LALU QUIETLY HIKED

RAIL FREIGHT RATES

New Delhi : Ahead of the interim rail budget, the railway ministry has quietly hiked the freight rates of foodgrains, pulses and flour by 8.3o%. The hike has been carried out by revising the classification of these goods through a circular issued by the railways. The revised rates will be effective from February 1. ''There will be an increase of 8.30% per tonne in freight rates for these goods from February.'' a railway board official said.

Corrently, the freight rate of a tonne of foodgrains is Rs. 694.10 for a distance of 1000 km., which will be hiked to Rs. 751.90 per 1000 km. The freight charges of chemical manure have also been revised. Lalu prasad yadav wil present the vote on account on February 13 in the Lok Sabha and is unlikely to tinker with the freight and rail fares.

HC came down heavily on the railways

Mumbai : The Mumbai High Court sought a report from Central Railway and Western Railway on the issue of providing timely medical aid to victims of railway accidents. The HC came down heavily on the both railways for not complying with court orders to transport victims within an hour of the accident.

SAMPAADAKIYA BAHUT PASAND AAYA

Suresh ji,

AAp Sabhi ko Basant panchami ki badhaai Aur MAA Lakshmi ji Aur MAA Saraswati ji ka Aashirwaad aap sabhi par sada bana rahe.

AApke is bar ke 'Railway Samachar' ka Sampaadakiya ''LAAlu Ki BUllet Train'' mujhe bahut pasand aaya.

-Manmeet Singh.

NO JUMBO BLOCK DURING DAYTIME THIS SUNDAY

To carry out maintenance work, a night jumbo block will be taken from 23.00 hrs on Saturday, 31st Jan, 2009 to 3.00 hrs on 1st Feb, 2009 on UP through line and from 01.00 hrs to 05.00 hrs on Down Through Line on Sunday, 1st Feb, 2009 between Borivali and Vasai Rd. stations. Suburban trains running will be normal and will not be affected during the block period. There will be no block during day time on Sunday, 1st Feb, 2009.

Western Railway's Massive Drive Against
Trespassing on Suburban Section

Western Railway has started a massive drive against trespassing on Suburban section. Various measures and activities are being undertaken to curb trespassing, such as regular Public announcements being made at all stations, newspaper advertisements issued periodically and trespassing jingles played over the PA system and FM radio channels. Iron bar fencing has been put up between tracks at all suburban stations and walls have been erected along railway boundaries. Inspite of all these persuasive methods to educate people that it is dangerous to cross tracks and it can take away precious lives and also that it is against the law, the evil of trespassing still continues.
Western Railway has started an all out massive drive involving 80 RPF personnel as well as 25 commercial staff and officers. For last 2 days i.e. on 28th and 29th Jan 2009 the drive has been carried out at Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, Jogeshwari and Borivali. Almost 200 persons have been prosecuted crossing the tracks out of which 7 have been sent to jail. Rs 50000 have been collected as fine in 2 days. The drive will be continued for a month. Western Railway urges the public to value their lives and not cross tracks, but to use foot over bridges or subways provided

WEEKLY SPECIAL TRAINS BETWEEN PUNE - HOWRAH

Railways have decided to extend 0829/0830 Pune - Howrah Weekly superfast special trains to clear the extra rush of Passengers during winter season. The details are as under: 0829 Dn Special will leave Pune at 09.00 hrs on every Tuesday from 3.2.2009 to 31.3.2009 (9 Trips) and will reach Howrah at 19.30 hrs next day. 0830 Up Special will leave Howrah at 14.35 hrs on every Sunday from 1.2.2009 to 29.3.2009 (9 Trips) and will arrive Pune at 00.30 hrs on Tuesday (midnight of Monday/Tuesday).

Halts : Daund, Ahmednagar, Kopargaon, Manmad, Bhusawal, Akola, Badnera, Nagpur, Gondia, Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Jharsuguda, Rourkela, Chakradharpur, Tatanagar, Kharagpur.

Composition : These special trains will have 18 coaches including two AC-2 tier, two AC-3 tier, 10 Sleeper class, 2 General second Class and 2 General second class cum guards brake vans.

Booking for Train no. 0829 Dn will be opened from 31.1.2009.

CENTRAL RAILWAY CELEBRATES REPUBLIC DAY

Mumbai : Shri B. B. Modgil, General Manager, Central Railway unfurled the national flag and inspected the guard of honour presented by RPF contingent at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on the occasion of 60th Republic Day today.

