Indian Railways completes 100% electrification of Odisha

Indian Railways completes 100% electrification of Odisha

The existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha (2,822 Route kms) is now 100% electrified

Electrification will reduce line haul cost by 2.5 times

Posted On: 22 MAR 2023 4:26PM by PIB Delhi

On the lines of setting the target of achieving Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030, the Indian Railways has 100% electrified existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha. The existing Broad Gauge network of Odisha is 2,822 Route kilometre, which is 100% electrified, resulting in saving on account of reduced line haul cost (about 2.5 times lower), heavier haulage capacity, increased sectional capacity, reduced operating & maintenance cost of electric loco, energy efficient and eco-friendly mode of transportation with reduced dependence on imported crude oil, saving of foreign exchange.  Further, new Broad Gauge network shall be sanctioned along with electrification, in sync with Railways’ policy of 100% electrified network. 

Odisha state’s territory falls in the jurisdiction of East Coast, South Eastern & South East Central Railways. Some of the major railway stations in Odisha are: Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Rourkela, and Jharsuguda. The railway network plays an important role in the transportation of minerals, agricultural products, and other goods from Odisha to other parts of the country.

First railway line in Odisha was constructed between Cuttack - Khurda Road - Puri in 1897.

Some of the prestigious trains of Odisha state are: Howrah-Puri Express, Konark Express, Coromandel Express, Hirakud Express, Visakha Express, and Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express. These trains provide convenient connectivity to various parts of the state and other major cities in India.

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Second Generation Vande Bharat Trains Have Enhanced Safety Features, Better Ride Index And Passenger Amenities

Second Generation Vande Bharat Trains Have Enhanced Safety Features, Better Ride Index And Passenger Amenities

Posted On: 23 MAR 2023 5:40PM by PIB Delhi

The new and improved Second Generation Vande Bharat Trains Ver 2.0 with enhanced safety features, better ride index and passenger amenities have been successfully introduced over Indian Railways.

Eight rakes of such Vande-Bharat trains are running in regular service (Mumbai Central – Gandhinagar, New Delhi –Amb Andaura, Chennai - Mysuru, Bilaspur-Nagpur, Howrah-New Jalpaiguri, Secundrabad –Vishakhapatnam, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus- Sainagar Shirdi, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-Solapur), in addition to the two rakes of first generation of Vande Bharat trains running between New Delhi-Varanasi and New Delhi- Mata Vaishno Devi.

New Vande Bharat Trains have following features:

Faster acceleration and semi High speed operation up to 160 KMPH.

Fully Sealed Gangway for Free Passenger Movement

Automatic Plug Doors

Reclining Ergonomic Seats and Comfortable Seating with revolving seats in executive class.

Better Ride Comfort.

Mobile charging sockets for every seat.

Mini Pantry with provision of Hot Case, Bottle Cooler, Deep freezer & Hot Water Boiler

Direct and Diffused Lighting.

For Divyangjan passengers special lavatory in DTC.

Emergency openable Windows and fire extinguisher in each coach

CCTVs in all Coaches

Emergency Alarm Push buttons and Talk Back Units on all Coaches.

Better fire safety – Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system

Driver-Guard communication with voice recording facility & Crash hardened memory

Coach condition monitoring System (CCMS) display with remote monitoring

Disaster lights – 4 numbers in each coach in case of Emergency

 4 platform side cameras including rear view cameras outside the coach.

Fitted with KAVACH.

Indian Railways has planned to manufacture 75 Vande-Bharat Chair Car Trains that would connect different parts of the country.

Manufacture of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains are also planned for middle and long distance trains journey.

All these trains have design/operating speed of maximum 180/160 kmph.

IR has also envisaged to manufacture Vande-Bharat sleeper trains with speed potential of 200 kmph.

At present, there are no such immediate proposals under consideration.

However, introduction of Vande Bharat services is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic justification, availability of rolling stock etc.

This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha .

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No change in the rule related to booking of tickets for Children travelling in train

No change in the rule related to booking of tickets for Children travelling in train It is optional for passengers to buy ticket & book berth for children below 5 years

Free travel is allowed for children below 5 years, if no berth is booked

Posted On: 17 AUG 2022 2:02PM by PIB Delhi

There have been some recent media reports that claim that Indian Railways has changed the rule with regards to booking of tickets for Children travelling in the train. These reports claim that now children between the age of one to four years will have to get a ticket for traveling in the train.

