellite

Terminal at Cherlapalli Station is sanctioned with an intention to downsize the

burden on Hyderabad and Secunderabad Stations. I request to increase the fund

allocation to this project in the revised budget estimates. Rs. 200 crore was

allocated for Manoharabad-Kothapalli new line. Rs. 20 crore was alloted for

Akannapet-Medak new railway line. 50% of the project cost to be shared by the

state Govt. in addition to providing land free of cost. Rs. 275 crores was alloted for

Munirabad-Mahabubnagar new line. Around 29 km of new line between

Devarakadra-Jaklair section is already completed and ready for commissioning.

Rs. 405 crore was allotted for Bhadrachallam-Sattupalli new line. Rs. 265 crore

was allotted for Kazipet-Balharsha 3rd line. Rs. 200 crore was allotted for

Secunderabad-Mahbubnagar doubling project. Rs. 110 crore was allotted for

Kazipete-Vijayawada 3rd line project. Rs. 10 crore was allotted for periodic

overhauling workshop at Kazipet.

SHRIMATI RANJANBEN BHATT: The PPP model for the railway

tracks has been granted approval in this budget and emphasis has been given on

clean, safe and time-bound train journeys. In private partnership with the railways,

the Government is going to start operating private trains for the first time in the

country. Indian Railways is focusing on green energy under the pollution free

campaign. A project has also been prepared for running of railway engines

through solar energy. I feel proud to tell that platform no. 1 at the main railway

station of my Parliamentary Constituency Vadodara is being operated by solar

energy. Vadodara railway station has also been included in the list of model

railway stations. I express deep gratitude to the hon. Prime Minister for taking a

decision to set up and develop the first Railway University in my Vadodara Lok

Sabha Constituency.

SHRI SU. THIRUNAVUKKARASAR: The progress, the achievements

and the growth that we have been seeing in the Railways is not because of the

efforts of this BJP Government in the last five years. The Government has

announced that in PPP they are going to have Rs.50 lakh crore. This is a clear

attempt to privatize railways in which you are not going to succeed. Definitely all

the 13 lakh employees and the entire population of the country will oppose

privatization and you are not going to get Rs.50 lakh crore in future. I would like

to bring to the notice of the hon. Minister about Tiruchy-Thanjavur doubling

project. Work on two bridges near Tiruchirapalli Junction on the way from

Pudukottai to Tiruchy has not been completed. It is because defence land has not

been handed over to the State Government. There are about 4000 apprentices in

Tiruchy alone- and throughout India, there are 25,000 apprentices- who have

passed the first level and second level examinations after training. They are not

being given proper regular employment. I would request the hon. Minister to

consider this aspect also.

SHRI GIRISH BHALCHANDRA BAPAT: Pune-Nasik railway line is

urgently needed. There is a demand of Prawasi Chowki also here. Whether the

DPR for Pune-Nasik line has been prepared or the survey has been completed.

SHRI MANSUKHBHAI DHANJIBHAI VASAVA: Bharuch railway

station falls under my Parliamentary Constituency. Bharuch is an important

railway station from the industrial investment and development point of view.

Stoppage of all trains, coming from Surat and Bandra and those going to Kerala

and South India, should be given at Bharuch railway station.

The Baroda-Varanasi Mahamana Express should be run thrice in a week

instead of once; two AC chair coaches should be attached to Valsad-Dahaud

Intercity; seats should be reserved for first class MST pass holders and regular

checking should be conducted for unauthorized passengers in Vadodara-Bhilad

Express, Surat-Jamnagar Intercity Express and Gujarat Superfast Express. The

design of ladies coach in Vadodara-Bhilad Express should be changed to its

previous style; stoppage of Dadar Ajmer Superfast should be given at Palej railway

station the circulation area on the west side of Bharuch railway station should be

widened and made convenient. Stoppage of a couple of trains should be given

between Bharuch to Baroda from 12 o' clock at right to 6 in the morning and the

facility of escalators at platform no. 4 and 5 of Bharuch station should be given at

the earliest. The travel time of rail journey from Rajpipla to Ankaleshwar should

be shortened; stoppage of Karjan-Malsar train should be given at Sadhali station; a

shed should be erected on platform no. 1 on the side towards Surat at Ankaleshwar

railway station.

SHRI RAMESH CHANDER KAUSHIK: Indian Railway is the life line

of our country. The proposal to adopt P.P.P. model will accelerate the

development and efficiency in Railways. The proposal to invest more in sub-urban

railway systems through rapid regional transport system will increase the

connectivity of Metro cities with sub-urban areas. I request the Government that

all the sub-urban areas which are part of national capital region including Panipat

should be connected with Delhi. The Government has fixed a target to electrify

7000 Km. of broad-gauge network of railways during 2019-20 and the objective is

universal electrification of Indian Railways by 2021-22. This would make the

Indian Railways the first cent percent electrical railway network in the world. The

Budget also has a proposal to start automated train safety system to give priority

to ensure safe journey for the passengers. The proposal has also been made to

provide free Wi-Fi at all stations. I am thankful to the Railway Minister that there

is a proposal in the Budget to introduce a high speed train from Delhi to

Chandigarh covering Sonipat and Jind railway stations of my Parliamentary

Constituency. Sometimes coordination could not be done between the railway

forces and the forces provided by the States. Merging of these two will further

strengthen the security arrangements. The Haryana Government is ready to bear

the entire expenses for the railway project from Palwal to Kundli. The newly

introduced train between Mathura and Kurukshetra should be given stoppage at

Gallore. The laying of new railway line from Sonipat-Guhana-Jeend-Hisar should

be completed at the earliest.

SHRI NALIN KUMAR KATEEL: The Union Budget has allocated Rs.

65,837 crore for the Railways which is the highest ever outlay in the Budget. The

Government has also taken a bold step for increasing the Metro Rail network in the

country. There is a lot needs to be done as far as increasing the speed, signaling

systems, ensuring the safety of train passengers, removing the bottlenecks of level

crossings, maintenance of cleanliness in the trains and outside the railway stations

etc, are concerned. As far as railway freight services are concerned there is also

need to take more effective steps to reduce energy consumption, higher capacity

wagons, new design wagons for new commodities like automobile, bulk fly ash,

cement, steel products etc. There is a need for reconstruction of old railway

stations. Apart from this the construction work at Mangaluru Central Railway

Station should be expedited.

As regards Trains Tri weekly Gomateshwara Express should run daily. Train

running between Mangalore Bangalore should run daily. New Train between MAQ

and Pune should be introduced to provide connectivity for coastal regions.

Mangalore-Miraj Mahalaxmi Express Train with an extension upto Mumbai should

be reintroduced. Kasaragodu Mookambika Road Train with extension upto

Guruvayur should be restarted. Speed of all the trains run between Mangalore

Central and Yeshwantpur should be increased. HMRDC should be merged with

SW Railway-Mysore Division. Yeshwantpur to Karwar day train should be

extended upto Tirupati. There is huge demand from the general public for a New

Train between Mangalore-Tirupati and New Train Between Mangalore-

Varansi/Pragyaraj/Gorakhpur. A DEMU Train running between Madgaon-MAQ

should run daily. A stoppage to Mangalore-Coimbatore Inter City Express should

be provided at Kuttipuram. Coimbatore-Mangalore Junction-Jabalpur Express

Train should be regularised. Subramanya-Puttur-Mangalore Passenger train should

start at 6.30 AM to Mangalore by 8.45 AM. SBC – Karwar Express should start at

5.20 AM from Mangalore Central instead of 6.00 AM.

DR. S.T. HASAN: Moradabad is known as the city of Brass all over the

world. A business of worth 20 thousand crore rupees is done at Moradabad but

there is no direct train from Moradabad to Mumbai. I request the Hon. Minister to

introduce a direct train from Moradabad to Mumbai to facilitate the exports from

the area. An underpass or an over bridge should be constructed at Govind Nagar to

save the lives of people. Kath-Godam Daily Express train should be given a

stoppage at Kanth Station. A number of people from all over the world visit

Moradabad but this area often faces the problem of traffic jam. The over bridge

from Das Sarai to Sambhal Chawnk should be widened at the earliest to solve the

traffic problems faced by the people so that we may not feel ashamed before the

foreign buyers.

DR. VIRENDRA KUMAR: This year we are celebrating 150th Birth

Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. I would request the Government that a

Rashtriya Ekatama Train should be introduced on this occasion which should start

from his birth place and pass through various cities in the country. Mahatma

Gandhi had given emphasis on small scale and cottage industries. In order to

promote these industries they may be allowed to put up their stalls at the stations

or platforms through which this train will pass. This Budget has given priority to

railway safety. It is with the efforts and will power of the railway employees and

this Government that the number of railway accidents have reduced. It is a

commendable decision to install GPS system in each railway engine. It would

enable us to know the actual position of the train. The Government should utilize

vacant railway land for commercial purposes and thereby generate employment

opportunities for the youth. This would help in preventing the encroachments on

railway land. The Uttar Pradesh Sampark Kranti which runs from Khajuraho to

Delhi should run via Chchattarpur,Tikamgarh and Lalitpur and link at Jhansi

instead of Mahoba. I also demand that the Mahamana Express Train which runs

from Khajuraho to Bhopal and another train which runs from Khajuraho to Indore

should be scheduled in the morning. Mahamana Express should be given

stoppage at Isha Nagar. Stoppage should be provided to all trains at Orchha. The

long pending demand to provide stoppage to Bundelkhand Express at Tahraka

should be fulfilled. A direct train from Khajuraho to Mumbai should be provided

to facilitate the people of my constituency who visit Mumbai for medical

treatment. If the Jabalpur Express train is run via Tikamgarh and Sagar, it would

definitely help in the development of Bundelkhand.

SHRIMATI POONAMBEN HEMATBHAI MAADAM : This is a

balanced and a visionary budget. Railways has got highest ever outlay for capital

expenditure in the Union Budget 2019-20. Efforts have been made by the

Government to modernise stations, build passenger amenities, 100 percent

electrification, advanced signaling and attracting more investments. 7000 rail

route kilometers has been targeted for electrification in 2019-2020. Allocation rail

passenger amenities in this Budget have been increased about 200 per cent and

redevelopment of 600 major railway stations has also been taken up. Providing

Wi-Fi under flagship „Digital India‟ program at all stations will bridge the digital

divide between the rural and urban citizens. The Government is also aimed to

eliminate all 2,568 manned level crossings. Appropriate steps have been taken to

enhance connectivity in the backward areas of the country. The Government has

also introduced fully indigenous semi high-speed Train 18 under „Make in India‟.

There is a need to operate Rajkot-New Delhi weekly train no.19579-19580 to bi-

weekly, increase allocation for demand for grants and speeding up pending issues

under Railways concerning the execution of infrastructure projects pertaining to

my Constituency. I urge upon the Government to modernize the Jamnagar railway

station on priority basis and facilitate most long distance trains that originate or

terminate at Hapa Railway Station to be extended to Jamnagar Railway station,

construct a railway over-bridge near the entrance of Hapa Railway station and

expedite the work of second platform at Khambaliya station. Budget 2019 has

launched a scheme of Integrated Skill Development, where all 13 lakh railway

employees will be given a foundational training which is focused on 3Cs

Customer, Cost and (Work) Culture. Cost optimization, efficiency in management

and accountability to the consumer is reflected in this budget and highest priority

has been accorded to safety along with infrastructure.

SHRI P.K. KUNHALIKUTTY: I do not know what is the wonder that is

going to happen in this country, without allocation of funds. The fact is that this

Government do not have much focus on Railways. It is waiting for its mercy

killing like any other public sector undertaking. One can very well understand as

to what has happned to Air India within a couple of years. The Railways also is

going to be privatized. One can very well see, when we go through the documents,

there is not much allocation even for the usual works. Southern States are being

neglected in general and Kerala in particular. There is no fund allocation for

Kerala. There was a proposal for a new coach factory at Kanjikode. During the

last five years, there is no talking about that coach factory. There was a proposal

for a line between Nilambur and Nanjangud. It has tourism importance. That is

what I wanted to bring to the notice of the Government.

SHRIMATI SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO: The Hon. Finance

Minister has presented a futuristic, progressive, benevolent and inclusive Budget.

The Government has started seriously fulfilling its obligations as a welfare state by

protecting and promoting the socio-economic well-being of our citizens, based on

the principles of equality and social justice. The Government focuses on

manufacturing world-class trains with the help of transfer of technology through

Make in India. Indian Railways is going to contribute majorly towards making $5

trillion economy a reality. Indian Railways has tied up with France to set up world-

class stations. Public Private Partnership (PPT) is being encouraged to develop

railway infrastructure. The state-of-the-art stations will be set up under station

redevelopment programme. Focus on green energy by Indian Railways is the new

engine of growth. There is great emphasis on safe railway travel. To avoid

accidents and untowards incidents, CCTVs on stations and trains have been set up

so that sabotage can be controlled. India is looking to adopt European signaling

infrastructure for safer and faster movement of passenger trains. Elimination of

unmanned level crossings is a big step. Dedicated Freight Corridors are going to be

set up. This will mitigate the congestion within the railway network, which is

going to benefit the common man. Since 2014, a total of Rs. 20,213 crore has been

earmarked in the railway budgetary allocation for Odisha. . New railway lines are

being constructed in Odisha at 29 km. per year from 2014-2018 as compared to

2004 to 2014. Doubling work has gone up to 83 km. per year during 2014-2018.

Electrification of lines in Odisha has increased by 110 kms. Per year in comparison

to 35 km. There is a place called Kantabanji in my constituency where 750 acres

of land has been lying idle for the last 75 years. It is a no-industry district. A

MEMU rake maintenance facility could be established there. There should be some

Budgetary allocation for the proposed new railway line from Balangir to Nuapada

via Patnagarh. This is a very old demand and the survey has been completed. It is

pending before the Railway Board since 2014. The DPR of this project has also

been submitted in 2016.

SHRI RAMPRIT MANDAL: NDA Government has taken extreme and

effective steps to make revolutionary reform in Railways which is main means of

transport in recent years. Earlier, Rail budget and General Budget were presented

separately but NDA Government has clubbed both the budgets. I welcome this

move. I hearty welcome the budgetary assistance of NDA Government given to

Railways in order to save it from financial crisis. While presenting the budget for

the year 2019-20 in the Parliament, Hon'ble Minister of Finance has declared many

incentive to develop Indian Railway and to make it welfare-centric. Indian

Railways is not only a largest organizations of the country but also one of the

biggest organization whose source of income depend upon almost 150 crore

travellers. I wonder as to why Indian Railway with large structure and full of

resources is running into losses. Despite being important means of transport,

Railways is lagging behind the road transport and main reason of this is that

Railway is incurring losses in the transportation of passengers. Government have

been trying to cope with financial losses by increasing rates of freight but it could

not get success in curbing the losses. It has been observed that long distance trains

are not running into losses but short-distance trains are certainly in losses.

Common man prefers to travel by road for short distance. These short distance

trains lack electricity and cleanliness facilities and they do not reach at destination

on time. A rail project from Sursand to Sitamarhi via Nirmali measuring 188 km

was inaugurated in 2008 by erstwhile Minister of Railways but its construction has

yet not been completed. After completion of project from Jainagar to Janakpur, the

same has not been operationalized in absence of its inauguration. Ganga Sagar and

Janki express run from Khajauli but their stoppage has not been made there.

Construction of broad rail lines from Sakri to Assam via Jhanjharpur should be

completed in scheduled time so that people of Jhanjharpur could get rid of water

logging and water crisis and with this, the line would be useful in securing north

frontier areas. Boodhi Gandak Express, which was running from Jay Nagar to

Gorakhpur via Narkatia Ganj should be restored. Construction of rail line from

Jhanjharpur to Laukaha-Laukahi is at very slow pace. I request to complete said

projects at earliest.

SHRI ASHOK MAHADEORAO NETE: Badsa - Garhchirauli route is

awaiting clearance from forest department. I think land acquisition should be

made at earliest for said rail route after joint consultation with Union Ministry for

Road Transport and Highways, Chief Minister of Maharastra, Forest Minister,

National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wild Life Institute of India etc.

Nagbhind to Nagpur single rail line is proposed to be converted into broad guage

with a cost of 922 crore rupees and approval from Railway Board and Department

of Finance has been obtained. This rail line should be completed at the earliest so

that passengers could travel to Nagpur at affordable price. People from Devri-

Amagav Legislature Assembly area of Gondia district under my Parliamentary

Constituency demand that a DEMO train may be introduced after noon from

Amgao-Salikarna to Durg via Dongargarh. Construction of road at Dhanoli is held

up for want of NOC from Department of Railway in the said Legislature

Assembly.

SHRI RATANSINH MAGANSINH RATHOD: Services on Lunavada-

Godhra line are discontinue at present and even rail line has been uprooted as a

result local traders and common people of the area are facing a lot of difficulties.

Therefore, Lunavada-Godhra rail line should be reconstructed and railway services

should be restored on this line.