Shri Modgil while addressing the gathering said, Central Railway has performed extremely well in the current financial year by registering a growth of 4.38% in the originating earnings. During the current financial year from April to December 2008, the originating earnings of Central Railway have improved to Rs. 4416 crores as compared to Rs. 4231 crores achieved during the corresponding period of last financial year.

He also said Central Railway achieved 56.85 million tonnes of originating loading during 2007-08 registering an increase of 3.93 million tonnes over 2006-07. During April to December 2008 Central Railway has carried 39.89 million tonnes of originating freight traffic. Central Railway has recorded an excellent performance in the passenger sector during the current financial year. During April to December 2008, Central Railway has carried 1130 million passengers as compared to 1096 million passengers during the same period last year.

Eight new mail/express trains were introduced on Central Railway during April to December 08 along with increase in frequency of six trains. Central Railway has also augmented 42 pairs of popular trains with 116 coaches. Central Railway achieved an originating earning of Rs.163.5 crores during April to December 2008 through 'other coaching services', which was 16.61% higher as compared to the earning during corresponding period of previous year.

Shri Modgil mentioned the successful implementation of "Go Mumbai" multi application contact-less smart card system, running of 818 summer special trains along with 433 other special trains during 2007-08, punctuality of 97.2% during 2008-09, relaxing 17 permanent speed restrictions on Mumbai Division, DC-AC conversion of Igatpuri-Titwala section and also test charging of Pune-Lonavala, and Karjat-Vangani sections, induction of next generation DC-AC EMU rakes, manufacturing 14 WDG3, 12 WDS6 and 3 ZDM3 narrow gauge Diesel Locomotives in Parel Workshop, record scrap sale of Rs.173.86 crores up to December 2008.

Commissioning of 3 Route Relay Interlocking, 6 Electronic Interlocking and 8 Panel Interlocking systems, completion of major works like Diva-Kalyan 5th and 6th lines, Kurduwadi-Usmanabad Broad Guage conversion, and Turbhe-Nerul new suburban corridor are notable achievements of Central Railway in garnering wide spread support and appreciation form the people.

Mumbai suburban train system is the lifeline of this metropolis where more than 3.5 million commuters travel every day and from 27.1.2009, 38 additional services are being introduced thus a total of 102 services have been introduced in the financial year. The total number of suburban services run daily from 27.1.2009 will be 1410.

The terrorist attack at CST has significantly changed the security perception all over the country. To strengthen the safety and security measures on railway premises, Central Railway has taken various steps like: increasing surveillance through CCTV cameras, positioning of security staff at strategic locations, patrolling of tracks, screening of passengers at Railway Stations and use of dog squads.

Shri Modgil also mentioned about the positive support from the Trade Unions and I thank them for their valuable contribution in maintaining harmonious Industrial Relations. He complimented all the officers, supervisors and staff for their excellent team work, dedication to duty and untiring efforts in achieving the objectives.

UPA to unveil interim

Railway budget in Feb

New Delhi : The government is likely to make new indirect tax proposals but likely to eschewany direct tax proposal this time. This step is being taken to ensure that thefresh budget is prepared and presented after the general elections. AHEAD OF the next year's general elections, the UPA Government will unveil aninterim budget on February 16, in the next session of Parliament. UPA's interim budget is likely to give a brief of the economy and the government could announce a slew of populist measures. The next session of the Parliament is scheduled to commence on February 12, withan address of the President and conclude on February 26. The government is likely to make new indirect tax proposals but likely to eschewany direct tax proposal this time. This step is being taken to ensure that thefresh budget for next fiscal is prepared and presented by the new government after the general elections. The interim Railway budget will be presented on February 13. The session will open with President Prathiba Patil's address and will see promulgation of two ordinances on central universities and CISF. Since most of the members of Parliament are likely to be in their constituencies, this session is likely to witness low attendance and would be important only for technical reasons.