These news items and media reports are misleading. It is informed that Indian Railways has not introduced any changes with regards to booking of tickets for children travelling in the train. On the demand of the passengers, an option has been given to them to buy a ticket and book a berth for their under 5 year old child if they want. And if they don’t want a separate berth, then it is free, same like it used to be earlier.

A Circular dated 06.03.2020 of Ministry of Railways states that Children under five years of age shall be carried free. However, separate berth or seat(in chair car) shall not be given. Therefore purchase of any ticket is not required provided separate berth is not claimed. However, if berth/seat shall be sought on voluntary basis for children of age below 5 years then full adult fare shall be charged.

Source:PIB NEWS

 National Rail Plan Vision -2030

777/2021-22

17-03-2022

Chennai

NATIONAL RAIL PLAN VISION – 2030

Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030.The NRP is aimed to formulate strategies based o­n both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight to 45%. The objective of the Plan is to create capacity ahead of demand, which in turn would also cater to future growth in demand right up to 2050 and also increase the modal share of Railways to 45% in freight traffic and to continue to sustain it.

The key objectives of the National Rail Plan are:- 

•Formulate strategies based o­n both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight to 45%.

•Reduce transit time of freight substantially by increasing average speed of freight trains to 50Kmph.

•As part of the National Rail Plan, Vision 2024 has been launched for accelerated implementation of certain critical projects by 2024 such as 100% electrification, multi-tracking of congested routes, upgradation of speed to 160 kmph o­n Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes, upgradation of speed to 130kmph o­n all other Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal (GQ/GD) routes and elimination of all Level Crossings o­n all GQ/GD route.

•Identify new Dedicated Freight Corridors.

•Identify new High Speed Rail Corridors.

•Assess rolling stock requirement for passenger traffic as well as wagon requirement for freight.

•Assess Locomotive requirement to meet twin objectives of 100% electrification (Green Energy) and increasing freight modal share.

•Assess the total investment in capital that would be required along with a periodical break up.

•Sustained involvement of the Private Sector in areas like operations and ownership of rolling stock, development of freight and passenger terminals, development/operations of track infrastructure etc.

 58 Super critical Projects of a total length of 3750 kms costing ₹39,663 Crore and 68 Critical Projects of a total length of 6913 kms costing ₹75,736 Crore, have been identified for completion by 2024.

his information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri AshwiniVaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

 Source:Southern Railway

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 Successful trainees of the first batch under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana (RKVY) get self-employment toolkits and certificates

Indian Railways’ Production Unit, Banaras Locomotive Works organized a function for distribution of self-employment toolkits and certificates for successful trainees under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana (RKVY) on 13.10.2021. This marks the culmination of the 100-hour training program organized by BLW for training of the first batch, in Technical Trades viz. Electrician, Fitter, Machinist, and Welder, under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana (RKVY). Total 54 trainees received toolkits and certificates on 13.10.2021. Trainees have expressed lot of satisfaction of completion training. They have found training to be useful, complementing their existing knowledge and in enhancing their self-confidence.

RKVY program was launched on 17.09.2021 by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology. RKVY program empowers local youth by way of providing entry level training in Industry relevant skills through Railway Training Institutes. This program seeks to take forward the vision of the PM to give confidence to the youth of this country, as a part of 75 years of Azadi Ka Mahotsav. The RKVY program is under aegis of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikasa Yojana (PMKVY) – a scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to achieve vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Total 50,000 Youths will be trained over period of three years in 75 Railway Training Institutes, spread all across India.

Banaras Locomotive Works has been entrusted as nodal agency for implementation of RKVY program. Course content and Assessment procedure for Training has been developed by Banaras Locomotive Works.

Trainees for the RKVY program are selected through open advertisement and transparent short-listing mechanism. Trainees have undergone 100 hours of practical and theoretical training. Subsequent to training, all trainees have undergone a standardized assessment and successful trainees are awarded certificate.