SHRIMATI MALA ROY: As the whole country listened in anticipation,

they were highly disappointed with the negligence shown towards the Indian

Railways by the hon. Minister. The railways is the lifeline of India. It is the fourth

largest network carrying over eight billion passengers a year. In the last two years,

the Central Government has increased 61 per cent of its budgetary support. With

declining internal revenue, the major source of earning of the Railways is

budgetary support and borrowings. The Indian Railways Finance Corporation has

taken a loan of US$ 750 million from Asian Development to finance the

electrification of railway tracks. The financial condition of the Indian Railways is

shattered but there is no roadmap for increasing earnings in the Budget. The

Budget talks about raising Rs. 50 lakh crore for the railways sector till 2030. The

hon. Minister said in the Budget Speech that this money would be raised through

the PPP route. The PPP model has not been a success in Railways in the past, as

admitted in the first Railway Budget Speech of NDA Government in 2014. The

Budget does not elaborate any plan to raise this capital. It is believed that this is a

way to bring capital through loans, which will increase the debt burden on the

Indian Railways. The unions believe that this is sowing the seeds of privatisation in

future, like Air India. The projects that get less money and are on slow lane are low

on priority like the projects in Bengal. The bullet train project has missed its

internal deadline for land acquisition. There is no announcement for replacing and

modernising the old tracks and non-functional level crossing barriers which will

eventually decrease the number of train accidents and increase speed for passenger

convenience. The Budget of the Government should not aim at privatisation of

Railways and to increase earnings through plugging the loopholes in the system. It

appears that the Government is more and more taking the path of PPP by

furthering complete privatisation in the garb of modernisation and efficiency.

SHRIMATI PRATIMA BHOUMIK: Under the guidance of our Hon'ble

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, Ministry of Railways started the work for

reducing the distance between Heartland and North-East India. The states of

North-East including Assam, Tripura, Arunachal and Manipur have been

connected with rail network. Mizoram and Nagaland too would be connected with

rail network soon. I am pleased to state that the work of construction of Indo-

Bangladesh friendship bridge at Feni river is also progressing with fast pace. This

bridge will bring huge change in the economy of North-Eastern India. The

National Transport is setting up LSB coach factory in Assam. This will increase

the opportunity of employment in North-Eastern region. In the Budget of 2019-

2020, Rs. 60,000 crores has been allocated for the development of North-Eastern

states, which is the highest allocation in history. I would like to make a demand of

introducing an overnight train from Silcher to Agartala. Double line may be laid

from Lumding to Agartala. A railway recruitment board be set up in Agartala. I

propose to construct a route from Lumding to Chandrapur and from

Chandranathpur to Lanka. I also urge to introduce a rail project from Makum of

Assam to Parashuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh, which is a holy place.

SHRI RAHUL RAMESH SHEWALE: Mumbai local trains are the

lifeline of Mumbai. In this budget efforts have been made to improve the lifeline

of Mumbai which will benefit passenger of Mumbai local trains immensely. The

proposal to construct an elevated corridor from CST to Kalyan and Churchgate to

Virar be taken into consideration. The women passengers of Mumbai local trains

have to face lot of inconveniences. Toilet facility should be provided in Mumbai

local trains for the convenience of women passengers of Mumbai local trains. The

Hon'ble Minister should heed on the demands for the inconvenience of the women

passengers of Mumbai local trains. Western Railway and Central Railway has lot

of land lying idle and that land should be utilized for commercial purposes.

Mankhurd railway station should also be made a terminus as this station also has

lot of land lying vacant. Matunga railway station should be connected with

Dharavi railway station. The Ministry of railways need to make lot of efforts to

address the problems of Mumbai local trains. There should be separate coaches for

senior citizens in Mumbai local trains. The harbour line should also have a separate

division on the lines of Central-Western railways. Now a days rains are running as

per schedule but it is necessary to put gates at all the railway crossings to

streamline the schedule further. Free toilet facility should also be provided to the

passengers on the lines of free wi-fi facility being provided at railway stations.

Mumbai Central should be renamed after Bala Saheb Thakre the former chief of

Shiv Sena.

SHRI M. SELVARAJ: Mr. Chairman, I would restrict myself to the

demands of my Constituency. A new line from Velankanni to Thiruthuraipoondi

proposed in 2012 is stll pending. It should be completed at the earliest. The gauge

conversion of Thiruthuraipoondi to Agastiampalli line should be speeded up.

Thiruvarur-Karaikudi line has 72 crossings. I would request the Government to

appoint 72 gatekeepers immediately to avoid delay in travel time. Mannargudi-

Tirupati Express is running twice a week. It should run on daily basis and it should

also stop at Peralam station. Ernakulam Express and Mannai Express should stop

at Koradacheri. More passenger train services should be introduced from

Thiruvarur to Thiruchirapalli to clear the rush of passengers. Muthupettai is a

Grade-I station. All express trains should stop at this station and a computer

booking centre should also be opened there. I would request the Government to

start Kamban Express immediately. Thiruvarur is a main junction. I would

request the Government to establish a primary maintenance centre for all trains

which come up to Thiruvarur. There should be a computerized booking centre in

Thiruthuraipoondi. Needamangalam is a major junction. So, an overbridge is

urgently needed here to avoid traffic congestion. Here, I would like to mention

that Velankanni is a holy place for the Christians. The Vasco da Gama Express on

Velankanni-Goa line runs twice a week. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Express

on Velankanni-Mumbai line plies once a week. Both these trains should be started

on daily basis.

SHRI DEVENDRA SINGH 'BHOLE': Before year 2014, pace of laying

railway line was 4.3 KM per day, however, our Government brought this figure up

to 7 KM per day during 2014-2018. The target of 12 crores man days and 15 crore

man days has been fixed for 2019-20 and 2020 to 2022 respectively. Because of

the increasing population of Kanpur many trains halt at Panaki railways station, but

till now, the facilities of underpass, over bridge, lift and escalators are not available

there. Due to the increasing pressure and commuting of passengers, construction of

over bridges is urgently needed in Sarsaul, Bhaupur, Rura, Jhinjhak and

Kanchausi. The survey was done for Anvarganj-Mandhana-Bithoor line, but no

work has been commenced yet. Bithoor is a historical place. The laying of new

rail-lines between Bithoor to Mandhana and Panaki will be helpful in connecting

Uttarakhand and also redress the traffic problem in Kanpur. Our Government has

laid railway line to Bithoor. On the route of Etawah-Gwalior rail-lines, if the

railway department starts work on the proposal related to Udi to Auraiya, Sikandra,

Musa Nagar, Ghatampur, Jahanabad and Bindki gets completed soon, it will

reduce the load. I urge the Minister of Railways to get the Shambhua station

functionalised and by declaring Ghatampur Station an ideal station, Kathara, Patara

and Dohru also be developed. There are Industrial units, institutes and mandis and

trade centers at Bhimsen station. In Kanpur Dehat, manure, chemicals and other

items come from across the country, but there is no rake point there. So I urge

upon the Government to build a rake point there.

SHRIMATI KESHARI DEVI PATEL: Necessary instructions should be

issued for development of Subedarganj railway station in Prayagraj, passenger

amenities should be augmented and stoppage of trains should be provided there.

Services of New Delhi-Allahabad Duranto Express is going to be discontinued

from September 2019. A number of Offices and Headquarters of various

Departments of State Government and Centre Government are situated in

Prayagraj. Discontinuation of services of important train like Duranto will cause a

lot of difficulties to the passengers of my Constituency and adjoining areas.

Therefore, services of Duranto Express should not be discontinue and its frequency

should be increased seven days in a week.

SHRI SHYAM SINGH YADAV: I have to say only two things to the

Hon. Railway Minister that safety of Railways be augmented. Several Hon.

Members have demanded to introduce new trains. In one and two years full

attention should be given to safety instead of starting new trains so that accidents

may be minimized. An Hon. Member was saying that there is a reduction of 62

per cent in the cases of train accidents. I want to state that railways should take

steps to check accidents so that number of accidents may be stopped. We are

adopting the technologies from outsides for compartments engines, tracks and

other things. We should learn from foreign countries that timing of running of

trains should be followed in the railways. I request the Hon. Railway Minister that

efforts should be put in for punctuality in the railways. The Jaunpur district is

surrounded by railways from all sides. There is no flyover there which causes

heavy traffic jam. Several Rajdhani Express trains are running in the country. I

demand that these should be diverted through Jaunpur on one day or two. Patna-

Mathura-Kota Express does not stop at Jaunpur city, it should be halted at Jaunpur

city also. The flyovers should be constructed on railway crossings. The work of

flyover on Mariahau Road should be completed. The platform no. 5 of Jaunpur

railway station is in dilapidated condition as there is no shed, space and light on it.

SHRI RAVINDRA KUSHWAHA: The condition of Railways was not

good prior to 2014. At that time trains used to be quite unclean. So, when current

Prime Minister started the cleanliness drive in the whole country then Railways

derived the maximum benefits from that. Today, uncleanliness has been wiped out

from every nook and corner of Railways, be it trains, or their coaches, platforms or

railway stations. From 2014 to 2019 narrow gauges and meter gauges have been

upgraded into broad gauges. Further, work on doubling of various rail routes,

electrification and various pending rail stretches are being done quite

expeditiously. ROB and Underpasses, wherever required , are being built quite

speedily. We are about 12-14 Members of Parliament who come from Bihar and

eastern Utter Pradesh. To us only one train – Vaishali train – is available when we

have to come to Delhi to take part in the Sessions of the House. But, that train runs

late and we are not able to reach in the House on time. So, I wish to say that the

Vaishali train should be run on time regularly. This is our demand.

ADV. A. M. ARIFF: This Budget 2019-20 is an obvious evidence of

regional discrimination by the Central Government to the State of Kerala. Kerala

has been a vehemently neglected region for railways.

The railway development in Kerala is not as desired and is reflected in

terms of railway development and fund allocation. The only way to speed up

railway development in Kerala is to have a separate zone.

The doubling of Ernakular-Kayamkulam coastal line is a major issue. The

required land could not be acquired for doubling because of lack of proper fund

allocation. Railways have not given the compensation amount for many those who

have given the land for track doubling in Kerala. For the completion of

Ernakulam-Kayamkulam line doubling. Railway authorities should also take

necessary steps in this regard.

After the departure of Intercity Express from Alappuzha to Trivandrum at

6:25 AM, there is no train till 4 PM to that side. I request you to extend some

trains to that end at Ernakulam station. Extension of Ernakulam Intercity Express

Train (16306) and Mangala Express Train (12618) from Delhi to Ernakulam and

Trivandrum will be a relief to people of Alappuzha.

The development of Adarsh stations at Alappuzha, Cherthala, Mararikulam

has not been made. The Alappuzha bypass road work has been delayed.

For the construction of Kuthirapanthi and Malimukku ROBs, rail traffic

needs to be controlled and electric lines need to be shifted.

A proposal of under-passage in Chandiroor, Kazhividamoola in Aroor

Panchayat, EAK-63 needs to be cleared.

A flyover needs to be constructed in Karungappally railway station. The

biggest obstacle in the development of Karungappally railway station is the loop

track in platform No. 1.

Considering Autokast as a State PSU, necessary steps needed for giving the

contract to it. Rail coach factory at Kanjikode is a dream project of Kerala State.

The other Members have also stated this fact. Kerala has acquired 235 acres of

land for the Kanjikode factory. Even after laying the foundation stone seven years

ago, nothing has been done for Rail coach factory at Kanjikode. Around 3 lakh

vacancies related to management and maintenance of safety standards in Railways,

operation.

SHRI R.K. SINGH PATEL: I demand that rail service should be improved

in Bundelkhand region including my Parliamentary Constituency. The number of

general boggies should be increased in all the trains running from Manikpur to

Banda. The route of Reewa Delhi Express Train No. 12427 which presently runs

from Satna to Anand Vihar (Delhi) via Manikpur, Prayagraj and Kanpur should be

changed via Reewa-Satna-Manikpur, Chitrakoot dham, Banda and Kanpur to

Delhi. The train no. 12176 and 12178 plying between Gwalior and Mathura for

four days a week presently should be made a daily train. The Betwa Express train

nos. 18203 and 18204 running between Kanpur and Durg, Tulsi Express train No.

22130 from Allahabad to Kurla (Mumbai) and Garib Rath Train No. 12535 from

Lucknow to Raipur are presently running twice a week, these should be made daily

trains. A special package should be provided for upgradation of Chitrakoot dham,

Karwi and Banda railway stations. Doubling of railway lines between Jhansi and

Manikpur and Khairara to Kanpur should be undertaken and work of electrification

should be completed there.

SHRI VIDYUT BARAN MAHATO: The Central Government has

increased and promoted investment in Railways. Rail Budget allocation for

passenger amenities has been increased by 200 percent. Adequate amount has

been allocated in the budget for laying of new lines, gauge conversion, doubling

and rolling stock etc. To expedite the development of Railways and widen the

passenger freight coverage, Government has proposed to implement PPP model.

There is a need to start the work of Chakuliya-Vudamara, Tata-Kandra line and

also commence the construction work of ROB at Govindpur in Tatanagar Kandra

railway division and overbridge at Makdampur Parsudih in Tata Badam Pahar

railway division. There is also need to start a train from Tatanagar to Bengaluru

via Katpadi, Tatanagar-Patna Shatabdi Express and Memu train between Tata

Nagar and Rourkela and provide stoppage of Utkal Express at Rakhamines and

also increase the frequency of trains running from Tatanagar to Jaliawala Bagh,

Yashwantpur, Gorakhpur, Jammu-tawi, Shirdi and other various places in the

country. Asansol intercity express should be extended to Bhagalpur via Keol,

Jamalpur, Sultanganj. I urge upon the Government that the Jhuggis on the both

sides of the railway track should not be evacuated during the monsoon season.

SHRI N. REDDEPPA: I urge the Government to establish one dedicated

freight corridor from North to South on the lines of the Western Front and the

Eastern Front. Railways is the single largest employer in the country and eighth

largest in the world. The government should protect the existing jobs and create

more jobs. Andhra Pradesh seeks financial assistance from the Union Government

to establish new railway lines in our State. A Railway line from Kadapa to

Bengaluru was sanctioned in 2008-09, but adequate funds were not released till

now, railway line from Chittoor to Bengaluru via Kolar is also pending. The

Central Government should release funds to establish another railway line from

Chittoor to Bengaluru, improve the Chittoor Railway Station and providing

adequate facilities to the passengers visiting Tirupati.

SHRI B.Y. RAGHAVENDRA: The Union Budget has allocated Rs.

65,837 crore for the Railways in the 2019-20. The Government has proposed to

introduce National Common Mobility Card to facilitate people to pay multiple

kinds of transport charges. Indian Railways is the Oldest railway network in the

world. There is a need for reconstruction of old railway station throughout the

country including Karnataka. Efforts should be made to induct new technologies

and modernize the existing operating system for ensuring safety of train

passengers, removing the bottlenecks of level crossings, maintenance of

cleanliness and improving signalling system in Railways. Unmanned railway

crossings should be eliminated by 2020.

Mookambika Road Byndoor to Kasargod passenger train was introduced

three years ago to facilitate the pilgrims which was withdrawn laterly. I request the

authorities to re-introduce that said train service to cater the needs of passengers.

The train service should also be extended upto Guruvayur to facilitate the

devotees of Kerala and Karnataka and this train should be renamed as Murali

Mookambika Fast Passenger Train. A new train should be introduced between

Shivamoga to Tirupati to facilitate the devotees. The Shivamoga to Bangalore train

should be extended upto Chennai. Satellite Railway Station should be provided at

Shivamoga.

SHRIMATI DARSHANA VIKRAM JARDOSH: In view of the

declaration of Surat as world class station by Railways, a division office may be set

up there at the earliest. Bhavnagar-Mahua train should be run daily and its time

should be changed to night hour. A Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra should

be set up at Surat railway station. A stoppage of Sampark Kranti and Duranto

Express should be given at Surat station. At Keem station of Baroda Division,

coach indicator and display should be installed at the earliest. Stoppage of 19024,

19216 and 19060 trains, construction of foot over bridge and the length of tin shed

should be extended at Uttaran station under Baroda Division.

SHRI AJAY BHATT: The Rail Budget which was presented here has all

the things which were needed in it. We are heading towards making Railways of

world class. In this direction we are firstly doing capacity enhancement,

electrification, laying of third lines and construction and renewal of tracks is being

done so that we create a niche in the Railways of the world. East to west, Delhi to

Howrah and Delhi to Mumbai, a dedicated freight corridor is being developed.

Under redevelopment of important stations, renovation and modernization of each

station, C.C.T.V installation, better toilets, WiFi, escalators and good arrangement

of drinking water is being done. For the first time Train has reached in hilly areas

and far flung areas of strategic importance.

The construction of road circuit for Rishikesh-Karnprayag Char dham yatra

and sanction of Kashipur-Jaspur-Dhampur rail line is very necessary. A railway

line should be laid between Dehradun and Rishikesh. Kumbha is going to be

organized in Haridwara in the year 2022 therefore it is necessary to increase the

capacity of Haridwara and Jwalapuri station and the line should be extended upto

Motichur. Beautification of Rishikesh station should be done. In the closed factory

of H.M.T. in Nainital railway coaches can be manufactured. A new train from

Ramnagar, Jim Corbett to Dehradun should be started. Trains should be started

from Kathgodam- Haldwani and Ramnagar to major cities of the country. Weekly

trains, Kathgodam to Jammu-Tawi and Ramnagar to Mumbai should be run daily.

AC coaches should be attached to trains running between Delhi to Jim Corbett

Park.