Central Railways witness 4.38 per cent growth in earnings

Mumbai : The first nine months of the current fiscal saw the Central Railway registered agrowth of 4.38 per cent in its originating revenue, General Manager B B Modgilsaid today. Speaking at the Republic Day function at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, hesaid earnings of the Central Railway have increased to Rs 4416 crores ascompared to Rs 4231 crores during the corresponding period of last fiscal. He also said the Central Railway achieved 56.85 million tonnes of originating loading during 2007-08, registering an increase of 3.93 million tonnes than 2006-07. During April to December 2008, Central Railway carried 39.89 million tonnes of originating freight traffic. It has recorded an excellent performancein the passenger sector during the current fiscal carrying 1130 million passengers as compared to 1096 million passengers during the same period last year. Eight new mail/express trains were introduced on the Central Railway during April to December 2008 along with increase in frequency of six trains.Central Railway has also augmented 42 pairs of popular trains with 116 coaches and achieved an originating earning of Rs 163.5 crores during April to December 2008 through 'other coaching services', whichwas 16.61 per cent higher as compared to the earning during corresponding periodof previous year. Mumbai suburban train system is the lifeline of this metropolis, where more than 3.5 million commuters travel every day and from tomorrow 38 additional services would be introduced, thus a total of 102services have been introduced in the fiscal year taking the total daily servicesto 1410.

Rly Board reviews performance

Kolkata : Mr K. C. Jena, Chairman, Railway Board, held a meeting at the Eastern Railway head quarters at Fairlie Place, Kolkata, on Saturday to review the performance of the three railways based in Kolkata, namely Eastern, South Eastern and Metro Railways. Mr Deepak Krishan, General Manager, Eastern Railway, Mr A. K. Jain, General Manager, South Eastern Railway, and Mr V. N. Tripathi, General Manager, Metro Railway, and principal heads of departments of all the three Railways were present, says a press release.

Central Railways plans Rs 230 cr security project

Mumbai : The Central Railways is planning a Rs 230-crore project to beefup security in the aftermath of the November 26 Mumbai terror strikes. "We will try to make our railways as safe as possible and have planned anIntegrated Safety System at a cost of Rs 230 crore to handle all aspects of safety," CR General Manager B B Modgil said today. The project could be implemented on the build-operate- own-transfer (BOOT) modeland the Railway Board had suggested that a portion of advertising rights on the railways could be given to the provider of the security system as payment, he said. "We will be floating the Expression of Interest documents soon to assess theinterest in the market but if there is none then we would have to considertrying to pay for the project," Modgil said. The system was being developed on the model proposed by several security agencies and had various components, including access control, baggage screening and a network of closed circuit cameras, Modgil said. "We are also identifying points of unauthorised access on the railways and will be putting up fences to bring an end to it," he said. The busy Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) station was one of thetargets of the terrorists in November last year.

Miles to go, but no water in sight

BANGALORE : It looks like the various transport departments do not plan toprovide as basic a thing as drinking water at transit centres, while at the drawing board. This is the impression one gets, considering that millions of rupees are being spent on beautification and maintenance of transit centres, but it will be hardto find adequate drinking water facilities at these centres. No wonder then that even the locally-manufactured bottled water leaps off the shelves at the Bangalore International Airport, the concourse areas of Bangalore city railway station and other railway stations in the city and the BMTC bus station. Thankfully, adequate drinking water facilities have been provided at the railway platforms in these places. As summer approaches, the demand for drinking water increases manifold and not everyone can afford to fork out Rs 15 per litre. Raghavendra who spoke to Express when he was at the reservation counter of the Bangalore city railway station said: It will be appreciated if the railway authorities provide drinking water in the concourse area of the railway stations. Why would anybody buy bottled water if the railway department provides safe drinking water? A senior railway officer admitted that drinking water is not provided in the concourse areas of any of the railway stations of the country. Moreover, he lamented, people dirty the railway stations by spitting around the area where drinking water facility is provided. Divisional Railway Manager Akhil Aggarwal said: Concourse areas are openareas. Any body can come and go. It is difficult to provide drinking water inthese areas. One becomes our customer as soon as one buys railway ticket. Weprovide them safe drinking water in the platforms. Passengers at Bangalore International Airport are not so lucky, considering they do not have access toeven a single drinking water tap. The BMTC has provided just one water dispensing centre at the entire BMTC bus station at Majestic and it does not suffice for the thousands who throng the bus station on a daily basis. Only KSRTC seems to have understood the gravity of the situation by providing fivewater-dispensing points at the Kempegowda bus terminal.