Banaras Locomotive Works has taken a unique initiative to provide toolkits relevant to Trainees’ trade to all successful trainees. This toolkit will help trainees to enhance their skills and self-confidence. This toolkit will also help trainees to utilize their learnings, capacity for self-employment as well as employability in various industries. These Toolkits have been dated by Industry partner under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Source:PIBNEWS

 Frequency of Champaran Sathyagraha Express Increased to Bi-Weekly

Frequency of Champaran Satyagraha Express increased to bi-weekly

Train is flagged of by Smt. Darshana Jardosh through video conferencing

Posted On: 10 SEP 2021 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

Smt. Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, flagged off Champaran Satyagraha Express through video conferencing today on 10.09.21 at 15.00 hrs today from New Delhi through video conferencing.  The train will run with increased frequency from weekly to bi-weekly.  On this occasion, a program was also organized at Bapudham Motihari station where Hon'ble MP and Chairman of Railway Standing Committee, Shri Radha Mohan Singh also flagged off this train. Other dignitaries were also present at Bapudham Motihari station.

Today, Train No. 05595 Bapudham Motihari-Anand Vihar Terminus Champaran Satyagraha Express  is running as inaugural special and departed at 15.00 hrs via Sagauli, Bettiah, Narkatiaganj, Harinagar, Bagaha, Paniyahwa, Kaptanganj, Gorakhpur. It will reach Anand Vihar Terminus at 12.15 hrs on 11.09.21.

Now Train No. 14010 Anand Vihar Terminus – Bapudham Motihari Champaran Satyagraha Express will leave Anand Vihar at 23.45 hrs on every Saturday and Monday of the week and reach Bapudham Motihari at 18.45 hrs the next day. In return direction, Train No. 14009 Bapudham Motihari – Anand Vihar Terminus Champaran Satyagraha Express will leave Bapudham Motihari at 21.10 hrs on every Sunday and Tuesday of the week and reach Anand Vihar Terminal at 18.15 hrs the next day.

The people of the area would be benefited by the increase in the frequency of Champaran Satyagraha as rail connectivity with Delhi gets improved.

Source:PIBNEWS

South Central Railway has taken yet another initiative towards Water conservation duly taking the advantage of technology and set up Quick Watering system to Passenger Coaches at Secunderabad Railway station. The Quick Watering Facility not o­nly provides a fast mechanism to provide water to all passenger coaches in train, but also avoids wastage of water due to overflowing and reduces the train detention for want of coach watering.

Railways provide water in all the coaches of a passenger carrying train o­n a large scale, for the usage of travelling public. The major objective of the Railways in this regard is to ensure the availability of water in all coaches during the course of journey to provide hassle free travel experience to rail users, while at the same time ensuring no wastage of this precious resource.

Generally, each Coach of a train requires 1600 litres and each train o­n an average requires around 40,000 liters of water to fill all its coaches. Carriage watering is normally done at the Originating stations of the trains. For the trains running for longer durations and trains running during day time, it is important to fill the water at intermediate locations as well. Watering at Secunderabad station is being done for both originating as well as enroute trains also. In normal course, it takes considerably more time to fill all the coaches. To overcome this, Railways have come with new method of carriage watering called “Quick Watering System”, wherein the watering of entire train can be done within 5 minutes. The same has been installed at Secunderabad Railway station now.

Key features of Quick Watering System

ü Automatic Switching of pumps& valves depending o­n the water demand to utilize all the pumps effectively.

ü Remote operation planned by providing control panel at the end of platform.

ü Adequate pressure is maintained by automatic control over discharge by the Pumps depending upon the load.

ü Interactive soft touch interface to manually select the switching of hydrant line.

ü Pipelines are constructed in such a way that adequate pressure of water flow is maintained so that watering of entire train is completed within 5 minutes.

ü Pumps are with capacity of 20 Hp & Discharge of 100 Cu.Mtr /min

ü Safety Relief Valve to protect hydrant from High Pressure.

ü Number of Major Hydrant Lines: 6 Nos.

ü All the pipes are leak proof avoiding wastage of water.

ü Adequate size &length of pipe so that it does not touch the ground and hygiene is maintained.

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR has appreciated Officials of Secunderabad Division for the initiative in setting up of Quick Watering System at Secunderabad station. He also opined that extension of this facility at a busy station like Secunderabad will reduce the detention time of trains and also helps in both easing the congestion and also judiciously utilizing water.

Source:South Central Railway

Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Batteries and “National Hydrogen Mission” are two flagship programs of Government of India so as to meet out the targets of reducing Green House Gas (GHG) emission under Paris Climate Agreement 2015 and “Mission Net Zero Carbon Emission Railway” by 2030. Accordingly, there has been recent budgetary pronouncement to kick off the concept of Hydrogen Mobility in the Country.

Accepting it as a challenge, Indian Railways Organization of Alternate Fuel (IROAF), Green Fuel vertical of Indian Railways, has invited the bids for this demonstrative project in 89km Sonipat-Jind section of Northern Railway.