SHRI S.C. UDASI: I have some suggestions to improve the railway

network in my Parliamentary Constituency, Haveri. Gadag is one of the backward

districts in Karnataka. Survey of Gadag-Mundargi-Hadagali-Harpanhalli and

Shimoga-Shikaripur-Hanagal-Tadas-Hubli new line should be included in the

current budget 2019-20. Ambitious railway projects of North Karnataka Gadag-

Haveri new line should be expedited. The work of new 98 kms line between

Shimoga-Shikaripur-Ranebennur should be speeded up. An additional passenger

train is required between Gadag and Bijapur. Upgradation/modernization of

Infrastructure facilities should be done at Haveri, Ranebennur, Byadgi, Yalavagi,

Devaragudda stations. Goodshed at Byadagi Station should be expanded. A

stoppage of trains at Halligudi station should be provided. Reservation quota

should be enhanced for trains running from Gadag, Haveri and Ranebennur via

Byadagi. GRP should create an outpost at Haveri railway station. Stoppage of all

express trains should be given at Haveri. Action should be taken to initiate the

construction of Railway bridges such new RUB at Kakola Village, Haveri Station,

Shirabadagi-Kadakola Road, Hanumanatti Asundi Road, Ranebennur Medleri

Road, Ranebennur Gangaur Road, Ranebennur Guttal Road, Byadgi Kako Raod.

Drainage should be constructed at Devargudda station, near Byadgi Station and

Nelogical village.

SHRI SUKHBIR SINGH JAUNAPURIA : The provision for further

improvement in infrastructure of Railways has been made in the budget. The 50

lakh crores investment is required between 2018 to 2030 to strengthen the

infrastructure of Railways. It is proposed in the budget to use Public Private

Partnerships model for faster development and completion of tracks,

manufacturing of rolling stock and delivery of passenger freight services. The

expansion of sub urban Railways in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi will

be undertaken through Special Purpose vehicle structures by the Railways.

Railway will be encouraged to make more investment in suburban railways

through SPV structure such as Rapid Regional Transport Systems (RRTS)

proposed on Delhi-Meerut route. It is proposed to enhance metro railway

initiatives by encouraging PPP initiatives and ensuring completion of sanctioned

works while supporting Transport Oriented Development to ensure commercial

activity around transit hubs. I urge upon the Government to start the work of

sanctioned new rail line from Naseerabad Railway Station to existing Chauth Ka

Barwara station via Tonk as early as possible and oblige.

SHRI GANESH SINGH : A MEMU car shed should be established at

Kaima in Satna District. LHB coaches should be attached in Mahakaushal

Express, Rewachanchal Express and Howrah-Mumbai Mail. Fourth platform

should be constructed at Satna and Maihar stations. Shed at platform of Uchehara

railway station should be extended and beautification of entry gate of station

should be undertaken. Rajrani Express should be extended upto Rewa –Satna.

Underbridges should be constructed at Uchehara railway crossing, Birhali,

Bamhauri and Khutaha railway crossing. Stoppages of Rewa-Anand Vihar

Express and Kamayani Express at Majhgawan railway station and halt stoppages

of Manikpur - Katni DMU at Ghunwara should be provided. Services of Rewa-

Indore Express, Rewa–Nagpur Express and Allahabad –Mumbai-Duranto Express

should be regularized and a new train should be introduced between Satna-Rewa

and Mumbai.

SHRI RAM MOHAN NAIDU KINJARAPU : There was a demand of

Andhra Pradesh that a new zone should be constituted by bunching all four

divisions of the State and Vishakhapatnam should be made its zonal Headquarters.

Seven stations under Srikakulam has to come under new Zone. A new R.R.B. and

R.R.C. should be granted for this new Zone. Budget required for all the necessary

infrastructure for new railway Zone should be included. Metro Rail projects

should be given a go ahead. Problems relating to AP Express should be resolved.

There should be a train from Vishakhapatnam to Varanasi. An FOB is requested

for main station, Srikakulam. We want to have a parking lot at

Harishchandrapuram station. There is a need for 18 new lines and 15 doubling

projects for Andhra Pradesh. A Committee has been formed for connectivity with

Telangana. What is the status of that Committee?

KUMARI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE: I urge upon the Government to

undertake modernization, industrialization and electrification of Konkan Railway;

to increase the speed of 65277 passenger train; provide stoppage of Jan Shatabdi

Express 12089/12090 at Tarikare railway station of Chakmagalur district.

Undertake construction of RUB (Road Under Bridge) at Belanhalii, Kodicamp-

Kairaibhosadi, Ajampura-Vasadurga road and Shivpur village immediately. Need

to take up laying of new railway line on Hasan-Belur-Chikmagalur-Shringeri-

Kopfa-Shimogga and Shingeri-Karkada-Mangalore route and modernization of

railway station in Chikmagalur-area.

SHRI RAJVEER SINGH (RAJU BHAIYA): I support the Demands for

Grants pertaining to the Ministry of Railways. Etah and Kasganj are two districts

in my Parliamentary Constituency, so far these have not been provided Railway

connectivity. Several Parliamentary Constituencies will be facilitated if this 29

kilometer Railway Line is constructed. In my area certain railway works have been

given approval. I request that funds should also be released for this purpose.

SHRI JASHVANTSINH SUMANBHAI BHABHOR: The Government

has proposed to use public-private partnerships to unleash faster development and

completion of tracks, rolling stock manufacturing and delivery of passenger freight

services so that target could be achieved in stipulated time. The opportunities of

employment in the country will increase considerably and Railways would witness

good revenue growth through PPP Model. Not only the voters of Gujarat but many

from Madhya Pradesh would be benefited by completion of Indore-Dahod rail

project. I represent Dahod Parliamentary Constituency of Gujarat and it is a tribal

dominated area. I request to accord priority for setting up railway infrastructure in

Dahod which is required for development of the area. I further request to include

new rail line projects from Dahod, Gujarat to Banswara, Rajasthan and Dahod to

Modsa in Bahi Khata of the current financial year.

SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN: Indian Railways is the lifeline of the

nation. This gigantic network of 63,000 kilometres and 22 thousand trains run per

day to transport 15 million passengers. It has been stated in the budget that Indian

Railways require fifty lakh crores of rupees as investment infrastructure. How that

will be done? I have some suggestions for mobilization of extra budgetary

resources. The resources of the Navratna PSUs should be utilised for capacity

augmentation by the Indian Railways? The efficiency of the Indian Railways

should be enhanced by reducing the Operating Ratio from 93.6 per cent to 88.5 per

cent. Major thrust should be given to the electrification which will reduce the use

of imported fuels and improve the energy security. There should be commercial

utilization of the surplus land of the Indian Railways.

There is a long pending demand from the State of Kerala to have an

exclusive Railway Zone for the State. Kollam-Shenkottai gauge conversion in my

Constituency is already completed. I request that all the trains, which were there

before the gauge conversion may be re-introduced. The electrification of Kollam to

Punalur and Punalur to Shenkottai sections may be completed in a timebound

manner. Vellankanni weekly train from Ernakulam may be declared as a regular

train on all days. Vistadome coaches may be introduced in the Kottayam section.

Punalur railway station near the Sabarimala temple and Kollam railway station

should be developed to the level of international standard.

SHRI P.C. MOHAN: Immediate action should be taken by the State

Government and the Railways to sort out the issues raised by PMO and prepare a

revised DPR regarding development of suburban Railway system for Bengaluru.

There is a need to connect the suburban corridors of Bengaluru viz; Malur-

Bangarapete; whitefield-Hosakote; Ramanagaram-Channapatna-Mandya;

Yesvantapur-Nelamangala-Kunigal; Bengaluru-Tumakuru; Yelahanka-

Doddaballapur-Gauribidanur; Yelahanka-Devahanalli-Chikkaballapura-Kolar-

Bangarapete; Bengaluru-KIAL(Bengaluru Airport) and Banaswadi-

Baiyyappanahalli-Hosur. Baiyyappanahalli BMRCL station should be connected

with new coaching terminal at Baiyyappahalli. New train services can be started

from Baiyyappanahalli to Jammu/Uddampur, cities like Udaipur, Jaiselmer,

Marwar, Indore, Nagpur, Vishakapatnam, Guwahathi etc. Suburban trains may be

started from Yeshwantpur railway station till the commencement of suburban

Railway System in Bengaluru. There is an urgent need for development of mini-

coaching terminals around Bengaluru, viz. Yelahanka/Rajankunte, Hejjala,

Bengarapete. Railway goods shed and inland container depot facilities should be

shifted to Malur or beyond . Railway Ministry should earmark funds in the budget

and fast track the work of Naganahalli new coaching terminal. Additional

platforms should be planned at Mysuru station. The existing railway line between

Mysuru and Arsikere via Hassan should be doubled. Some of the long-distance

trains can be directly run to Mysuru instead of running via Bengaluru city.

Ministry of Railways should conduct feasibility study for doubling the line

between Mangaluru port and other cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru and other cities.

More trains services should be provided from Chitradurga to Hosapete, Bellary,

Shivamogga and Mangaluru. A daytime Intercity superfast train between Hosepete

and Bengaluru via Kottur and Harihara should be started. An exclusive Intercity

Superfast train should be run between Bengaluru and Bellary. Work should be

started on the rail connectivity from Shivamogga-Mangaluru Port. It is urged to

create Gulbarga and Mangaluru Divisions under the administrative control of

South Western Railway. Gulbarga Division should have the area of northern

Karnataka and Mangaluru Division should cover the areas of southern parts of

Karnataka. The Golgumbaz Express needs to be speeded up. More number of

commuter train services should be planned between Hubballi-Ballari, Gadag-

Solapura, Hubballi-Miraj.

SHRI P. P. CHAUDHARY: This Budget is development oriented and

envisages continuity. The use of green energy by the Indian Railways is

unprecedented. By the year 2021-22 the Indian Railways will be completely

electrified. Jaipur has recently been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site.

Jaipur railway station should also be developed as world class railway station.

There has been a sharp decline in the number of train accidents. Rashtriya Rail

Sanraksha Kosh has been set up to provide immediate financial support to the

family of the victims in the event of an accident. Trains like Vande Bharat have

been introduced in the series of high speed trains. Industrial corridor is being set

up between Delhi and Mumbai to facilitate uninterrupted movement of goods train

between these two cities. The initiative of online catering system has further

facilitated train journey. Ramayan Express, Panj Takth Express and Budh Circuit

trains have been introduced to promote tourism. Trains for Ranakpur temple, one

of the most sacred pilgrimage places of Jains should be introduced from other parts

of the country. An under-bridge is proposed in Bagdi Nagar situated in my Lok

Sabha Constituency Pali in Rajasthan. The movement of heavy vehicles from the

proposed under-bridge would be difficult and would cause heavy traffic jam. So, it

is requested that an over-bridge in place of an under-bridge should be constructed

by conducting a survey afresh. A port for mobile charging should be provided in

every coach of each train. A water stand should be provided between two coaches

of every train. A water cooler should be installed under the PPP mode in each

coach of every train. Every train waiting at a railway junction should be equipped

with more than one horn so as to alert the passengers. The passengers should be

given information of the next station through an announcement in the train on the

lines of Delhi metro train. A place in every coach of the train should be reserved

for cloak room for protection of the belongings of the passengers. A ramp on both

the sides of the staircase for movement from one platform to another should be

constructed. By ensuring expansion and improvement in the quality of railway

facilities along with restoration of old railway stations, extension of new lines and

participation of private sector in the goods transport sector will help expediting the

slow pace of work in all these sectors. One MEMU/DEMU train should be

introduced between Jodhpur and Marwar Junction via Luni and Pali. The weekly

trains from Jodhpur/Marwar Junction to Bangalore and Chennai should be plied on

daily basis. Most of the areas of Pali district are deprived of railway facilities. If

Bilara and Bar which are at a distance of 40 kilometers from each other are

provided railway connectivity, then thousands of passengers would be benefited

and the distance from Jodhpur-Jaipur-Delhi would also be minimized. A survey

has also been conducted by the Ministry of Railways in this regard. The proposal

to connect Bilara and Bar railway line should be included in the Budget after

giving them a sanction.

SHRI MANOJ KOTAK: 80 lakh passengers commute daily by Mumbai

sub-urban Railways. For the first time provision of Rs.33 thousand crore have

been made under MUTP. People have been provided facilities at railway stations

but the demand of rakes from 12 bogies to 15 bogies and increasing the length of

platforms have not been fulfilled. There is a need to construct ROB at three places

i.e. Kalba, Aambivali and Diva in absence of which pace of trains get obstructed.

A metro network is being laid all over Mumbai metropolitan region, hence one

ticket should be made valid for railway, metro rail and buses. A stoppage should

be provided at Bhandup railway station to facilitate the people going to Konkan.

SHRI OM PAVAN RAJENIMBALKAR: Tuljabhavani temple is situated

on Solapur- Tuljapur- Osmanabad route which is thronged by devotees throughout

the year. The work related to laying of railway track between Solapur and

Osmanabad should be started at the earliest and maximum provision should be

made in the budget for the completion of this line. Laying of a new railway track

between Latur and Nanded would minimize distance between Mumbai and

Vidarbha and increase the Railway revenue. A new intercity train should also be

introduced between Pune and Latur at the earliest. Additional general bogies

should be attached to Latur Express train plying between Latur and Mumbai owing

to excess passenger traffic. Train number 22144, 22143, 17613, 17613, 17614,

11012, 11011, 11415, 11416 plying from Latur to Mumbai should be provided a

halt at either Kalamb or Osmanabad (Dhoki) railway station. Kolhapur to Bidar

Train number 11415 should be extended up to Hyderabad. This will increase the

passenger traffic as also the Railway revenue. The provision of a shed and flooring

on rake point at Osmanabad railway station to avoid the putrefaction of fertilizer

and food grains during Monsoon is need of the hour.

SHRI SYED IMTIAZ JALEEL: Railways is the lifeline of lakhs and lakhs

of passengers. Pending projects need to be completed on priority. There is a 165

km railway line from Jalna to Khamgaon which has been pending for over twenty-

five years due to lack of funds. This route is of great importance for improving the

connectivity of the entire region of Marathwada. We also need funds for

completion of the three-phased model railway station project at Aurangabad. A pit

line at Aurangabad which is a must for connecting the city to all important cities

across the country is required. There is one long pending demand for shifting the

Nanded division from the South-Central Railway to the Central Railway Division

in Mumbai. Aurangabad city is losing a lot of revenue from tourism and industrial

point of view because we do not have proper connectivity as far as the railways is

concerned.

Our demand for doubling work of railway line between Manmad to Parbhani

should be taken up immediately. The work of electrification should be initiated as

early as possible. New Railway route of mere 80 kilometer from Daulatabad to

Chalisgaon should be constructed at the earliest. We also demand that a train

should be introduced from Aurangabad railway station to Goa, Delhi and Pune in

addition to Aurangabad-Ajmer-Jaipur, Aurangabad-Bangalore, Aurangabad-

Udaipur routes. New Railway lines should be laid at the places where there is no

railway connectivity. The people of Aurangabad will certainly be benefitted if

stoppage to Tapovan Express, Jan-Shatabadi Express and other trains is given at

Mukundvadi Railway Station.

SHRI MITESH RAMESHBHAI PATEL: The construction work on

Mumbai-Ahmadabad bullet train is in progress in my Parliamentary Constituency

Anand. This project is a concrete step in the direction of fulfilling the dream of

building New India. Two industries of my constituency are getting affected by this

project. The owners of these industries are ready for full acquisition of the

industries. But this acquisition is not being done as per rules. Only half of the

industry has been acquired and compensation is being given to them which is not

justifiable. It is my request to the Hon. Railway Minister that the concerned

persons may please be instructed to give full compensation for the losses and

ensure acquisition of industry.

SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN : The Government proposes to spend 50 lakh

crores to make Railways more accessible, comfortable and reliable in next 10

years. The Government is taking care of convenience, safety and time saving in

journey of middle class and poor. The Government has focused on providing

facilities to businessmen while transporting goods through trains throughout the

country. The budgetary allocation of 65 thousand 837 crores has been made for

the year 2019-20 for Railways and 7 thousand 255 crores are earmarked for new

rail lines, 2 thousand 200 crores for gauge conversion and 700 crores for doubling

of lines. My Parliamentary Constituency Banaskantha should be connected with

railways as it lacks rail line. I request the Government to release the budget of 700

crore rupees in this financial year already sanctioned for my constituency.

SHRI RAMULU POTHUGANTI : There is need to sanction a new

railway line from Gadwal to Macherla which belongs to my Nagarkurnool

Parliamentary Constituency for which a survey was conducted in the year 2007-08.

This new railway line will take off from Gadwal and run via Wanaparthy,

Nagarkurnool, Kalwakurthy, Achampet, Vanguru, Devarakonda Assembly

segments and joins Thirumalagiri on the already sanctioned Nalgonda-Macherla

line. The Bhadrachalam-Sattupally-Kuruvi rail line project should be completed at

the earliest by providing sufficient funds as this rail line connects both Telangana

and Andhra Pradesh and the backward tribal area of Khammam district of

Telangana.

SHRI ASIT KUMAR MAL: Government of India has planned to privatise

Railways step by step. Within 2030-Rs. 50 lakh crore will be invested from

outsourcing in this Budget. The safety and security of the passengers have not

been ensured. The Railways tracks are not maintained properly. No new projects,

no new train and no new Railway line extension are declared in this Budget. The

functioning of Metro Rail of Kolkata has reached the bottom level. There is no

replacement of old coaches. Everyday there is apprehension in the minds of the

passengers of the Kolkata Metro, whether the Metro Rail will operate or not.