Track cleared for Metro Rail

KOCHI: Finally, the signal has turned green for the Metro Rail project. With theGovernment allotting Rs 50 lakh for the office work of the project, the controversial office space provided by the GCDA (Greater Cochin Development Authority) to EMRC (Ernakulam Metro Rail Corporation) will soon see some action. The EMRC is planning to have its technical office in the space provided in thecity. The primary facilities will come from Delhi. We will only have technical and civil staff here. The office will be mainly for technical and construction activities. We are planning to start the work at the earliest with three officers,said K Gopinathan, liaison officer, EMRC. The government had allotted the second floor of the eastern entry building nearthe South Railway station, which belongs to the GCDA, for the Metro rail projectin 2006. But with no progress in the commissioning of the city dream project, the space has been lying idle since then. The space has already been allotted by the State Government. And we provided the space as per the directions way back in December 2006, but nothing has beendone about it,” said Vijay Kumar, estate officer, GCDA. With the project heading nowhere, the GCDA authorities had taken steps to takeback the property. According to officials, this place in the prime locality ofthe city has been turned into a 'no mans land.' The Metro Railauthorities did not take the initiative to open an office here and consequently no rent was paid by them for the last two years. Facing a huge loss, the GCDA did its best to regain the property which could earn them a good amount as monthly rent. But now, with the government allotting the funds, the office is expected to start functioning.

Compensation for victims of train-tractor collision

New Delhi : Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav has announced a compensation of Rs. one lakh each to the next of the kin of those killed in Sunday's train-tractor collision near Raebareli. He also announced a compensation of Rs 20,000 for each of those seriously injured in the mishap while Rs 5,000 will be provided to each of those who suffered minor injuries. The ministry will also consider offering jobs to the family members of victims of poor families. At least 12 pilgrims were killed and 25 others seriously injured when a tractor trolley they were travelling in collided with a speeding train at Unchahar railway crossing near Raebareli.

SR celebrates 153rd anniversary of India's first rly station

Chennai, Jan 26 (PTI) Southern Railway (SR) today celebrated the 153rd anniversary of the country's first railway station at Royapuram, by operating aheritage steam engine from Royapuram to Tambaram station here. Royapuram station, the oldest and the second major railway station in India wasbuilt in 1856, a SR release said here.History of railways in South India dates back to May 8, 1845, the day offormation of the Madras Railway Company. The company commenced its operationswith the opening of the 65 km rail line between Royapuram and Wallajah Road on May 28, 1856, the release said. General Manager (SR) Rakesh Chopra, flagged off the steam engine, which left Royapuram to Tambaram and then it came back to Chennai Egmore station, which isalso one of the oldest stations in India. Egmore was built in the Mughal styleof architecture and was opened for traffic on June 11, 1908. SR's network now spreads across 3,717 kms on the broad gauge and 1,452 kms onthe metre gauge, the release said.

Lalu, Sonia to launch rail coach factory in Raebareli

New Delhi : Railways Minister Lalu Prasad, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party MP Rahul Gandhi will be in Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh Tuesday to launch a Rs.20 billion ($408 million) rail coach factory. Work on the project was stalled October following political wrangling. Ministers of State for Railways R. Velu and Naranbhai Rathwa will also accompanythem, Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Akhilesh Pratap Singh told by phone from state capital Lucknow. The factory will be located in Lalganj in Raebareli, Congress president SoniaGandhi's Lok Sabha constituency. The work on the factory, to come up on about 1,000 acres, was stalled in Octoberwhen Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati refused to transfer 189.253 acres ofland under the state government ownership, citing opposition by local people. Her announcement had come dramatically ahead of Sonia Gandhi's visit to the site for the ground-breaking ceremony. The decision sparked off political controversy as Mayawati also tried to stop Sonia Gandhi, who is the chairperson of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), from addressing a rally there. The Mayawati government's decision was challenged in the Allahabad High Courtbut later the state relented and decided to grant the land to the railways onlease. The lease deed for the 189.25 acres of land in Lalganj sub-district was executed Jan. 17 and the Indian Railways Wednesday filed its copy along with asupplementary affidavit in the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court. 'The land has now been registered in the name of Northern Railway barely acouple of days ago and now there is no hurdle in the construction of the factory,' V. Madan, a Congress leader, told by phone from Lucknow. Railways officials said the project is likely to be completed in two years. Building more rail coach factories was on top of the railways ministry's agenda this year, they said.

Ms Gandhi to lay foundation stone

of Raebareli coach factory

It is reported that the foundation stone of the Railway coach factory at RaeBareli in Uttar Pradesh will be laid by Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi onJanuary 27th 2009.The new INR 2,200 factory to be constructed under PPP mode will spread over 1000acre. Work on the project is likely to be completed by 2010.Work on the factory was stalled earlier, in October 2008, when the stategovernment which had ownership of 189. 253 acre refused to transfer the landciting opposition by locals. However, the lease deed for the land in Lalganjtehsil of Rae Bareli was executed on January 17th 2009 paving way for theproject to commence work.