The conversion / retro fitment of existing diesel powered EMU rakes is very easy and no need to change any driving consoles in the present engines. This adoption of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology will save annually by Rs. 2.3 Crores.

Initially, 2 DEMU rakes will be converted, and later 2 Hybrid locos will be converted base o­n Hydrogen Fuel Cell Power movement. This initiative is part of the National Hydrogen Energy Mission, to kick off the concept of Hydrogen Mobility in India.

Provision of Fuel Cell powered Hybrid Traction System for train application o­n 2 DEMU rakes. Allocation during current year Rs. 8 crore.

 Rail Passengers can Recharge their Smart Cards Online

No.354/2021-22

09-08-2021

Secunderabad

Rail Passengers can Recharge their Smart Cards Online

- Smart cards are used for purchasing of UTS Tickets through ATVMs

- All Digital Payments like Debit Cards, Internet Banking and UPI are accepted

Indian Railways, o­n its path of digitalization, has put o­ne more step forward towards facilitating rail passengers without the need to stand in queue for purchasing Unreserved Tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs). Rail users who possess Smart Cards for purchasing Unreserved Tickets & Platform Tickets can now recharge their Cards through o­nline mechanism by registering o­n “UTSonmobile” Web Portal.

Earlier, every time the money was exhausted in their smart cards, the passengers had to visit the booking counters for recharging their cards. To facilitate the rail passengers, Indian Railways have now provided o­nline facility for passengers wanting to recharge their smart cards in digital mode. This will not o­nly help the passengers avoid standing in queues at the booking counter, but also avoids crowding of the passengers at the booking counters, particularly during these pandemic times of Covid-19.

To avail this facility, rail users have to: · Register in the website www.utsonmobile.indianrail.gov.in

· Select the option of “Smart Card Recharge” in the menu.

· Payment can be done through all digital mechanisms like Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Internet Banking, UPI, etc.

· After getting payment confirmation, system will deduct money and passenger will be prompted to visit ATVM of the concerned Zone within 15 days or expiry of the card, whichever is earlier.

· When passenger keeps smart card o­n reader at ATVM & chooses "Recharge Smart Card” option then ATVM will automatically fetch details of o­nline recharge done & amount will be topped up o­n ATVM smart card.

· The smart card balance would then be ready for ticketing purpose & can be used o­n any ATVM of the concerned Zonal Railway.

Indian Railways have been continuously taking digital initiatives to reduce the crowd at Booking counters by providing various facilities like UTS o­n Mobile APP, Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Currency operated Ticket Vending Machines (CoTVMs), etc. The Railway Smart Cards allow the passengers to buy Unreserved tickets and Platform tickets without having the need to stand at the counters. Initially to get the Smart Cards, passengers o­nly need to submit valid address proof and other required details at the stations. Thereafter, Passengers can recharge the smart card initially with minimum of Rs 100 for purchase of tickets.

Shri Gajanan Mallya, General Manager, SCR has opined that this facility of o­nline recharge is welcoming move in these pandemic times, which saves passengers valuable time and efforts. He also appealed to the valued customers to use this o­nline method so that visiting the UTS counters for recharge can be avoided each and every time.

Source:South Central Railway

2021/07

19-07-2021

Mumbai

WESTERN RAILWAY STARTS TO RUN RAJDHANI EXPRESS WITH NEW UPGRADED TEJAS RAKES

WR Press Release No 2021/07Mumbai, 19th July, 2021

WESTERN RAILWAY STARTS TO RUN RAJDHANI EXPRESS WITH NEW UPGRADED TEJAS RAKES

First rake with exclusive Tejas type Smart Sleeper coaches introduced in Indian Railways

A new era of train travel experience with enhanced comfort is being rolled out by Western Railway with the introduction of newly upgraded Tejas sleeper coach rakes. These bright golden hued coaches, with enhanced smart features are being introduced to run Western Railway’s prestigious Mumbai Rajdhani Express train and will boast to offer best in class travel experience. This new rake made its maiden run from Monday, 19th July, 2021. This achievement has been accomplished under the able guidance, energetic leadership as well as continuous monitoring by Shri Alok Kansal – General Manager of Western Railway.