SHRI HANUMAN BENIWAL: A Railway Safety Protection Fund should

be created for safety of Railway. Privacy of people travelling in First Class, Second

Class and Three Tier AC should be ensured. Recruitment should be made through

new vacancies in Railway Protection Force. Work on Dedicated Freight Corridor

should be expedited. Modern Railway Coach Factory should be established in

Rajasthan. New Railway lines in Rajasthan announced during last Budget should

be started like Jaisalmer-Kandla Rail Project. Immediate steps should be taken to

materialize Nagore Railway Line Project. Approval should be given to a new

Railway line from Pipaad of Jodhpur district to Mundwa via Bhopalgard-

Sankhawas. New trains should be introduced connecting South India and

frequency of weekly trains should be increased. Modernisation of Nagore

Railways station and Mundwa, Gotan and Medata road station under Nagore

district should be done. A new rail should be announced from Didwana to

Kuchamaan in Nagore Parliamentary Constituency area. Rajasthan Sampark

Kranti Express, 12463/64 and 22464/65 should be run on daily basis.

SHRI ARJUN SINGH: Budgetary allocation of Rs. 65,837 crores has been

provided to Railways in the Demands for Grants for this financial year 2019-2020.

In this budget emphasis has been laid on modernization of stations, and passenger

amenities like toilets and waiting rooms and better stations. Capital expenditure

during the years 2009-2014 was 2.3 Lakh crores which has increased to Rs. 5.29

Lakh crores during the years 2014-2018 i.e. there was 130 per cent growth. During

these 5 years implementation of projects such as laying broad gauge lines, track

renewable, new railway lines, doubling and projects of third and fourth generations

has been fast tracked. There was considerable growth in every sector of Railway

during 2014-2018. Warehouses should be constructed on vacant railway land under

PPP model so that people can get employment. Naihati station should be renamed

as Rishi Bankim Chandra Station. Shyam Nagar Station should be named after

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Kanchrapara Station should be renamed as Gandhi

Dham Station and Palta Station should be renamed as Bhagwan Hari Chand Guru

Chand Station.

SHRI H. VASANTHAKUMAR: Millions of people are visiting

Kanyakumari but there are no basic amenities like toilets and street lights in

Nagercoil and Kanyakumari railway stations. Hence, these facilities should be

provided there. Government should give an assurance that it will not privatize

Railways without consultation and that they will safeguard the interests of those 13

lakh employees. We need more trains for Kanyakumari. Frequency of TBM-NCJ

SF Express runs weekly thrice from Chennai to Southern districts like Madurai,

Tirunelveli, Nagercoil should be increased five days per week. Kanyakumari

should be created as a new railway division. Late night train should run from

Chennai-Egmore via Nagercoil to Trivandrum. Overbridge is required at level

crossing at 15-B in Vilavancode. The Madurai Sampark Kranti Express and Tejas

Express may be extended up to Nagercoil. Unreserved women coaches must be

provided in all the trains. The frequency of train from Mumbai-Nagercoil should

be increased to seven days and also the frequency of trains running from Nagercoil

to Velankanni, Nagercoil to Thiruchendur, Nagercoil to Puducherry and

Puducheery to Chennai should be increased.

SHRIMATI RAMA DEVI: Indian Railways is the third largest railway

network in the world. A total of 22000 trains are being operated under this 63

thousand Km long network. In order to run such a huge network, many systems

railway tracks bridges, signaling and telecommunications system are always

required to be streamlined. Keeping this in mind, the Government has boosted

investment in Railways. Railway allocation has been increased upto 5.30 lakh

crores during the last five years. In Bihar, 34 railway projects are lying pending in

which a project of laying line from Sitamarhi to Bapudham Motihari via Sheohar is

also included. Railways has started two dedicated Freight Corridor Projects.

Railways would earn a vast revenue with the starting of these projects.

Electrification work regarding railway line of 33,658 Km with the cost of 29,486

crores has been started. In this project, Narkatiganj- Sitamarhi rail section of my

Constituency is also included. It is my request to the Hon. Railway Minister that

waiting room, toilets, drinking water, ROB, station and ramp type facilities should

be provided for the passengers at the Railway stations of Gurhanva, Kundwa,

Chainpur, Dhaing, Rega, Ghorasahan and Bairgania falling on Narkatiganj-

Sitamarhi railway section under my Parliamentary Constituency. An ROB or an

underpass should be constructed at eastern level crossing 12 C of Gorasahan model

Railway station which is located in the main market. A halt should be given to

Sugalli- Patliputra Intercity (75215/75216) train at Rega and Dhaing station.

SHRIMATI ANUPRIYA PATEL: My Parliamentary Constituency

Mirzapur has always been neglected although it has immense possibilities for

development as far as Railways is concerned. The residents of Mirzapur do not

have even a single train facility for commuting to Lucknow. It is requested that a

train should be provided for the people of Mirzapur to enable them to commute to

Lucknow, since the absence of railway connectivity hampers development in the

district. Robertsganj to Madhupur via Ahrora railway line has been sanctioned for

the recently rechristened Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay junction. This railway

line will connect all the religious places like Maa Bhandari Devi Dham, Maa

Vindhyachal Dham and Maa Maiher Devi Dham which are thronged by lakhs of

devotees throughout the year. Rs. 1260 crore were sanctioned for the construction

of this railway line in the year 2017-18, however, the construction of the railway

line has not begun so far. So, I would urge upon the Minister for the construction

of this railway line at the earliest. Mirzapur to Rewa, Madhya Pradesh via Lalganj

is another important railway line. The boundaries of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya

Pradesh touch each other at Mirzapur and Rewa. I would urge upon the Hon.

Minister that there is an urgent need to lay this railway track. The survey of this

railway line has been completed, the sanction of its construction should be

provided at the earliest. There are two major railway stations namely Mirzapur and

Vindhayachal in my district. Mirzapur and Vindhyanchal are very important from

tourism and religious point of view. So I would urge upon the Hon. Minister to

develop these two railway stations as model stations. There are several small

stations in my Parliamentary Constituency like those of Chunar, Gaepura, Jigna,

Ahrora road and Lusa. There is absolute dearth of passenger amenities at these

stations. These amenities should be provided at these stations. An industrial

corridor is being developed from Amritsar to Kolkata via Delhi. Eight districts of

Uttar Pradesh have been included in this industrial corridor, however, Mirzapur has

again been neglected. Mirzapur is a zero industry district. The local traditional

industries have all been destroyed there. There are no means of employment so

Mirzapur should also be included in this industrial corridor on the lines of

Allahabad and Varanasi. Halt should be provided to Patna-New Delhi Rajdhani

Express at Mirzapur. North East Express from Guwahati-New Delhi, and Poorva

Express from Howrah-New Delhi, should be provided a halt at Mirzapur.

SHRI ABU TAHER KHAN: There is no toilet facility in Sealdah-Lalgola

local train service. This long pending demand should be fulfilled at the earliest.

Nasipur Rail Bridge which falls under Murshidabad District has already been

constructed more than 10 years ago but it has not started functioning yet. So,

immediate intervention is required to make it functional. There is a need to take

initiative for construction of a new railway line from Krishnanagar to Baharampur

via Karimpur. There is also a need to take appropriate action for making

Murshidabad railway station as a modern station with all available facilities.

SHRIMATI SUPRIYA SADANAND SULE: The Railway Budget has

been merged with the General Budget. I want to know by merging both these

budgets, what is the increase that you have got or what is the benefit of merging

this. I do not see drastic change in great improvement of infrastructure of pending

projects. I also want to know what exactly is the rate of return of 2018-19? What

is the basis on which they calculated it? In this Budget, freight is in profit. But, on

passenger side, there still seem to be a challenge. So, how are they going to

balance this Budget if they are taking from one side and giving it to the other side?

They have also talked about PPP model. Earlier they said that they were not going

to privatise Railways. There is a SPV model with the States which they have done.

But it has also failed. The bullet train was something we were all very excited

about. Now, the Minister ji is saying that the introduction of Bullet train is getting

delayed. I have an apprehension that like Ache Din rhetoric, there might not be

any Bullet train, or allocation or PPP model. I have also an apprehension that on

the lines of Air India, Railways might also be privatised. A lot of poor people for

decades have been staying on railway lines. This Government has committed to

give free houses for poor people. So, what is the plan of the Government for the

optimal use of land? Although they talk about security of women, but even cent

percent budgetary allocation for safety is not being utilized. 5000 crore rupees have

been allocated in several budgets, but only three, four or four and a half thousand

crore rupees are utilized. So, why is safety not being put as a priority? I hope that

the Ministry of Railways convert all dreams and aspirations into reality.

SHRIMATI MALA RAJYA LAXMI SHAH: The Government has done

lot of commendable works in the field of Railways. Now, there are proposals to

run trains like bullet train and Tejas. Vande Bharat is already in operation. Rail

factories are now being set up for manufacturing of rail coaches in the country. I

urge upon the Hon. Railway Minister to pay attention to senior citizens and other

people who have problem in boarding and de-boarding the trains. Tehri Garhwal

is a tourism hub. A toy-train should be run between Dehradun and Mussoorie.

The trains running between Delhi and Dehradun take a long time. So if a train is

run from Dehradun via Biharigarh and Chhutmalpur then the distance will be

reduced by 80 to 90 kilometer which will not only save two hours but also ensure

smooth operation of trains.

SHRI KHALILUR RAHAMAN: There is a need to take action for

construction of railway underpass at Dhulian Pakur Road under Samsherganj

Block. There is also a need to increase coach in Intercity Express running between

Malda Town to Howrah via Katowa Junction which will help local people a lot.

Modernisation of Jangipur Road Station should be done. The Government should

provide security facility in all the trains specially at night times to stop illegal

activities.

SHRI THOL THIRUMAAVALAVAN: Indian Railways is the third

largest employer of the world. Instead of local persons, candidates from outside of

Tamil Nadu are being selected for Apprenticeship training. Not only for Tamil

Nadu, persons belonging to every State concerned should be given importance and

priority in the employment opportunities available in that particular State. As per

the Apprenticeship Act, the locals concerned should be given priority and

importance at the time of selection for Apprenticeship training as well as for job

appointments. My Chidambaram Constituency is a tourist centre where the world

famous Shiva temple is located. Rameshwaram and Tirupati are two famous

pilgrim centres. Train services between Rameshwaram and Tirupati should be

operated on a daily basis.

SHRIMATI APARUPA PODDAR: Many problems are being faced in my

constituency with regard to the Indian Railways. The frequency of train accidents

has raised serious doubts in public mind about safety in the Railways. The reason

for increasing number of railway accidents are overaged tracks, wagons, coaches

and an overaged signaling system. All the superfast trains plying from West

Bengal reach Delhi via U.P. and Bihar. One general coach for ladies used to be

attached to the front and last boggies of superfast trains some 30 years back.

People travel like animals in these long distance trains. I urge upon the Hon.

Minister to take due note of their plight in the light of the motto of 'Sabka Sath,

Sabka Vikas aur Sabka Vishwas' with which this Government has come again to

power. There are many problems like lack of passenger facilities including

cleanliness at the railway stations, lack of security arrangement at all the railways

stations and late running of trains, the quality of food served by IRCTC is also very

low. New coaches needed to be added up in the metro rail which is maintained by

the Railways and basic amenities for the common passengers needed to be

included. There are 16,464 loco-pilot vacancies. In the safety category, there are

1,22,736 vacancies. The hon. Minister is urged upon to pay attention to the fact

that Railways are functioning with 16 per cent vacancies. There are 7,000

vacancies in RPF. Tarkeshwar and Kamarkundu should be developed as modern

railway stations. Please allocate funds for the halt at Bolondi station. There is a

need for construction of new railway line between Arambagh-Baichandi in

Burdwan which is already a sanctioned project. There is a need to provide a halt

at Purshua station. The BPL families should be provided Izzat monthly passes.

There is a need to construct railway line from Bargechia to Chapadanga which is a

long pending demand. There is a need to construct a level crossing or under pass

at Chandanpur railway station in my constituency. There is a need for extra

coaches for all incoming and outgoing trains in West Bengal. There is a need to

have a special recruitment drive for filling up of the vacancies for SCs, STs and

OBCs.

SHRIMATI ANNPURNA DEVI: Trains of two railway zones are

operating in my Parliamentary Constituency Koderma (Jharkhand). There are

many places where roads cross the railway lines. So, there is a need to construct

ROB's at those places. There is an urgent need to construct ROB in Hazaribagh

road gate No. 20 B/3 J under East Central Railways. ROB should also be

constructed on Rajdhanwar railway station before Panchrukhi. There is also a

demand for the construction of ROB on Chichaki gate No. 18. Daily Rajdhani

Express train should be given a halt at Kodarma station. Halt should be given to

train No. 12313/12322 Siyaldhah Rajdhani Express at Sharmatand Station

(12351/12352) and Parsabad station (12801/12802). Railway halt should be

constructed at Rainba Sijuya at Kodarma to Giridih railway section and Jharkhand

dham to provide railway facility to people. A RUB should be constructed in

Moriyama of Kodarma. Koderma railway station should be upgraded to a model

station. Doubling work should be undertaken on Madhupur- Giridih Koderma

single railway line. The Regional Office of South- East Railway should be shifted

to Ranchi from Kolkata.

SHRIMATI LOCKET CHATTERJEE: Railways is the backbone for

social and economic life of the Indians. In Budget 2019, a lot of provisions have

been made for the development of railways. There is 200 per cent increase in

funds for passenger amenities. Rs. 7,255 crore has been allocated for construction

of new lines. Public private partnership (PPP) will be used to unleash faster

development and delivery of passenger freight services for railway projects to

boost connectivity. Apart from projects like bullet train, semi high speed trains,

many other initiative have been taken to transform Indian railways. Works on all of

these have already started and we can expect them to be completed by 2022. The

government will ensure electrification of all the railway tracks by 2022.

Government has started developing smart railway stations across the country. WiFi

facility to be made available at all Railway stations. The freight corridor project

will be completed by 2022. It will make the movement of goods much easier and

cheaper.

KUMARI AGATHA K. SANGMA: Over 370 elephants have been killed

in train accidents. There are about 18 elephant corridors through which railway

track passes. My request to the Hon. Minister is that these elephant corridors have

to be protected and no new railway line should be put up in areas wherever

elephant corridors are there. I request the Government to ensure that under and

overpass are constructed so that there is a safe passage for these animals and a

budget allocation be made for these passages. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is one of

the most important and the flagship programmes of our Government. There are

trains where the toilets are still in a very sorry state because most of these trains

have open sewage toilets and the sewage goes straight to the tracks. I feel that all

the progress that has been made under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan will be derailed

if all these tracks that go through the rural areas have to bear the brunt of the very,

very sorry state of toilets in our railway bogies. So, I request our Hon. Minister to

consider improving the toilets and making sure that the disposal is not done on the

railway tracks. I request the Hon. Minister to kindly consider upgrading the

railway station in North Garo Hills. My State of Meghalaya is also going to host

the National Games in 2022. Since it is extremely a short time for the new tracks

to be set up in my State. I request you to ensure that the facilities are provided in

Guwahati aiport, also upgrade the railway station in Guwahati and improve

connectivity.

SHRIMATI PRATIMA MONDAL: Railways have played a significant

role not only by providing a mode of transportation for the people of India but also

promoted development and growth of industries. Our system is still plagued with

innumerable problems. The system is incapable of functioning in extreme

conditions. Year after year promises are not reflected on the ground. It is common

to hear from our people that after all it is Indian railway, how can it be punctual?

Coming to cleanliness, everyone present here are well aware of the actual

condition. Bio toilets installed in the trains do not function properly. The much

talked about Vande Bharat Express cannot be declared as successful. We cannot

claim that Indian railway is the safest form of transport. The Budget reflects an

aggressive pace to rapid corporatization and privatization of railways. The NFIR

has directed all its affiliates for a massive protest from 10th to 13th July all over

Indian Railway. Does the Government have any intention to address the issue?

This budget has provided nothing for the betterment of the sector. I would like to

urge that the long pending work of one side platform of Chandkhali Halt Station on

Sealdah Canning Line should be completed at the earliest. A new railway line

from Joynagar to Moipith via. Jamtala under Joynagar Parliamentary Constituency

should be constructed. Operate local train service from Sealdah to Joynagar at the

earliest for the greater interest of the local people. Various stations across India

and even in my constituency, either the level of platforms are low or the gap

between the platform and the train is very wide. This causes problems and

accidents. Reconstruction of platform is also an essential task that is to be looked

into.

SHRI HASMUKHBHAI SOMABHAI PATEL: In my Constituency

Ahmadabad-East, Railway Under-pass work is under progress near Dahegam since

last two years. It is requested that this under-pass work may kindly be completed

at the earliest, so that people could move in a short way between Dahegam and

Gandhinagar. Vatva Railway Station does not have proper building and shed. I

request the Hon. Railway Minister to give instructions to construct the Building of

the Railways Station and shed and also to built foot- over Bridge between the

platforms.

DR. AMAR SINGH: The current railway budget sets some very tall goals.

What I worry is that these goals may remain on paper only. FM has mentioned

that the railways needs about 50 lakh crores investment from 2018 to 2030 and

said that it would be done through PPP model. In the present scenario who will be

willing to invest in a long term capital intensive sector like railways remains to be

seen. At the same time railways is a sensitive national asset. Can we afford to

have disputes with investors including foreign investors over payments and

charges? Special purpose vehicles are proposed for sub urban railways. My mind

goes to UK where the entire rail network was privatised and nothing has improved

on infrastructure and service quality, only the fares have gone up generating

resentment in travelers. As a poor country we must guard the interests of our

citizens. Around 60-70% of fruits and vegetables are getting wasted between farm

and the customer. Railways can provide special rail carriages to transport them

across the country which will benefit millions of farmers and consumers. Sikh

community all over the world has immense faith and intent to visit Shri Darbar

Sahib Gurudwara in Kartarpur Pakistan. Governments of both countries have

agreed for creation of border corridor between the neighbouring nations of India

and Pakistan. I want to request that in addition to road network a railway facility

may also be provided to all devotees visiting Shri Darbar Sahib Gurudwara in

Kartarpur. Rajpura Bhatinda line has been electrified but it has not been doubled.

I demand that doubling of this route may be taken up on priority. All the food

godowns in Punjab are overflowing. Punjab state is not getting adequate number

of rakes for evacuation of food grains. Hence I request that the number of rakes

may be increased many times for evacuation of food grains. Raikot sub division

has great historical importance. Gurudwara Shri Tahliana Sahib Raikot along with

Shri Machiwara Sahib and Shri Fatehgarh Sahib are all connected historically and

part of Shri Fatehgarh Sahib Lok Sabha Constituency. Raikot has remained

backward till date in absence of rail lines. Raikot lies between major rail lines, its

roughly 20 kms from the Mullanpur station and less than 30 kms from the Barnala

station. Hence, I would like to request you to sanction the laying of rail track from

Mullanpur to Barnala via Raikot sub division.

SHRI GIRISH CHANDRA: Halts of Howrah-Amritsar Express

(13049/13050), Hardwar-Ramnagar Express (15033/15034) and the train from

Moradabad to Punjab (14617/14618) should be provided at Nagina and Dhampur

stations. A VIP room should be made available and Safai Karamcharis should be

deployed at Dhampur railway station. The reservation counter at Dhampur-

Shyohara station should be open from 8 am to 8 pm for the convenience of

passengers. Apart from it, a direct train should be run between Delhi and Bijnor

and the sanitation facilities should be provided at Bijnor station.

SHRI LALLU SINGH: A provision of Rs. 1,60,000 crore has been made

for the Railways in the General Budget besides provision of Rs. 65,000 crore has

been made for the Railways as gross budgetary support. This amount shall

definitely facilitate achievement of target. The Government has sanctioned New

Metro Rail Line project up to 300 kilometers in this Budget which is a

commendable step. The proposal of introduction of Model Fare legislation for the

Railways is also praiseworthy. The sanctioning of PPP model for the Railway

tracks will intensify development of the Railways. Special attention has also been

paid to the modernisation of track and signaling in the Budget. The adoption of

European Signal Infrastructure will not only facilitate speed in the train journey but

will also make it safe. Ayodhaya falls in my Parliamentary Constituency Faizabad.

Sanction has been given to the beautification of Ayodhaya railway station for

which I express my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the people of my constituency.

The doubling of railway track from Barabanki to Akbarpur, Akbarpur to Zaffrabad

has already been sanctioned along with its electrification. The electrification of

Prayagpur to Faizabad, Ayodhaya to Mankapur railways has also been sanctioned.

I urge upon the Hon. Minister to get this work expedited. Ayodhaya and

Chitrakoot have a spiritual connect. The absence of a direct railway connectivity

on this route causes great inconvenience to the passengers so I would urge upon

the Hon. Minister to introduce an intercity train from Ayodhaya to Chitrakoot.

Faizabad godown is to be transferred and Ayodhaya coal depot is also to be shifted

at another place. This godown and coal depot should be immediately relocated.

Since Faizabad railway station is a junction, all the trains pass through it so it

should be developed as a model railway station and all the trains passing from

Ayodhaya should be provided a halt there. The survey of Faizabad to Basti and

Faizabad to Raebareilly has been completed. I would urge upon the Minister to get

these lines constructed after giving them sanction.

SHRI MALOOK NAGAR: There is a need to attach two A.C. bogies to

train going to Garhwal via Bijnor. A direct train should be run from Bijnor to

Delhi. Safai karamchari should be deployed at Bijnor railway station. Unused

land available with all the stations located in four metros of the country like Delhi,

Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata and all the B grade cities should either be sold or

given on lease. The proceeds received from such sale or lease should be used in

running new trains. We are apprehensive that this Government might not privatise

railways. This concern should be properly addressed.

SHRI P. RAVEENDRANATH KUMAR: I support the Demand for

Grants under the Ministry of Railways for the year 2019-20. Timely approval has

been given to transportation of water through rail from Jolarpettai to Chennai to

address the water scarcity immediately. Our Indian Railways have done extremely

well over the last five years in all the sectors whether it is speed, cleanliness,

security, modernisation, comfort and expansion. Gross budgetary support has been

increased by 25 per cent. The investment in Indian Railways should be increased

to expand its network across the country. Electrification of 1,166 km in Tamil

Nadu should be expedited and completed within the prescribed time. Necessary

steps should be taken to complete the project of laying railway line between

Rameshwaram and Dhanushkodi. There is a need for expediting the gauge

conversion project of 90.41 km from Madurai to Bodinayakkanur. A new line

from Dindigal to Sabarimala via Bodinayakkanur should be laid. A new campus

of National Rail and Transportation Institute should be opened in Tamil Nadu.

SHRI NIHAL CHAND: Our Government is committed to make overall

development in all the sectors of Railways. 300 kilometer Metro Rail Project has

been sanctioned in the Budget 2019-20 and operation on 657 kilometer new metro

railway network will begin this year. The Model Fare Legislation to reform the

railway fare is also proposed. The Indian Railway is also considering the adoption

of European Signaling Infrastructure. Our Government has already started

working in the direction of making the stations world-class. The construction of

Dedicated Freight Corridor for the movement of goods train is also being

expedited. Vande Bharat Express manufactured at a cost below Rs. 100 crore

under the Make in India project is among the flagship trains of the Indian Railways

and we are further working in this direction. Our Government is focusing on green

energy under the Indian Railways Pollution Free Campaign. We are taking the

Indian Railways ahead on the path of development by not burdening the

passengers with additional fare. A new Intercity train from Sri Ganganagar

junction to Amritsar via Bathinda, Dhuri, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Beas should be

introduced. Train no. 14519/14520 (Kisan Express) should be extended from

Bathinda to Sri Ganga Nagar via Mandi Dabwali, Sangria, Hanumangarh Junction,

Sadulshahr. The general public of Jaitsar, Raisingh Nagar, Gajsingh Pur, Sri

Karanpur and Kesari Singh Pur on Suratgarh to Canal Loop has been demanding a

train for Jaipur for a long time. A train to Jaipur should be provided at the earliest.

Passenger train no. 14085/14086 (Haryana Express) should be extended from Sirsa

to Sri Ganga Nagar via Bathinda, Mandi Dabwali, Hanumangarh Junction,

Sangria, Suratgarh, Swaroopsar, Rai Singh Nagar and Sri Karanpur. A washing

line should be constructed in Hanumangarh. Gajsinghpur-Padampur-

Beenjhbayala-Goluwala-Hanumangarh-Rawatsar-Nohar railway line was

announced in the year 1998 however, no progress has been made in this regard so

far. Special attention should be paid to it. Keshav Nagar halt station located in

midst of Sri Ramsingh Pur-Sri Vijaynagar stations of Bikaner division of Rajasthan

is closed for the approximately 20 years. It should be restored.

SHRI BHAGIRATH CHAUDHARY:Please get the trains 12915-12916;

12547-12548; 12215-12216; 15715-15716; 12451-12452; 19269-19270; 12395-

12396; 19403-19404; 12315-12316; 22987-22988; 12719-12720; 18214-18215

and 19709-19710 halted at Kishangarh(Ajmer). Udaipur-Ajmer-Haridwar Super

Fast train 19609-19610 to be operated on daily basis. New railway lines from

Ajmer to Kota, Kishangarh(Ajmer)to Parbatsar(Nagaur) and Pushkar(Ajmer) to

Merta (Nagaur) are requested. Please get construction of underpass sanctioned at

old railway station located at Kishangarh Ajmer and at Vijay Nagar Ajmer railway

stations towards Gulabpura Road. Escalators and lifts are requested at Kishangarh

Ajmer Railway station. Kishangarh Ajmer railway station railway reservation

booking counter to be opened all the seven days of the week from 8 AM to 8 PM.

Facilities of Wi-Fi to be started at Kishangarh, Nasirabad and Vijay Nagar. Exit of

rain water to be ensured at all the underpasses under Ajmer Parliamentary

constituency. Please sanction a budget of around 100 crores of rupees in the

current F.Y. 2019-20 for railway factory at Ajmer and fill up 35% vacancies in this

factory.

SHRIMATI RAKSHA NIKHIL KHADSE: I request to establish POH

workshop for LHB coaches at Bhusawal as at Nagpur. In my Raver Constituency

under Central Railway Bhusawal Division, Pachora-Jamner NG line require

attention for getting conversion from NG to broad gauge with extension upto

Bodwad. I also request to sanction the branch connection at Pahur railway station=

which can directly connect the world famous Ajanta caves adding to the tourism

development in this region. If the conversion of this railway is notviable I propose

to develop this route by keeping it as the narrow gauge route with extension to

Bodwad and a branch connection to Ajanta caves and upgrade this as a‟Heritage

Ajanta Line‟. Rajdhani Express (22221/22222) runs from Central Mumbai to

Delhi via Bhusawal twice a week. I request to accord the permission for running

this Rajdhani Express on daily basis with providing a stoppage at Bhusawal,

operate a special train from Bhusawal to Mumbai and a train from Bhusawal to

Pune via Manmad and from Mumbai to Delhi via Bhusawal like Rajdhani,

Shatabdi train. There are many lands in Bhusawal Division which can generate the

amount to Railways without any investments.

SHRIMATI RANJEETA KOLI: I would like to draw the attention of the

Government towards the issues of Railway traffic concerning my Parliamentary

Constituency, Bharatpur. Bharatpur is a world famous spot which houses Kaila

Devi National Park and this also happens to be the principal pilgrim spot in the Brij

region. There is huge inflow of tourists over here. I urge upon the Government to

provide stoppage of Jammu Tavi - Mumbai Express at Bharatpur Junction and run

a passenger train along Alwar-Mathura railway line since morning till evening.

Over and above, a long pending demand for the construction of an over bridge at

Hinnon railway crossing, Kherli on Agra-Bandikui line may be completed.

Koshikala-Kamadek railway line project may be sanctioned on the basis of survey.

SHRI D. RAVIKUMAR: The government should take steps to revive the

13 Railway projects shelved by the Board of Railways in 2017. I request the

Railway Ministry to revive the Chennai-Cuddalore rail link project. I request

stoppage of Tejas, the superfast train at Viluppuram. All express trains run

between Chennai and Madurai via Vilupuram should be stopped at Ulundurpet. I

request the Government to rename Erode Railway station as "Thanthai Periyar

E.V.R. Railway Station.

SHRIMATI REKHA VERMA: The dari-manufacturing business is

flourishing in Sitapur and daris are supplied to Delhi from this place. But there is

not a direct train from Sitapur to Delhi, so a train should be run between these two

places for convenience of public. New railway line was sanctioned from

Farrukhabad via gola, Maharajpur, Mahammadi, Machhecha, Mahammadpur-

Tajpur, Sahjanpur Katra and even a survey was completed from this line. But

work on this line was stopped due to the change of Government. Hence, this

Farukhabad rail line should be constructed at the earliest. There are many trains

like train running between Saharsa and Amritsar (14517), between Kamakhya and

Katara (15655), between Kamakhya and Anand Vihar (14521), whose halts should

be provided in Sitapur.

SHRI DILIP SAIKIA: Mangaldoi(Assam) is not connected with Railway

Map. 18 lakhs of voter of my Constituency facing trouble due to poor Road

connectivity. We need a Railway Line from Rangia (Railway Division) via

Sipajhar, Mangaldoi, Dalgaon to Rowta Railway Station. Kindly give recognition

to Guruprasad Das by giving his contribution to Railway by naming a Building or

a Railway Station in his good name.

SHRI SUSHIL KUMAR SINGH : While supporting the budget, I request

that Bihta Aurangabad proposed rail line under Eastern Central Railway, Hajipur,

Bihar should be constructed at the earliest. I demand that Anugraha Narayan Road

Station of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Division should be reconstructed imitating the

Dev Surya temple of Aurangabad, Bihar.

SHRI DULAL CHANDRA GOSWAMI: I would like to draw your

attention towards my Lok Sabha Constituency, Bihar. There are total 106 railway

crossings in Katihar division. 11 underpasses have been constructed on these

crossings. Out of these 11 underpasses, 10 underpasses are filled with water and

mud upto 3 or 4 feet as this is a flood affected area. There the people are facing a

lot of difficulties. Batna, Rohni chowk, Mansahi , Kajra, Lalbagh, Mahiyarpur

comes under Katihar, Manihari, Tejnarayanpur railway section. Similarly,

Dhachna comes under Katihar -Radhikapur railway section. Shahjahan and

Kuretha which comes under Katihar Kumedpur section is filled with water and

mud. I urge that construction of flyover only will prove effective in these areas.

Katihar-Manihari railway section was to be linked upto Tejnarayanpur - Bhaluka .

I am happy to note that the railway line has been laid from Katihar- Manihari-

Tejnarayanpur, if it is extended 13 kms more then Bhaluka can be connected with

West Bengal and the distance for Kolkata will reduce. Laying of railway line from

Kursela to Bihariganj should also be considered. Railway flyover should be

constructed at Katihar, Bhagwan Chowk, Barsoi, Raghunathpur, Jhaua , and

Minapur. Barsoi railway junction should be converted into a model station and

the beautification work of the said station should also be undertaken. If only Saheb

word is added to Karagola railway station which is a Sikh tourist place, it will add

to its importance.

SHRI SANJAY SETH: In this Railway Budget, first of all, I welcome the

move of the Government to upgrade Ranchi Station to National level. Although,

Jharkhand contributes every year a revenue of 25 thousand crores but it has no

zonal office. It is my request to the Government that a zonal office should be set

up in the State. A foundation stone for Lohardaga- Tori- Ranchi- Lohardaga

railway line was laid in the year 2000. The work on this line has been completed.

But the need of the hour is that a Rajdhani train from Ranchi- Lohardaga to Delhi

via Tori should also be run. It would save travelling time by at least three to four

hour. I would like to make one more demand that a shuttle train by the name of

Johar Express should be run between Ranchi and Jamshedpur city an industrial

city. There are two stations between Ranchi and Hatia but the number of coolies at

the station is only 28. The number of coolies should be increased so that the

people get employment and passengers do not have to face inconvenience.

Puroshottam Express between Puri to New Delhi should be extended up to

Jodhpur, This train should be run from Ranchi to Dehradun via Lucknow. A new

direct train should be started from Eastern Uttar Pradesh upto Deoghar. General

information should be announced and displayed in Santhali and Ole Chiki

language along with in Hindi language at the stations. LTT super Express between

Ranchi and Mumbai should be run on daily basis.

SHRI KANAKMAL KATARA: My demand is related to Banswara,

Ratlam and Dungarpur railway project. The work of this railway line has not yet

been started. This project requires a total of 1,736 hectares of land out of which

646 hectares of land has been handed over. Rs 62.5 crore has also been given to

the land owners as compensation by the State Government of Rajasthan. As per

the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Railways and the State

Government of Rajasthan, the State Government of Rajasthan has not yet provided

the requisite land and amount for this project due to which this work is getting

delayed. Banswara new railway project will help in connecting my Parliamentary

Constituency Dungarpur, Banswara with other parts of the country. It will benefit

the poor, labourers, traders, entrepreneurs and tourists. We are also demanding to

grant national status to Mangarh Dham.

SHRI PANKAJ CHAUDHARY: Anandpur-Maharajganj-Chughali (50

kilometres) new railway route project in my parliamentary constituency was

included in the budget of the year 2013-14. The Gorakhpur railway station of

North East Railway is a very busy railway station. The construction of this railway

route from Ghugali to Anandnagar will provide a parallel route which will ease

traffic burden on Gorakhpur-Lucknow railway route. Gorakhpur-Gomatinagar

Express should be provided stoppage at Brijmanganj railway station. A direct train

from Mumbai and Delhi to Nautanwa railway station (North East Railway) should

be introduced. A washing pit should be set up at Nautanwa. In my opinion

criticism of Public Private partnership is baseless. Roping in private sector is the

best option otherwise completion of approved projects will take decades. Our

Government has approved one thousand crore for modernization of railways. This

work should be completed at the earliest by making intervention at the highest

level. There is dire need of providing Rajdhani and Shatabdi Train on Gorakhpur

railway route. A serious consideration should be paid on linking Nautanwa

railway station of North East Railways to Bhairahawa of Nepal.