According to a press release issued by Shri Sumit Thakur - Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, the existing rakes of Train No.02951/52 Mumbai – New Delhi Rajdhani Special Express, o­ne of the most prestigious & premium trains of WR are being replaced with brand new Tejas type sleeper coaches. Two such Tejas type sleeper coach rakes have been made ready to run as Rajdhani Express. Out of these two rakes, o­ne rake comprises of exclusive Tejas Smart sleeper coaches, which is first of its kind to be introduced over Indian Railways. The new train will have special smart features for enhanced passenger safety and comfort. The smart coach aims to provide world-class facilities to passengers with the help of intelligent sensor-based systems. It is equipped with Passenger Information and Coach Computing Unit (PICCU) provided with GSM network connectivity, which reports to the remote server. PICCU will record the data of WSP, CCTV recording, Toilet odour sensors, panic switch and other items integrated with fire detection and alarm system, air quality and choke filter sensor & energy meter.Shri Thakur stated that with the use of Tejas SMART Coach, Indian Railways aims to move to predictive maintenance instead of preventive maintenance. The introduction of this modern Tejas Sleeper type train for long distance journey, is another paradigm shift by Indian Railways for enhancing the travel experience for the passengers.

Additional Smart Features: 

●PA/PIS (Passenger Announcement/Passenger Information System): Two LCDs inside each coach display vital journey related information to the passengers such as the next station, distance remaining, expected time of arrival, delay and safety related messages.

●Digital destination board: Flush type LED Digital Destination Board has been installed o­n each coach by splitting the displayed data into two rows. The first row displays Train number and Coach type while second row displays scrolling text of destination and intermediate station in multiple languages.

●Security & Surveillance monitoring:Six nos. of cameras are fitted in each coach which gives live recording. CCTV cameras with day night vision capability, Facial recognition even in low light condition, Network Video Recorder are provided.

●Automatic Plug Door: All main entrance doors are centralized controlled by Guard. Train will not start until all doors are closed.

●Fire Alarm, Detection and Suppression system: All coaches are provided with Automatic Fire Alarm and Detection System. The Pantry and Power Cars have automatic fire suppression system in case detected.

●Emergency Talk back for medical or security emergency

●Improved Toilet Unit: Provided with anti-graffiti coating, Gel coated shelf, New design dustbin, Door latch activated light, Engagement display.

●Toilet Occupancy Sensor: Automatically displays the toilet occupancy inside each coach

●Panic Button in Lavatories:Fitted in each lavatory, in case of any emergency.

●Toilet Annunciation Sensor Integration (TASI): Two nos. of Toilet Annunciation Sensor Integration are fitted in each coach which will relay dos and don’ts announcement in the lavatories, whenever it is engaged.

●Bio-Vacuum Toilet system:  Provides improved hygiene condition in the toilet due to improved flushing and also save water per flush.

●Stainless Steel Under-frame:  Complete under-frame is of austenitic stainless steel (SS 201LN) which increases life of the coach because of reduced corrosion.

●Air Suspension Bogies: Provided with Air Spring Suspension in bogies to improve passenger comfort and ride quality of these coaches.

●On Board condition monitoring system for Bearing, Wheel, to improve safety

●HVAC - Air quality measurement for Air Conditioning system

●Water level sensor to indicate water availability o­n real time basis

●Textured Exterior PVC Film:  Exterior is provided with textured PVC film.

●Improved interiors: Seats and berths having fire – resistant silicon foam, provide better comfort and safety to passengers.

●Roller Blind o­n window:  Instead of curtains roller blinds provided for easy sanitization.

●Mobile Charging points: Provided for each passenger.

●Berth reading light: Provided for each passenger.

●Upper berth climbing arrangement: Convenient upper berth arrangement.

Shri Thakur stated that Tejas type Sleeper coaches are manufactured at Modern Coach Factory (MCF) which will gradually replace the premium long-distance trains over Indian Railways network.

Source:Western Railway

Indian Railways successfully completes work on the Valsad Road Over Bridge (ROB) on Dedicated Freight Corridor in a record 20 day time

Indian Railways successfully completes work on the Valsad Road Over Bridge (ROB) on Dedicated Freight Corridor in a record 20 day time.

The biggest challenge in doing this work was road traffic block, as this ROB is one of the busiest passages into the city of Valsad from Mumbai-Delhi highway.

Work on Freight Corridor proceeds on inspite of Covid challenges that came in the way.

Posted On: 22 JUN 2021 3:34PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Railways’ PSU, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL) has completed work of dismantling and reconstruction (after making way for DFC tracks) of Valsad Road Over Bridge (ROB) on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor in the state of Gujarat in a record 20 day time.