SHRI M. BADRUDDIN AJMAL: I am sorry to say that even after 70

years of independence the North-Eastern region has not yet been fully connected

by train. The projects started there have not yet been completed even after so

many years. The people of North East go to various parts of the country

particularly Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore etc. to earn their bread and

butter. They have to face a lot of problem while returning to their homes on

festivals. There are only few trains from their cities for Guwahati. How can the

problem of the people be solved in this manner? We have drawn the attention of

the hon. minister on every Budget, however attention has not been paid in this

regard till date. I would once again appeal to introduce new trains from big cities

for the facility of those people so that they can reach their destination easily. Prior

to independence, my Constituency, Dhubri used to become a centre of international

trade . However, after independence, it has become cut off. A new railway line

should be laid there. Besides, a new train should be introduced for the

development of that region. Finally, I will conclude my speech by placing some of

the demands of people of Assam and North-East. Survey for construction of rail

line from Jogighopa to Silchar via Mankachar and Mahendragarh International

Port should be conducted. A new railway line should be laid from Bongaigaon to

Guwahati via Langting, Kalgachia and Barpeta . New train between Dhubri to

Guwahati including intercity and Jan Shatabdi Express should be introduced. A

daily intercity chair car train between Dhubri and Guwahati should be introduced.

New express train from Dhubri to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai should be

introduced. Both passenger and goods train service between Golakganj station of

Dhubri district in Assam and Kolkata in West Bengal should be introduced.

DR. BHARTIBEN DHIRUBHAI SHYAL: The Indian Railways holds

third position in the world in terms of its network. Since 2014, very good work has

been done in the Railways. In the year 2014, the people of my constituency were

asking me to get the long pending demand of Botad-Sabarmati and Dhasa-Jetalsar

broad gauge line sanctioned. I am very much delighted that since 2014, the work

of two big broad gauge projects of Botad-Sabarmati and Dhasa-Jetalsar is going on

very fast and it is likely to be completed by the end of this year. During the last

five years, 8 new trains have been provided to Bhavnagar Lok Sabha Parliamentary

Constituency. Modernisation and renovation of the railway station is going on.

We have been allocated sufficient fund for survey work of 100 km new railway

line from Bhavnagar to Bharuch. Bhavnagar-Surat are like twin city. The people

of my area want that an intercity train between Bhavnagar-Surat should be

introduced. The long pending demand of Bhavnagar-Haridwar train should be

fulfilled. Bhavnagar-Shirdi train should be introduced. Ahmadabad Rajdhani train

should be extended upto Bhavnagar. There is a need of constructing overbridges

in Dhangli, Badtej and Dhola. I, therefore, request the Hon. Minister of Railways

that these three overbridges should be sanctioned. Bhavnagar-Mahua train had

been running since the time of Princely States. At present that train has been

discontinued. I demand that line should be reintroduced.

SHRI NARENDER KUMAR: Sainik Express 14021/14022 runs from

Delhi to Ringas thrice a week – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Therefore, the

said train should be run daily and alongwith it, a survey of railway track from

Jhunjhunu to Bissau should be conducted. The trains from Loharu and Sikar

should also be run during the day time. An underpass should be constructed on

railway route between Loharu and Surajgarh in Salaiya Kalan Tehsil, Surajgarh in

Jhunjhunu district. A reservation window should be opened in Bissau.

SHRI V.K. SREEKANDAN: The State of Kerala was not given its due

share as far as the Railway Budget is concerned. I urge upon the Hon. Minister

through you, Sir, to establish the Coach factory at Kanjikode and provide funds for

the same to commence the work as well as to restore all the trains which were

running between Palakkad and Pollachi prior to gauge conversion and also

introduce new trains passing through this route at the earliest, in the current Budget

itself.

SHRI RAMCHARAN BOHRA: Purushotam Express running from Delhi

to Puri should be extended upto Jaipur. A shuttle train should be introduced from

Jaipur to Swai Madhopur. I would like to make a special request to the Prime

Minister and Hon'ble Minister that a train should be introduced from Jaipur to

Shirdi. Earlier, train from Jaipur to Howrah used to run twice a week, it has been

discontinued, it should be reintroduced. I would like to submit that the bed sheets

and pillow covers of the bedding provided in trains are not clean, if a little more

attention is paid towards, it would be good for passengers. More general coaches

should be added in the trains. A fast train should be introduced from Jaipur to

Delhi.

SHRI VINAYAK BHAURAO RAUT : I request for the doubling of the

Konkan railway which is the busiest track in the country for which maximum

financial assistance should be provided. Trains with ideal coach like Vistadome

should be promoted. A provision was made for the construction of two new

tracks from Karad to Chiplun and Kolhapur to Vaibhavwadi. I request that

maximum goods should be transported through Indian Railways by linking

western Maharashtra and Konkan Hilly area with coastal line. I demand for a fund

of 5-6 crore rupees to construct overbridge near Vaibhavwadi.

SHRI AKSHAIBAR LAL : The Government has undertaken the work of

gauge conversion, laying rail lines and other pieces of new work under Indian

Railways for which the people of the country are grateful to them. The demand of

the people of my parliamentary constituency, Bahraich is to connect it with direct

rail line. Also, Bahraich should be connected to Jarwal through broad gauge line.

Rail line from Bahraich to Mailani be converted into broad guage and a train from

Bahraich to Mailani at 5 pm should be introduced. Also a train from Bichhiya to

Bahraich be introduced. A demo-train runs on Bahraich to Gonda broad gauge

line. A train should also be introduced on this line in the evening. Similarly,

Nepalganj should also be connected with the broad gauge line. For the

convenience of people, an overbridge should be constructed on Jail Road going

towards Lucknow through Gonda-Bahraich road. Also, a underpass should be

constructed near the chungi naka, Bahraich.

SHRI JAGDAMBIKA PAL: Indian Railways is the life line of the nation.

Our Government has focused on four important points in this budget for the

development of railways. Passengers' safety, cleanliness, capital and development

works, and financial and accountancy reforms are the four points. The merger of

Railway Budget with General Budget aims at multi model transport planning of

railway which would focus on joint development of (1) Railways (2) Highways

and (3) Inland waterways. At present, Indian Railways ranks second in the world.

Indian Railways is going to make a new experiment in which it has been decided to

provide the consumers end to end transport for some products. Bio toilets will be

fixed in all rail coaches by 2020. The government has decided to formulate new

metro rail policy and Indian Railways is working rapidly on the execution of

Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project on which an amount of rupees 75,000

crore is likely to be spent. Railways would spend approximately rupees 50 lakh

crore on manufacturing of track, rolling stock in PPP model between 2018 and

2030. NITI Ayog has identified 115 districts as aspirational districts in the country

to remove the regional disparity. The major focus of our Government is on

electrification of rail lines. Hon. Minister of Railways is requested to give priority

to electrify the present rail line of Gorakhpur Anand Nagar, Naugarh,

Shoharatgarh, Barhni Balrampur, Gonda.

SHRIMATI RITI PATHAK: During the tenure of BJP government, the

Indian Railway is in strong position. The introduction of new train like Vande

Mataram is its apparent example. In this Budget, the provisions of Rs.7677.77

crore for new rail line, Rs.17601.76 crore for doubling of rail lines, Rs.10120.00

crore for renovation of rail routes and Rs.6960.26 crore for electrification are

welcome steps of the Union Government. Sidhi district of my parliamentary

constituency is Sidhi deprived of railway facilities even today and its main reason

is long pending Lalitpur-Singrauli Rail Project for years. I am very happy to

inform that the work on this project is in progress. Besides, my constituency has

received so many gifts from Indian Railways for which I am grateful to the

Government. I demand that sufficient budget be provided for expediting Lalitpur-

Singrauli Rail Project and for doubling of Katani-Singrauli-Ramana Rail route and

concerned officers and construction agency be directed to show promptness in

execution of the work. I also demand that Singrauli-Bhopal(22165/66) and

Singrauli-Nizamuddin Express(22167/68) be made regular and a new evening

intercity train be introduced between Singrauli and Jabalpur. The stoppage of

Singrauli-Nizamuddin Express (22167/68) be given at Sarai Railway Station of

Singrauli district. The land acquisition process under Lalitpur-Singrauli Railway

Project should be expedited.

SHRI RITESH PANDEY: Indian Railways need to earn profit. It is unable

to meet its expenses and it is dependent on the Government for funds. The

Government will provides Rs.66,105 crores. Railways spend only six per cent of

its revenue on capital expenditure. A Train which ran in my constituency has been

stopped. 54110 down and 54109 up run touching Mughalsarai, Jaunpur, Shahganj,

Akbarpur, Faizabad, Sultanpur, Pratapgarh and Allahabad. This served a large

number of students. I also emphasise the doubling of Faizabad to Akbarpur track.

An underpass is needed in Ambedkarnagar. Gosaiganj and Akbarpur Railway

Stations, in Ambedkar nagar needs to be repaired.

SHRI SUMEDHANAND SARASWATI: I support the budget. Alongwith

Sikar Parliamentary Constituency, Jhunjhunu Parliamentary Constituency and

Churu Parliamentary Constituency are important places. There are some

important religious places and devotees from all over the world visit these places.

From these three regions around one lakh soldiers are in the forces of the country

and these soldiers only get railway pass or warrant for travelling. In view of this

rail network is necessary. Sikar is also known as the city of education. Therefore,

in the interest of the students, development of rails is required. Work of gauge

conversion from Ringas to Jaipur be completed immediately. A daily train for

Delhi-Sikar-Jaipur be introduced. Trains from Sikar to Mumbai, Sikar to

Ambedabad, Sikar to Kolkata and Sikar to Jammu should be introduced. Rail

connectivity should be provided for Shri Khatu Shyamji. For this a new rail line

should be laid till Didwana via Ringas-Khatu-Dantaramgarh. An overbridge

should be constructed in place of Jhunjhunu bypass level crossing in Sikar. In

view of the huge number of vehicles in Jaipur a service station should be set up at

Sikar. Shri Ganganagar-Jaipur Express should be made to run on daily basis and

extended upto Jaipur. Indore-Bikaner train should be made to run on daily basis.

SHRI VIJAY KUMAR DUBEY: Under the leadership of the Hon'ble

Prime Minister, the Union Government has increased the investment exponentially.

Tracks are being electrified all over the country. There is clearnliness in trains,

retiring rooms and stations. Unmanned crossings are being converted into

underpasses on a war footing. This has brought down the accidents. The

Chhitoni-Tamkohi rail line be expedited to provide rail facility to the people of

Bihar and the country. Panihawa, Khaddah, Kaptanganj, Ramkola, Patrona

stations are in dilapidated condition. They be modernised and beautified. A new

train to Lucknow be launched. Most important is to that Kushinagar Buddha

Circuit be linked to Kapilvastu Buddha Circuit. All the underpasses from Thawe

to Gorakhpur are waterlogged in monsoon. These roads converge at Gopalgarh.

On both side of this are schools where accidents involving school children is

common. An underpass may kindly be constructed.

SHRIMATI VANGA GEETHA: Pithapuram-Kakinanda railway line was

sanctioned in 1960, but the execution of the project is yet to be started. Our Chief

Minister is also ready to extend every kind of cooperation. The name of the

Railway station still has remained as Kakinada town. I request the Hon'ble

Minister to kindly change the name of Kakinada Town as Kakinada Smart City

Railway Station. From my East Godavari district, many devotees go to Varanasi.

We are requesting for a train from Kakinada to Varanasi. Kakinada ROB LC13,

Pithapuram ROB LC431 and Pithapuram RUB430 are also pending for a very long

time. Kakinada-Pithapuram project may be commenced at the earliest.

DR. SANJAY JAISWAL: Only announcements were made during the

regime of UPA govt. whereas we have seen the execution of works when the NDA

govt. came to the power. Shri Manoj Sinhaji laid the foundation of electrification

of Muzaffarpur-Betia-Gorakhpur line in April, 2017 and also inaugurated the

same in 2018. Our Hon‟ble Prime Minister announced the work of doubling of

lines and the construction work on all of the bridges started alongwith doubling

work. The Government and railway should consider to construct railway crossings

on the roads across the rail lines under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. I kept

on making demand for ten years to construct two overbridges at Betia and Raxaul

but even a single bridge was not sanctioned. I am grateful to Shri Manoj Sinhaji

who sanctioned eight road overbridges (ROBs) at one go in 2014 when he became

the Minister. Central Government released its share but State Government don‟t

release its share after construction of one ROB. So, there should be a mechanism

wherein the railways and the government should together decide how the work of

ROBs that they have sanctioned, will be completed. I would like to have a reply

from the Hon‟ble Minister in this regard.

SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN: I am sorry to say that Kerala has been

vehemently neglected by the Central Government. The long-pending demand for a

Railway Zone in Kerala is neglected in this Budget. Also, it is quite unfortunate

that there is no fund allocation for the Kanjikode Railway Coach Factory in this

Budget. The former Chairman of the Railway Board, Shri Ashwani Lohani had

agreed in principle to a proposal for two additional lines between

Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod, parallel to the existing double line. But there

is no mention in the Budget in this regard. The State had suggested constructing a

high-speed line but the Railways pointed out technical issues. My constituency

Kasaragod has three model stations which are under the category of ADARSH

stations, namely, Kasaragod, Kanhangad and Payyanur. It is very unfortunate to

say that no fund allocation happened for the development of these stations yet.

The train connecting Kasaragod and other important cities in North and South

India, namely, Thiruvananthapuram Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin Superfast Express

does not have a stop in the district. Similarly, the Coimbatore-Bikaner Express and

Tirunelveli-Dadar Superfast Express do not have even one stop in the district. The

Netravati Express has no stop in Nileshwaram. I request the hon. Minister to

provide a halt to morning train Parasuram Express in Cheruvathur and a halt to

Ernad Express at Pazhayangadi. Antyodaya Express requires halts at Kanhangad

and Payyannur and a stop for Chennai-Egmore Express at Trikaripur. Jan Shatabdi

Express connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, and Executive Express

connecting Alappuzha and Kanui should be extended to Kasaragod. The train via

Coimbatore can be extended to Kasaragod. The Railways can start a Mainline

Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) service connecting Kozhikode and Mangaluru for

morning and evening trips. For Kanhangad-Kaniyoor line the feasibility study for

the project is over. I would request the Government to do the needful to fulfil this

project at the earliest.

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI SURESH C. ANGADI): The Hon. Prime Minister has given a vision that

Indian Railways is the growth engine of the Nation's Vikas Yatra. Railways today

is better funded. The trains are safer, cleaner and faster. The stations are cleaner.

Every part of the country is being connected with rail lines. This year, the capital

expenditure is targeted to be Rs. 1.6 Lakh Crores. This is meant for higher focus on

safety, completion of projects, improved capacity, connecting for plunged areas,

North-East aspirational districts etc. Our Government has thought about the bullet

train. The Government is filling about 4 lakh safety posts. The Rashtriya Rail

Sanraksha Kosh fund of Rs. 1 lakh crore is created for spending on ensuring safety

of railways. Under Vande Bharat – Make in India, India stands first in high-tech,

energy efficient and self propelled train. The Government have also introduced

world class features for the convenience of passsengers. Under 'Make in India'

initiative, we have enabled world's first ever conversion of diesel locomotive into

electric locomotive in Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW) in Varanasi, UP. These

are the some of the achiements of the Government have made.

SHRI PARBATBHAI SAVABHAI PATEL: Indian Railways is

continuously making the progress under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister

and Hon'ble Minister for Railways. I demand that a new train between North

Gujarat and Southern States be introduced. I also demand that stoppage for train

no. 19107/19108 (Bhavnagar-Udhampur-Bhavnagar), 19269/19270 (Muzaffarpur-

Porbandar-Motihari-Muzaffarpur), 19565/19566 ( Okha - Dehradun - Okha),

19573/19574 (Jaipur - Okha - Jaipur), 19579/19580 ( Delhi-Rajkot-Delhi),

16501/16502 (Ahmedabad-Yashwantpur-Ahmedabad) be provided at Mehsana.

Also, Ahmedabad-Yashwantpur-Ahmedabad train (16501/16502) should be made

to run on daily basis. Also, operation of this train should be extended to

Mehsana-Patan-Palanpur. Operation of train no. 22451/22452 (Chandigarh-

Bandra-Chandigarh) should be extended to Himachal Pradesh. Similarly, Okha-

Sai Nagar Shirdi Special Holiday train (09564/09565) be made to run on regular

basis to Okha-Sainagar Shirdi via Nasik, Mehsana, Patan, Palanpur, Ahmedabad.

It will be more convenient to the passengers. Also a train like Ahmedabad-

Mumbai Duranto (12267/12268) which has been extended upto Rajkot should be

introduced for Mehsana-Patan-Palanpur.

SHRI AJAY MISRA TENI: Operation should be commenced at the

earliest on the Mailani-Lucknow section, north-east railway. Lakhimpur railway

station be made a model railway station. A rail over bridge be constructed on

Lakhimpur-Gola route and a pedestrian road be constructed below the existing

over bridge. A heritage train be introduced in the Dudhwa National Park. Survey

of the proposed Paliya-Nidhasan-Belrama route be completed early and

construction should start. Bahraich-Mailani rail line should be started at the

earliest.

SHRI JANARDAN MISHRA: - During 2014-2019, a lot of work was done

in my Constituency. Still, a lot needs to be done and I request the following:

Rewa-Singrauli route be completed at the earliest; DPR for Rewa-Mirzapur via

Hanumana route be prepared and the new track be sanctioned; Rewa-Indore

Passenger train should run via Itarsi-Habibganj-Bhopal, and for three days

continue on its present route; a new train for Rewa-Mumbai; Rewa-Nagpur

passenger should run daily; Rewa-Surat, Rewa-Vadodra passenger should run

thrice a week; new trains be introduced for Rewa-Pune and Rewa-Kota and lastly

Tapti-Ganga should have a stopage at Dabhaura Station.

PROF. RITA BAHUGUNA JOSHI: The Railways is moving towards

Private Public Partnership(PPP) to improve facilities. The Indian Railways will

invest more in suburban railway systems through the proposed RRTS(Rapid

Regional Transport System) on Delhi-Meerut route. The electrification of broad

gauge network of Indian Railways will be done by 2021-22. Mumbai-Ahmedabad

High Speed Train Project is scheduled to be completed by 2023. 13 lakh railway

employees will be given basic training under the Integrated Skill Development

Scheme. Funds of 7255 crore, 2,200 crore, 700 crore, 6,114.82 crore and 1,750

crore have been allocated in the Budget for construction of new tracks, gauge

conversion, doubling, rolling stock and signalling and telecommunications

respectively. The Government is pushing for the modernisation of railway

stations. Railways and Government has given 5,000 crore and 20,000 crore

respectively in Rail Suraksha Kosh. Smart Railway stations with wi-fi facility will

be developed. The National transporter will finish the dedicated freight corridor

project by 2022.

SHRIMATI SANGEETA AZAD: We have been demanding for the

several years for conducting a survey to lay a new rail line and introduce a new

train from Varansi to Gorakhpur via Lalganj, Azamgarh. I demand that a new

train be introduced from Azamgarh railway station to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata,

Chennai and other Metro cities. I also demand to provide stoppage of Mahua

Express, Tapti Ganga, Mau Express passing through Azamgarh railway station at

Saraimeer Station so that the people there could also be benefitted with these

trains. Rest rooms, Haats and markets should be constructed on the vacant lands

at all the stations in the country including at the vacant land near Azamgarh

Railway station. Backlog of reserved vacancies for SC, ST and OBC in group

A,B, C and D in Railways should be filled immediately through special drive. The

proposal to set up the Indian Railway Rolling Stock Company of seven units

through 100 days action plan, be stopped. Rail employees are staging dharna and

demonstration against privatization in Varanasi, the Parliamentary constituency of

Prime Minister. I would like that their demands should be agreed to and dharna

and demonstration should be stopped.

SHRI ARUN SAO: Bilaspur Railway Zone is the highest revenue earning

zone in the country but still it has been neglected for several years. I would like to

request the Hon'ble Minister to speed up the work of Katghora, Mungeli,

Kawardha, Dongargarh rail line so that the people of the region could get the

benefits of rail line. I urge the Government to set up a railway tribunal in

Bilaspur. The Government should make efforts to make station of Bilaspur and

Raipur as world class stations. A wagon and coach factory needed to be set up at

Bilaspur to provide employment to the local unemployed persons. Earlier,

Railways had made announcement to open a Medical College in Bilaspur but

nothing has been done in this direction so far. Immediate action should be taken to

open a Medical College in Bilaspur. Facilities at the exixting hospital should be

improved. Funds for the International Hockey Stadium approved to be set up at

Bilaspur were taken back. These funds should be released and the said stadium

should be constructed. Also Uslapur, Kargi road, Kota, Belgahna, Pendra road,

Bilha and Jairam nagar station are lacking in facilities. The Government need to

pay attention towards this. Demand for stoppage of several trains on these stations

have been made. The Government also need to pay attention towards this.

DR. BEESETTI VENKATA SATYAVATHI: I would like to urge upon

the hon. Railway Minister, through you, that Indian railways should maintain its

autonomy. A Railway Zone is running without a Railway Recruitment Board in

Vishakhapatnam. I request to the Hon. Minister of Railways to consider to have a

Railway Recruitment Board of South-East Railway Zone at Vishakhapatnam. We

have a long pending demand for a direct train from Vishakhapatnam to Varanasi,

from Vishakhapatnam to Bengaluru and from Vishakhapatnam to Tirupati. We

have also a demand for stoppage of Lokmanya Tilak Express, Falaknuma Express,

Amaravati Express, Nanded-Vishakhapatnam Express at Anakapalle Station and

Janmabhoomi Express and Ratnachal Express at Narsipatnam Road Station.

SHRI S. MUNISWAMY: New railway line between Whitefield and Kolar,

Kolar-to-Kadapa via Mulabagilu, Srinivasapur and a coach factory at Kolar is

required.

SHRI AJAY TAMTA: The fast pace in the construction of the approved

railway track from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag to connect the char dhams of

Uttarakhand by rail network will be beneficial for the masses. Fast trains are

required from Tanakpur Railway Station to Lucknow, Dehradun, Mumbai and

Delhi. New trains should be started in the names of Purnagiri and Pithoragarh.

Kindly approve a new track for Ramnagar - Chaukhutiya -Gairsain. Funds may be

approved for the construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar-Jauljibi railway track.

Approval for conducting survey for Chaukhutiya to Bageshwar via Garud which is

approximately 19 Km. long via tunnel may be accorded.

ADV. ADOOR PRAKASH: For passenger safety, the Government had

announced the creation of Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh with a corpus of one

lakh crore of rupees. The present status of the same is requested. State of Kerala

which witnessed the worst flood in the century is struggling for reconstruction.

The State is in deep financial crisis and unable to bear the 50 per cent cost of all

the projects. The allocation for doubling of railway lines in Kerala is not

sufficient. The Angamali-Sabarimala new railway line was sanctioned in the year

1997-98 at a cost of Rs.550 crore. The project is presently held up and the project

cost has increased to Rs.2815 crore. There are regular complaints from passengers

of Kerala bound long distance trains about poor maintenance and old coaches.

Theft incidents are also reported. Indian Railway Stations Development

Corporation had proposed Varkala Sivagiri railway station in my constituency to

develop it as a world-class station. I request the Government to consider the

development of this station on top priority. There are ten level crossings in my

parliamentary constituency. We need to construct rail over-bridges over there.

Passengers are facing acute difficulties at the level crossing at Chrirayinkil.

Construction of a railway overbridge at Edava in Varkala is also a long pending

demand.

SHRI ARJUNLAL MEENA: I request to speed up the tunnel work near

Zawar mines. The areas on both sides of Surkhand Kheda railway station is

populated. Earlier drinking water and irrigation water used to be supplied there

through pipeline. I have already given five lakh rupees from MPLADS. I request

the Honourable Minister to complete it. Approval for survey of new railway track

from Udaipur to Mount Abu via Gogunda and Pindwara should be accorded so that

people travelling to Mount Abu and Jodhpur could be benefitted.

SHRI SURESH PUJARI: Odisha has got the highest allocation. The

current Railway Budget has 13 per cent more allocation of funds for East Coast

Railway. There has been 60 per cent hike in the allocation of new lines in Odisha

amounting to around Rs. 2630 crore. There has been 118 per cent enhancement in

allocation of passenger amenities. Railway lines are being constructed in my State

at the rate of 29 kilometres per year. But there is still higher scope for acceleration

of work in Odisha provided there is better cooperation and coordination between

the State Government and the Department of Railways. The entire State of Odisha

needs to be put in one Railway Zone, i.e., East Coast. Jharsugda is a place that

requires a railway division. For the greater interest of the state of Odisha and of

the railway as a whole, all the railway offices as well as it‟s rail lines should be

brought within the administrative control of East Coast Railway, Khurda in

Odisha. The railway office of Sundargarh District which is a scheduled area should

also be put under administrative control of East Coast Railway. I demand for

laying of new rail lines from Bargarh to Nuapada via Bijepur and Padampur and

name those railway station in name of National Heroes and for modernization of

Bargarh Railway station with electrification, watering facility and second platform

with adequate lighting facility and running of local train from Titlagarh to

Sambalpur early morning via Bargarh to enable the commuters to reach Sambalpur

by 6 AM in the morning. Vishakhapatnam Amritsar Hirakund Express should be

run three days in a week through Titlagarh-Bolangir. Many over bridges including

one at village Tora needs to be constructed. Both the district of Bargarh,

Jharsuguda as well as Sambalpur require of upgraded Coach Display System.

Barpalli also deserves to go for second platform, railway overbridge and stoppage

of Nagawali Express and name either a train or the Over Bridge or the Railway

Station in the name of Gangadhar Meher. The escalator in Jharsuguda Railway

Station be made operational. Trains going through Attabira of Bargarh district and

Bagdihi, Belpahar and Brajrajnagar of Jharsuguda district be made to stop for the

passengers of those areas to board train which passes through those platforms

without stoppages. Many districts in the state of Odisha need to be included with

the large railways network in the country. The Sambalpur-Berhampur rail line

need allocation of funds for laying new rail lines. Balangir Khurda Rail lines need

acceleration in speed for early completion. The Railway line from Rourkela to

Jharsuguda needs special attention for early completion. The district of Deogarh as

well as the sub division of Kuchinda in Sambalpur also deserves special attention

of the Railways so that the people of this area can see a railway track and

locomotive running over the track.

SHRI KHAGEN MURMU: Several demands of my Maldaha Uttar

Parliamentary Constituency in West Bengal have not been fulfilled since long.

Facilities like shades, chairs, waiting hall and drinking water etc at the railway

station in my constituency would be providing at the earliest. Super Fast Trains

like Tejas and Humsafar from Malda Town to New Delhi via Samsi and Katihar

would be run immediately. New Coaches to Train no. 13153/54 Gaur Express

between Sealdah and Malda Town should be added. Stoppage of Train nos. 15941

UP / 15942 DN Jhajha-Dibrugarh Express, 12377 / 12378 Padatik Express, and

south bound Train 15227 / 15228 Muzaffarpur-Yashwantpur Express should be

provided at Samsi Railway Station. Extension of platform alongwith its shed at

Samsi Railway Station should be done. Bio-public toilets at platforms at

Harishchandrapur and Samsi Railway Stations are needed. FoB sanctioned by the

Ministry of Railways over spl. L.C. Gate No. NC-101 at Samsi in 2007-08 should

be constructed.

SHRI GURJEET SINGH AUJLA: The Punjab Government is going to

celebrate the 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Dev ji. I would urge

upon the Hon. Railway Minister to start a special train from Dera Baba Nanak to

Amritsar. Also, special trains from all states to Amritsar should be started so that

the devotees are able to pay their obeisance at Amritsar. The platforms of Majitha,

Ramdass and Dera Baba Nanak need to be renovated and these stations too should

be upgraded. The lines that need further extension and renewal are railway lines

from Batala to Tanda, Garhshankar to Una, Chandigarh to Rajpura via Mohali,

Phillaur to Nawanshahar and Mor Mandi to Talwandi Sabo. 121 kms of railway

lines need to be laid. The doubling of Pathankot-Amritsar railway line should be

done at the earliest. Trains from Amritsar to Southern states should be started.

New railway rakes should be provided. Quality of the food provided in Shatabdi

and other trains be improved. The train to Hazoor Sahib runs only once a week. It

should be converted to a daily train and it should ply via Tarn Taran and Beas, so

that the people of the area gain out it. The condition of Golden Temple express,

Jallianwala Bagh Express, Haridwar Express, Hazoor Sahib Express be improved.

SHRI MAHENDRA SINGH SOLANKY: There is a district namely Agar

Malwa in my constituency. There is no train connectivity in this district even after

70 years of Independence. Similarly, there is no train connectivity in Ashta

district. Hence a rail line from Ujjain to Jhalawad via Agar be laid down so that the

problem of that area may be solved. Similarly one rail line from Indore to Bhopal

via Ashta be laid down so that the people of that area may get facility of rail.

Similarly many of our businessmen often visit Mumbai but there is no stoppage of

Mumbai bound trains. I request hon'ble Minister of Railway to provide stoppage of

trains there. I also request that Dewas Railway Station be modernized and

developed as model station.

SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR CHAUDHARY: Kairana Lok Sabha

Constituency in Uttar Pradesh lacks adequate facilities for commuting by train.

Two minutes stoppage of Janta Express train should be provided at each railway

station, Elam, Nanauta, and Saharanpur. At the same time, long distance trains

should be introduced on Delhi-Shamli-Saharanpur rail route. It is also necessary to

pay attention to the improvement of Express train from Lucknow to Chandigarh

via Moradabad and Saharanpur. People travelling in AC coaches of Begumpura

Express from Jammu to Varanasi via Ambala-Saharanpur-Moradabad-Lucknow

feel jerks. This problem should be resolved and facilities in AC-1 coach should be

increased. A superfast train should be introduced on Saharanpur-Delhi route and

the platform at Nanauta railway station should be built properly.

DR. UMESH G. JADHAV: Divisional Headquarter was sanctioned at

Gulbarga in the 2014 Rail Budget. But since then there is no progress on the

sanctioned work. Air Conditioned Waiting Room is required at Kalaburagi

Railway Station. New train from Kalaburagi to various destinations like Mysore,

Mumbai, Shirdi and Patna are required. In addition, I request for extension and

halting/stoppage of following ongoing trains in my Parliamentary Constituency:

stopping/halting at Shahabad Railway Station of Train No. 18519/18520, Train No.

11307 & 11308 may be given halt at Chittapur and Shahbad; Train No. 01408 SUR

KOP Speical & Train No. 11051 SUR KOP Express should be extended upto

Kalaburagi; Train No. 19420/19419 Chennai-Ahmedabad-Chennai should be given

halt at Kalaburagi and Train No. 12219/12220 Duranto Express should be given

halt at Kalaburagi. I request you to start a train from Gulbarga to Hubli via

Guntkal.

DR. JAYANTA KUMAR ROY: Jalpaiguri Lok Sabha parliamentary

constituency of West Bengal has long been neglected in different aspects. Padatik

Express is the main lifeline of Jalpaiguri town. Its halt is going to cease from

September. Padatik Express should continue as before as it is the lifeline of the

people of Jalpaiguri. There is a Superfast Express train which goes from Haldibari

to Kolkata. This train comprises of Chair Car and sitting seats only. AC III tier

coaches along with sleeper coaches should be added to it so that patients can travel

to Kolkata as there are no super specialty facilities in our town. Upgradation of

railway line from Sealdah to NJP railway station and electrification is going to be

completed very soon. If Vande Bharat Express could be provided on that line,

travel time on this route will be reduced. There are many underpasses in our area

which are flooded with water. The Minister should look into this matter for smooth

passage of vehicles and passengers.

SHRI NAYAB SINGH SAINI: I would like to thank the Prime Minister

and the Railway Minister as this Government has started 81 kilometer long new

railway line, carried out doubling of 51 kilometer long railway line and completed

eight survey works for almost 561 kilometer long railway line in the state of

Haryana in the last five years. 19 ROBs and 125 RUBs were constructed from the

year 2014 to 2019 and 121 unmanned railway crossings were removed between

2014 to 2019. Pehowa in Kurukshetra is a world famous Saraswati pilgrimage

town from the era of Mahabharata. Lakhs of pilgrims and tourists visit Pehowa

town of Kurukshetra every year. The distance between Kurukshetra and Pehowa is

20 kilometer. It should be linked with a railway line. Gulachika is a town which

houses the biggest marble market of Haryana. Gulachika railway line should be

extended to Patiala so that the traders and the customers are able to derive its

benefit. A new railway line should be constructed from Kurukshetra to

Yamunanagar. The construction work of railway line from Yamunanagar to

Chandigarh should also be started.

DR. SHASHI THAROOR: I would like to bring to the attention of the

hon. Minister of Railways certain critical and long pending issues related to my

Constituency of Thiruvananthapuram, one of Kerala‟s largest economic hubs. It

attracts a lot of commuters from neighbouring districts but connectivity has

become particularly problematic. We have been waiting for a long time for a

suburban train service on the Thiruvananthapuram-Chengannur route to improve

connectivity with the neighbouring districts. The trains like Nagercoil-Kochuveli

passenger or the Vanchinad Express has very short stop at various stations. It is a

safety hazard. Thousands of people have to get on and get off in that one minute.

It needs to be fixed. Many stations like Neyattinkara, Nemon, Parassala,

Balaramapuram and Kazhakootam need urgent overhaul and modernization. There

is a problem of leaky trains in Kerala during the rains. There is a need to start a

dedicated train on the Thiruvananthapuram-Velankanni-Madurai route, a famous

pilgrimage route. There is an urgent need for timebound completion of the long

standing proposal to double the tracks between Thiruvananthapuram and

Kanyakumari and Thiruvananthapuram and Kottayam/Alappuzha. There is a need

to provide internet and WiFi facilities in all long distance trains such as

Nizamuddin Rajdhani, the Mumbai Jayanti Janatha or Kerala Express. If the

Minister were to act on these issues, it will be beneficial for the State of Kerala as a

whole.

SHRI SUBHASH CHANDRA BAHERIA: The foundation stone of a

MEMU rail coach factory was laid in the year 2013 but the work has not started

yet. I urge the hon'ble Minister of Railways to establish some other rail factory

instead of MEMU rail coach factory. Rail line survey was conducted before

independence and work was also started on Jaipur, Todaraisingh, Saapur, Laambia.

Till date the gauge conversion work of Todaraisingh has been not undertaken, even

the rail line was removed.