Working in tandem with various Government agencies and the civil administration, the ROB which funnels busy traffic into Valsad ROB from the Mumbai-Delhi highway, a 20 day traffic block was secured on 02.06.2021 for dealing with this challenge.

Background:

Work in Western DFC’s Vaitarana – Sachin section faced a bottleneck of crossing a ROB near Valsad Town in South Gujarat. The ROB work could not be started due to various limitations and track laying activities would have been adversely affected. Track laying projects using state of the art New Track Construction (NTC) machine, would have been affected. 

The Solution :

The project team geared up to take up this challenge. After many brainstorming sessions, an innovative solution was arrived at. The solution proposed was to insert a Twin precast box of 16m x 10m size on the approach of the ROB to take the NTC forward through it. The biggest challenge in doing this work was road traffic block, as this ROB is one of the busiest passages into the city of Valsad from Mumbai-Delhi highway. The whole work is planned to be completed in 20 days road traffic block.     

Extensive arrangements were made for pre-casting of these huge segments. Despite lock-downs and travel restrictions, a team of approximately 150 nos, including senior engineers toiled day & night to finish the casting works. Road traffic block was granted by the district administration of Valsad, responding favorably to the proposal.

The road traffic block of 20 days commenced on 02-06-2021 and the work is progressing as per planning. Four heavy duty hydraulic cranes having capacity varying from 300 MT to 500 MT are mobilized for the installation of these segments. Another challenge that was difficult to handle was solved by innovation in local handling of the segments. The precast segments are too big & heavy to handle without causing any internal stresses during handling. The Project Team has designed a special carrier using a multi-axle trailer fitted with a steel platform on it. The fabrication of the steel platform was completely done at site even during the period when the industrial oxygen supply was prohibited in the country. The team could overcome all such constraints by continuously striving for alternatives and by taping the collective wisdom & experience of the team.        

It may be noted that the Western Corridor connecting Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai will traverse through the states of UP, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra of WDFC & EDFC.

WDFC’s 306 km Rewari - Madar section was dedicated to the nation on 07.01.2021. Trial run of 369 km of WDFC between New Palanpur to New Kishangarh has been done. EDFC’s 351 km New Bhaupur - New Khurja section and the Operation Control Centre at Prayagraj were dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble PM  on 29.12.2020. A total of approx. 2800 route Km of the whole WDFC and EDFC (excluding the Sonnagar – Dankuni PPP section) will be commissioned by June 2022.

In the commissioned sections, a total of more than 4000 trains have been run. In Eastern DFC, it has more than 3000 trains and in WDFC more than 1000 trains. Total GTKM has crossed the 3 million ton mark. Some of the trains in the section are achieving an average speed of 99.38 kmph in EDFC and 92 kmph in WDFC.  These speeds are comparable to any of the fastest mail express trains.

Source:PIBNEWS

To Prevent Incidents of Crime Against Women in Trains and in Railway Premises-Action Plan Issued by Indian Railways

 523/2020-21 

22-03-2021

Chennai

Indian Railway issues guidelines to prevent incidents of Crime against women in trains and in railway premises

The guidelines include action plan, preventive measures, sensitization, surveillance over the identified vulnerable area, notice for passengers and special measures

Guidelines also advise Zonal Railways and Production Units that acting proactively they may implement various other mechanisms to ensure safety of women depending upon local conditions and circumstances

Twenty three (23) million passengers travel through the Indian Railways everyday out of which 20% i.e. about 4.6 million are women. In the recent past, the incidents of crime against women in trains and railway premises has been a major area of concern. Therefore, the following steps as part of a focused effort across Indian Railways to collectively strive for safety of women passengers and to mitigate atrocities against women in railways:

 Guidelines issued by Indian Railways to All Zonal Railways and Production Units to prevent incidents of crime against women in trains and in railway premises includes the following areas:

 Action plan:

The action plan should be classified in Short Term & Long Term Plan. Short Term plan should be implemented immediately from the existing resources o­n priority without any delay. It may include keeping watch o­n suspects, regular visit to vulnerable spots by duty officers & staff during their rounds. However, Long Term Plan which may include improvement of Basis Infrastructure, CCTV, Light Masts, etc. which may take a reasonable time, should be chased with concerned authorities o­n regular basis and till such time it is completed, focus should be kept o­n temporary minor works that can be effective in improving the situation, which may be worked out and got implemented with bare minimum expenditure or with available resources.

 Preventive measures to be adopted:

1. Proper lighting arrangements should be ensured covering all vulnerable places identified in Railway Stations, Circulating area, Parking, FOBs, approach roads, ends of platforms, Yards, Washing lines, DEMU / EMU Car sheds, Saloon Sidings, Maintenance depots, etc.

2. Abandoned structures in platforms/yards, abandoned quarters, buildings at isolated places which  remain unguarded/ unattended should be demolished immediately in consultation with engineering department. Till such time that they are demolished, they should be regularly checked as part of the beat of o­n duty staff especially during night time or period when the presence of people is minimal.

3. Unauthorized entries/ exits should be closed.

4. Yards / pits/ nearby railway area of stations must be kept clean of unwanted vegetation which may provide cover for concealment. View cutters such as these may offer opportunity to offenders to  commit crime.

5. Waiting rooms should not remain unattended and persons should be allowed to enter the waiting rooms after proper entry, particularly in nights and at times when there is minimum presence of passengers. It should be cross checked by the duty officer at odd hours.

6. Proper Police Verification and Identity Cards of staff engaged o­n contractual basis engaged in services related to passengers should be ensured as per SOP & GCC. No staff without Identity Cards may be allowed in trains and railway premises.

7. No unauthorized person may be allowed to move in Yard and coaching depots where the coaches are stabled. There should be controlled entry system.

8. Before the empty rakes are moved to washing lines, it should be ensured that the coaches have been checked properly by the C&W and Electrical staff and locked. The condemned coaches kept in yards/ sick lines must be kept locked and checked from time to time.

9. After cleaning & other activities pertaining to maintenance of coaches, again it should be checked properly and locked in the washing line and brought to the platform in locked condition.

10.Proper basic security arrangement should be ensured in coaching yards & depots.

11. Surveillance system should also be enforced in coaching depots & yards.

12. Encroachments particularly in/ near passenger area should be removed o­n priority following legal process and unauthorized entries to railway premises should be closed.

13. Railway is providing free internet services to the passengers. It should be ensured in coordination with the service providers that the porn sites are not accessible through this service.

14. Unwanted /Unauthorized persons in the railway premises should be rounded and prosecuted and railway station, yards & trains should be kept free from unwanted 8s unsocial elements.

15. Special drives may be launched to apprehend and prosecute persons consuming alcohol in railway stations and trains

16. Exemplary action should be taken against railway staff involved in such offences.

17. The cases of crime against women must be followed up till their logical conclusion.

Sensitization:

1. Sensitization of all railway employees and contractual staff may be done. Staff engaged in checking of rolling stocks, porters and hawkers/vendors should be encouraged to report the incident without loss of time to Police/ RPF or the Station Master. Help of NGOs may also be obtained for this purpose.

2. It has been noticed that generally cases of eve teasing, if remain unattended, lead to increase in incidents of molestation or assault o­n women. As a measure to prevent such crimes, GRP/RPF officials shall promptly take necessary action o­n receiving complaints regarding any type of ‘Crime against women'.

3. Regular briefing of staff at mounting and debriefing at the time of dismounting should   be ensured by the Post Commander/Duty Officers/ Shift In-charge.

4. All Zonal railways may utilize cultural troupes for Nukkad Nataks etc to sensitize railway passengers towards cleanliness, respect for women, legal provisions for security of women and children and penal provisions for violation of these laws.

5. Railway personnel across all departments should be sensitized regarding their duty towards women and children through soft skill and gender sensitization training in various training institutes. They should be trained to identify women in distress or children in need of care and protection and respond properly. Special sensitization programs should be arranged in ZTI/Training Centers where Railway Employee or RPF undergoes initial/periodical trainings.

6. Sensitization sessions may be conducted for women to come forward and report incidents of misbehavior against them.

 Surveillance over the identified vulnerable area:

1. CCTV surveillance system should be used effectively. Time to time audit of the cameras installed and the area covered by them should be done. It should be ensured that all the  persons visiting the Railway Platform/ Passenger area are caught o­n the cameras.

2. The vulnerable places identified for such crime should mandatorily be covered under the CCTV surveillance. While planning for location/ relocation of CCTV it should be kept in mind.

3. The position of women’s coaches should be fixed at the platform and CCTV camera to be especially installed o­n the platform at that point so as to provide adequate coverage of these coaches.