My request to the hon'ble Minister of Railways is that the work related to

laying of rail line may not be started but the gauge conversion of the rail line

should be done till Lambia via Shahpur. Third cause of problem is the size of

underpasses being constructed, commuting through them has become a nightmare.

A permanent solution of the problem may be found out. Fourth problem is that

there is heavy traffic on Ajmer-Bhilwara-Chittaur rail line, therefore, the doubling

work must be undertaken for this rail route.

SHRI SUBRAT PATHAK: First of all, I would like to thank the Finance

Minister of India for presenting such a great Budget. I represent Kannauj

Parliamentary Constituency and I have travelled by road and by air the most since

my childhood till now. The biggest reason why I have not travelled by train is lack

of development of railways in my Constituency, and particularly in the rural areas

and also because there is unavailability of rail lines. Another big reason behind it is

the lack of cleanliness of railway stations. Unavailability of easy rail services has

hindered the development of Kannauj. Therefore, Kannauj station should be

connected with broad gauge line. Direct rail line should be laid from Kannauj to

Lucknow and Delhi.

SHRI C.P. JOSHI: First of all, I would like to thank the hon'ble Speaker

for giving me an opportunity to speak on the Budget of the year 2019-20 of the

country. The Railways has set up several new dimensions during the last five

years. The estimated revenue of Railways is Rs. 2,16,935 crore for the year 2019-

20 which is 10 per cent higher than the estimated revenue for the year 2018-19.

Budget 2019-20 includes various major announcements such as investment in

railways infrastructure, development of rail network, enhancement of passenger‟s

amenities and setting up of Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (National Rail Safety

Fund). The Railways has started the fastest train developed by Integral Coach

Factory with a cost of Rs. 97 crore and set up its first transportation university,

National Rail and Transportation Institute (NRTI). It is the third such type of

university of the world after the universities of Russia and China. It has been

targeted to electrify all broad gauge routes of Indian Railways by the year 2021-22

and Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is the way of superfast growth and

development of India. The Railways has improved trains and coaches facilities by

introducing Tejas, Antyodaya and Hamsafar trains and Deen Dayalu and Anubhuti

coaches. Indian Railways is also playing its role in promoting tourism and

providing amazing experience to the tourists. Ramayna Express, Panj Takht

Express and Buddhist Circuit Train have been introduced in this regard. I would

like to draw the attention of the Railway Minister towards some problems relating

to railways in my Parliamentary Constituency such as construction of new rail line

on Mandsaur to Pratapgarh and Pratapgarh to Banswara route, sanctioning of rail

line on Neemuch-Singoli-Rawatbhata-Kota route, doubling of Chittorgarh to

Ajmer and Kota rail line, starting the work of gauge conversion of Mavli-Marwar

rail line at the earliest, speeding up the work of gauge conversion of Udaipur-

Himmatnagar rail line, speeding up the work of gauge conversion of Mavli-Bari

Sadri line as well as Bari Sadri-Neemuch line and extending Delhi to Ajmer

Shatabdi Express upto Chittorgarh.

SHRI VINOD LAKHAMSHI CHAVDA: I would like to put forth some

issues of my Constituency before the hon. Railway Minister through the Chair.

The long pending construction work of broad gauge line from Bhuj to Naliya in

my Constituency should be started at the earliest. Moreover, there is only one train

from Bhuj to Delhi. So, one more train should be run between the said stations and

one superfast train should be run from Bhuj to Mumbai. In addition, trains for

various other states should be run from Gandhidham.

SHRI NARANBHAI KACHHADIA: The construction of broadgauge is

going on from my constituency, Dhasa to Khijadia, Lunidhar to Jetalsar. This is

going on at a slow pace. This work should be speeded up. The railway line in

Khijadia, Amreli,Chalala, Dhari, Visavadar, Talala, Junagadh, Prachi and Kodinar

should be converted into broad gauge. From Gariyadhar to Palitana which is the

biggest Jain pilgrim place in the world, in 2015, a provision for 369 crores of

rupees have been placed for that rail line. That work is also been stopped. That

work should also be started. The train from Bandra-Mahuwa should be started as

soon as possible. The Government has announced the development of the railway

sector on the PPP model in this budget. I welcome this step of the Government

because the partnership of public and private sector will lead to great employment

opportunities in the country and it will provide huge revenue to the Railways. 402

crores of rupees have been sanctioned for the doubling of Dhasa, Khijadia,

Lunidhar, Jetsalsar line in my parliamentary constituency. This work is going on at

a slow pace because of the inaction of the officers. Through you, I request the

hon'ble Minister to allot sufficient fund for the completion of this project. Earlier,

one crore of rupees each have been sanctioned for the final survey of the four new

lines, Visavadar-Junagadh, Visavadar-Talala-Veraval, Talala-Delvada, Kodinar-

Prachi in my parliamentary constituency. However, no progress has been made in

this work as the fund is not allotted till now. Fund may be allotted for these four

projects. The gauge conversion work of Visavadar-Junagadh, Veraval, Talala,

Visavadar lines may be sanctioned so that this project could be completed as soon

as possible. The huge public demand for running Mahuva-Surat train no. 12945-46

between Surat Mahua everyday and the timely conversion should be fulfilled.

Onion is widely produced in Mahua located in my constituency Amreli. So, it is

my request that an arrangement for the transportation of onion should be made for

the benefit of farmers by which the businessmen can get more profit.

SHRI ABDUL KHALEQUE: I come from the parliamentary constituency

Barpeta, Assam. Barpeta district is also headquarters. But unfortunately Barpeta

city is not connected with a rail line till now. Barpeta district should be connected

with a rail network. When people travel on a train, they should be protected.

People should feel secure for the strength of the nation.

SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA: In 2016, the Minister of State for Railways,

during his Ujjain visit, had announced that Amritsar Express would run via Ujjain

once a week but the train service has not started till date. From the year 1932 to

1975, there was a rail line from Indore to Agra via Jhalawar, which had been

closed in 1975 during MISA, train services should restart on this line. Intercity

train from Indore to Bhopal via Ujjain, which was bypassed, should be

reintroduced. Stoppage of Jaipur-Bhopal Express should be provided at Tarana

Road station. Stoppage of Indore-Mumbai Central Duronto Express should also be

provided. Honorable Minister of Railways, while attending a programme in Indore,

has announced that from Shri Mahakaleshwar, Ujjain to Kashi Vishwanath,

Varanasi-Mahakaleshwar Express would be introduced, but it has not been

introduced till date. The work of setting up of a training institute in Ujjain, under

Western Railway had started but for some reasons, it has been stalled.

DR. K. C. PATEL: Dang district is a 100 percent tribal district. 50 per cent

of people living in Dang district have not even travelled by train; they have not

even seen a train. Railway line between Bilimora to Waghai is a narrow gauge rail

line that extends to Saputara Hill station via Ahwa. A survey has been conducted

for extending this line to Nasik, my demand is that it should be extended and for

this, fund should be allocated in the Budget. Vapi is the largest industrial city in

Asia. The train running from Ahmedabad to Valsad, should be extended to Vapi.

Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani which stops directly at Surat station after Mumbai, I

demand that stoppage of this train should be provided at Vapi.

SHRI GAJENDRA UMRAO SINGH PATEL: First of all I would like to

thank hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the Minister of Railways

Shri Piyush Goyal Ji for presenting such a budget which is likely to facilitate

development works through the railways throughout the country. The alignment of

Indore – Manmad rail route has been finalized. I demand that this work should be

completed at the earliest. The work of land acquisition in this regard is also

remaining to be carried out. Land should be acquired for this rail route urgently

and the work should be started soon so that the people are benefitted therefrom.

SHRI BENNY BEHANAN: I wish to highlight some points unique to

Kerala with respect to development of Railways in the State. So far as railway

infrastructure is concerned, the line utilization is more than 100 per cent. We need

alternative lines for which adequate land is needed. Getting land for development

anywhere is difficult, but in our State it is impossible. One-third of all the

available land could not be put to any developmental use because of its unique

features. While deciding payment for compensation on acquired land for the

development of railways, the component of the State Government has to be

reduced from the present level of 50 per cent to at least 20 per cent and the

component of the Central Government has to be increased as a special case as far

as Kerala is concerned.

SHRI PRADEEP KUMAR SINGH: Sir, we have only Seemanchal

Express train originating from Jogbani border near Nepal border, running upto

Delhi. The train does not have pantry car, neither has any eating arrangements. It

has only one AC coach of III tier. People coming from that train remain hungry

for upto 30 hours. Arrangements for fitting a pantry car may be made in that train,

coaches may also be changed. We have good relations with Nepal in terms of food

and marriage. Many tourist from there come to Delhi. There is no train for Patna.

Intercity express from Katihar to Patna starts at morning 6 „o‟ clock, having a

distance of only 115 Kms. That train should be postponed. We only need to

extend the train running from our place Jogbani under Araria Constituency.

Amrapali Express running from Katihar to Amritsar should start from Jogbani

instead of Katihar. We have only one train running three days in a week, that

should run regularly on all days. One direct train should start for Banaras. We had

one narrow gauge line from Forbesganj to Saharsa, that line has not been converted

into broad gauge since last ten years, still it is pending. That line should start soon.

DR. NISHIKANT DUBEY: The area from where I come, that is very

backward area. Today Railway is affected with big problems. Only one thing is

talked of in Bihar, Jharkhand. Secondly, the mode of transportation in it, water is

the cheapest mode. Road has a big role in freight. In year 2008, the then Rail

Minister Lalu Prasad ji, announced a freight here, that time iron ore was on boom.

The domestic iron ore that is consumed in Iron ore, will have separate freight and

separate for other to be exported. Railway did not have any mechanism. By this

the companies like the one Rashmi Metallic misappropriated Rs. 30,000 crores.

CAG report came. That sum of Rs. 30,000 crores remained buried in CAG. Our

Government came and CBI enquiry is going on. The companies involved in scam

of Rs. 30,000/- crores, immediate action be taken and they be sent to jail.

Everywhere there is rail, Government constructs this rail line. Many members of

Parliament here go to Europe, they feel, in England and Switzerland, train comes

on time. Let all Members be known that $73 billion, about 5 lakh crores

combining all Europe Governments, give subsidy to passengers in railway. MOU

was signed with Jharkhand State and those scheme got delayed upto 10-15 years.

A white paper should be issued. Jharkhand is a State, giving revenue of 40% to

Railway. Rail line be constructed in Barvadeeh, Chirmiri, Gaya- Bodhgaya,

Hansdeeha- Godda, Peerpaiti-Jayeedeeh, Chitra- Bansukinath, Godda- Pankudi,

Vikramshila- Kateharia. Divisional office in Bhagalpur is not starting due to land,

which was announced in year 2008 by Shri Lalu Prasad Yadav ji.

SADHVI PRAGYA SINGH THAKUR: My request is that Habibganj

Railway Station has been privatized, which is causing so much problem to poor

people. They have started looting, it should be checked and inspected. They have

hiked the parking charges that has bothered the ordinary men. Many trains go

from Bihar to other places, but does not halt here. Stoppage may be increased in

Sant Hirdaa Raam Nagar, as very less stoppage is there at present.

DR. (PROF.) KIRIT PREMJIBHAI SOLANKI: I am grateful to the

Hon'ble Prime Minister that the first Bullet Train has been introduced from

Ahmedabad to Mumbai and after 70 years the construction of Patan-Bhiladi

railway line has been started under his guidance. My submission is that we will

get a new railway route up to Kandla and Pakistan border if we connect

Chanasama and Radhanpur by railway line. The work regarding gauge conversion

of Chanasama-Ranuj railway line should be completed at the earliest. Kalupur

Railway Station is heavily loaded. Therefore, Sabarmati and Mani Nagar Railway

Stations should be developed as Terminal Stations so that North India bound trains

could run from Sabarmati and South India and Mumbai bound trains could run

from Mani Nagar Station. The modernization and development of Ahmedabad

Station should be based on heritage theme.

SHRI UNMESH BHAIYYASAHEB PATIL: I belong to North

Maharashtra and the world famous Ajanta Ellora Caves are situated in this area.

Hence I would like to request Hon. Railway Minister to connect these cave-sites

with rail network. Chalisgaon-Dhule rail line was laid during British Era and no

further development was done. I must mention that gauge conversion and

electrification work is done by this Government only. Ajanta Caves are just 20

kms. away from Jamner and it would be very beneficial if it is connected with

railway line. Our Government is focusing on railway connectivity which will lead

to employment generation. Rail travelers of Khandesh are also waiting for Pune-

Dhule, Pune-Mumbai rail connectivity.

DR. SANGHAMITRA MAURYA: Even after 72 years of Independence,

district Badayun is not directly linked with the capital of the country, Delhi and the

capital of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. There is no train which directly connects

Badayun to Delhi and Lucknow. The farsightedness of Hon'ble Prime Minister is

summed up in a single sentence –„Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas‟. He

dreams of starting bullet train in the country. I am confident that he would gift a

train to Badayun which will connect Badayun to Delhi and Lucknow directly.

I would like to make a request to provide stoppage of „Mahakal Express‟ at

Babrala Station of Gunnaur assembly constituency in my Parliamentary

Constituency, it will benefit 2 to 4 more district in addition to local people.

The train no. 54461 and 54462, stops at the Dhanari Station in Gunnaur

Assembly constituency every year during a fair. Permanent stoppage of this train

may be provided at the Dhanari Station which will benefit the local people as well

as commercially benefit the people of the neighbouring districts such as District

Bareilly, Hathras, Muradabad, Delhi, Agra and Ferozabad. I support the rail

budget.

SHRI RAJKUMAR CHAHAR: Several good works have been carried out in

the rail sector. Trains are running on time under the leadership of Shri Modi Ji.

Stations as well as trains are clean. The quality of food has also been improved.

Escalators have been installed at the railway stations. Machines have been installed

for providing mineral water as drinking water. The number of rail passengers has

also increased and all of them feel safe. I would like to request that metro train

service should be provided between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. I would also like to

demand that effective measures including rainwater harvesting should be

undertaken to check water logging at all the railway underpasses in the country

including Agra district.

SHRI GAURAV GOGOI: I would like to know from the Government whether

any new railway project is proposed for north-eastern region and for Kaziranga as

it has a great potential for wildlife and tourism. I would also like the details about

the progress of Asian Trilateral Railway and whether the Government proposes to

develop railway corridor with Bangladesh. The Government should clarify

whether Railways will start cold storage facility for transportation of fruits and

vegetables from north-eastern region. The Government should explore the

commodities other than coal to increase our freight revenue.

SHRI RAMESH BIND: Allahabad-Jaipur train remains standing at

Allahabad at least for 10 hours. It will serve the people of Bhadohi if this train is

run via Bhadohi to Varanasi. Purva Express should be given a stoppage at

Gyanpur Road Station. Escalators should be installed at Bhadohi and Gyanpur

Stations and the number of platforms be increased there.

SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR: Sakri Hasanpur railway line has not been

competed so far. It has been made partly operational between Algaon-Birul to

Harinagar. This railway line should be made operational by extending it from

Kuhseshwar to Hasanpur. The proposed railway line from Laheriasarai to Saharsa

should be included in action plan keeping in view the public interest. I would like

to request to the hon. Railway Minister to start Premium trains, Duranto trains and

Hamsafar trains to connect Darbhanga with the other metro cities in the country.

Garib Rath train from Jaynagar to Anand Vihar should be made operational on all

the days of week. There is no good train between central place of Mithila region-

Darbhanga and Capital of the country. So, the Dibrugarh Rajdhani Express should

be operated via Barauni, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Gorakhpur to Delhi.

SHRI NISITH PRAMANIK: The Budget presented by the hon. Finance

Minister for the Indian Railways would give it a new direction. It takes 15-16

hours to reach Kolkata from Coochbehar through railways. Earlier the train route

starting from Coochbehar via Lalmonirhat, Rangpur in Bangladesh and Balurghat

to Kolkata took 7-8 hours less for the journey. I would like to request that if the

hon. Railway Minister could start this route again, it would be very convenient for

people of Coochbehar and northern West Bengal to travel to Kolkata. There are

only two trains between Coochbehar and Kolkata. I would request the hon.

Railway Minister to introduce a superfast train between Coochbehar and Kolkata

and it should be named after Maharaja Nripendra Narayan.

SHRI RAMESH BIDHURI: Stoppage of Punjab Mail train should be provided

at Tughlaquabad railway station. There is a train from Delhi which operates via

Khatushyam. A large number of pilgrims go there. Stoppage of this train should be

provided at Palam station for one minute. Tughlaquabad railway station should be

made a junction, as the train coming from Mumbai would stop at Tughlaquabad,

which would be very helpful for the people.

SHRI JANARDAN SINGH SIGRIWAL: I support the rail budget. My

demand is that a new rail line should be laid from Chhapra, the birth place of Shri

Jai Prakash Narayan to Champaran, the „karmasthali’ of Poojya Bapu Ji via

Jalalpur Bajar, Baniyapur, Bhagwanpur and a shuttle train should be introduced

from Chhapra to Siwan via Duraundha, Maharajganj and Mashrakh .

The discussion was not concluded.

SNEHLATA SHRIVASTAVA

Secretary General

© 2019 BY LOK SABHA SECRETARIAT

NOTE: It is the verbatim Debate of the Lok Sabha and not the Synopsis that should

be considered authoritative.

English and Hindi versions of Synopses of Lok Sabha Debates are also available at

http://loksabha.nic.in.