4. CCTV feed should be monitored by officers regularly.

5. Crime Intelligence Branch & Special Intelligence Branch should be utilized to ensure surveillance of the area identified to be vulnerable for rape and other heinous crime related to human body (women) in addition to being done regularly by concerned RPF executive staff.

6. Use of National Database o­n Sexual Offenders (NDSO) may be made for keeping surveillance of offenders residing in that area.

Special measures to be adopted for prevention of such crime in trains:

1. Escort parties to be briefed properly about the steps to eradicate chances of such heinous crime in train. They should be extra cautious during the night.

2. Toilets are the most common place where the incidents have been reported in past. As such any gathering of persons near the toilets should be removed.

3. Usually Coach attendants/AC Mechanic remains at their allotted seats near the entry/exit gates which can be helpful to have surveillance over the space. Escort  party should ensure briefing of these staff and pantry car staff who are moving in the trains, taking them in  confidence to report any suspected activities or probabilities of such crime to them and the escort staff should act o­n it properly.

4. Proper care should be taken for Security of lady passengers traveling alone or with small children by focusing o­n proper implementation of Meri Saheli initiative.

5. Escorting staff should be briefed to be courteous with passengers especially with ladies passengers.

6. Train Captain/ Suptd. should be asked to cross check the identity cards of all out sourced staff working in the train. PCSCs/ Sr.DCC should coordinate with their counter parts of Commercial, Electrical, S&T and Mechanical dept. counterparts to ensure good coordination between all staff o­n board and ensure that all the outsourced staff bears Identity Card issued after proper Police Verification. Cross checking should be ensured by these departments also.

7. It should be ensured that the CCTV cameras and Emergency Response System installed in the coaches are in working condition and are attended properly.

8. Usually, ladies coaches are near/with the train Guard in the tail end of trains which at many places remains outside the Platform area. Escort parties and station RPF/ GRP staff should ensure that they are attended properly at the halting stations.

9. Staff deployed in train escort & in yards should be careful when the train approaches or leaves the station where the speed of train is restricted and criminals usually jump out from the running train. They must ensure that the persons jumping from the trains are apprehended and questioned for further necessary action.

 Notice for passengers:

1. Though, the details of helpline numbers are printed o­n the reverse of train tickets, helpline numbers provided by railways should be widely publicized.

2. People should be made aware of Pan India Emergency Response System and other important forum and calling facilities available for reporting offences and particularly offences against women in that area.

3. People should be made aware of “One Stop Centre (OSC) which is exclusively designed to provide integrated services such medical aid, police assistance, legal counseling/court   case management, psychological, social counseling and temporary shelter to women  affected by violence under o­ne roof.

4. Proper advertisements educating the passengers should be published in various print, electronic and social media platforms.

 Guidelines issued by Indian Railways advised All Zonal Railways and Production Units that these instructions are merely indicative and not exhaustive and acting proactively, field units may implement various other mechanisms to ensure safety of women depending upon local conditions and circumstances.

Source:Southern Railway

Indian Railway Reduces Logistic Costs of Customers and Capturing Market Share(Tariff and Non Tariff Measures)

 Railway Helpline Numbers 138 And 182 to be Merged into a Single Number 139

RAILWAY HELPLINE NUMBERS 138 & 182 TO BE MERGED INTO A SINGLE NUMBER 139 TO ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION OF o­nE RAIL o­nE HELPLINE

Railway Help line number 138 and security Helpline number 182 will be merged into RailMadad Help line 139 from 1,April 2021 for providing assistance to various queries and problems of the rail users.From 1.4.2021 rail users need to dial a single number 139 for different types of queries  related to Security,Medical Assistance, Accident Information, Train Complaint, Station complaint,Vigilance information,Freight/Parcel enquiry,General inquiry etc.

However,only front end of 138 and 182 will be done away with.All medical and Security emergency calls received o­n RailMadad Help line 139 would continue to be transferred to Divisions for immediate intervention.

From 1.4.2021,only RailMadad Help line 139, RailMadad website www.railmadad.indianrailways.gov.in   and RailMadad app will be available in all communication emanating from all Zonal Railway through electronic and non electronic means.

Earlier,rail users were to dial different numbers for mitigation of different types of queries and problems.Now the rail users will have to dial o­nly o­ne number o­n log in o­ne app /website for highlighting there issues /grievances for expeditious mitigation by Railways.

Source:Eastern Railway