Satyam fiasco may hit PPP model for metro rail

Hydrabad : In the light of the Hyderabad metro debacle, it would not be unrealistic to assume that future metro rail projects would be more inclined to go in for the EPC route, adopting the Delhi Metro Rail model. Apart from the Hyderabad metro, the only metro rail that is being implemented onthe PPP route is the Mumbai Metro Line 1, which incidentally is a much smaller project costing INR 2,350 crore. Metro rail projects at Bangalore and Chennai have embraced the DMRC model and the Kochi metro rail project, for which the PPP route was being contemplated, is now likely to be modeled on the EPC route. As per report, it would also be interesting to see what course the Mumbai metro Line 2 project takes. Although the state government has planned to use the PPP route, as in Line 1, there is no clarity yet on the issue. For Line 3, which is under ground, and would cost much more, the state government has nearly finalizedthe EPC route, according to sources in nodal agency Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Agency.In the DMRC model, which has sufficient track record, the Central and state governments come together with equity participation. The remaining funds areraised through borrowings, including international assistance. It may be mentioned that the Center's viability gap funding mechanism is also applicableto PPP metro rail project, just like any other PPP infrastructure project.According to information available, the Center has sanctioned a total of INR 4,544 crore for the Mumbai metro (Lines 1 and 2) and the Hyderabad metro rail project. It is also interesting to note that the Mumbai metro (Line 1) had bureaucratic difficulties in securing VGF as the project was conceived muchbefore the Center's VGF scheme was announced. Meanwhile, it is premature to predict what course the Hyderabad metro rail project would take, but a considerable setback in terms of commissioning schedule is inevitable. Although the present focus is on issues relating to the developer and not on the implementation route, it is clear that the Hyderabad metro rail project could become an important case study for not just future metro rail projects but also be an inspiration to fine-tune guidelines governing PPP projects in general.

Massive protest of vidarbha cotton farmers on republic day

against Maharashtra Govt.'s cotton procurement policy
Nagpur:26th Jan.2009
When nationa was celebrating it's 60th republic day thousands of vidarbha farmers were protesting against the Maharashtra Govt.'s policy decision to procure the cotton below minimum support price (MSP) that's Bt.cotton is being procured at the average price Rs.2650 per quintal as against the MSP is Rs.3000/- per quintal. The cotton farmer of vidarbha region known for maximum numbers farm suicides in India are agitating to get legitimate rates to their cotton crop but the state owned agency marketing federation has been using police force to run procurement centers to curb farmers unrest against this unjust earlier all most all cotton procurement centers in the state were closed leaving the farmers saddled with harvested crop waiting to sell the produce and it has resulted in to distress sale of cotton at the much cheaper rates to private traders than MSP and it has made purpose of giving higher MSP of Rs.3000/- per quintal as ridiculous as it failed to benefit vidarbha dying cotton farmer according to the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS).
Hundrers of Cotton farmers in cotton belt of vidarbha gathered in front of sub divisional office of kelapur in yavatmal to lodge the protest on Indian Republic Day 26th Jan.as Betrayal Day and were demonstrating against the policies of Govt. and push the demand to restore the MSP of raw cotton at the rate of Rs.3000 per quintal at all cotton procurement centers
'there is no buyer to cotton other than Govt. agency and state is not only giving much less rate than MSP but farmers dues are unpaid since 15th of December as National Agricultural Marketing Federation (Nafed), has exhausted its funds earmarked for purchases this year."Farmers are in dire straits as private traders are also not coming forward to purchase because of severe recession in international market leading to big fall in cotton rates.at the start of the season, federation had promised to procure every single boll of cotton offered for purchase. It had also fixed 200 lakh quintals as target for collection. But after collecting less than 80 lakh quintal it has given up. Because Nafed, on whose behalf it is purchasing this year, is cash strapped and reports have appeared in media stating that Nafed has exhausted its allocated funds," VJAS president Kishore Tiwari informed the gathering today. said Tiwari.
"Obviously, the federation has failed to keep its word and is misleading people saying that due poor quality of cotton they are giving less price than MSP" Tiwari alleged.
In order to draw the Govt.'s attention to the serious problem of Vidarbha's distressed farmers in cotton belt and seek more funds for Nafed so that procurement is done at MSP to good quality cotton as per guidelines of CACP and federation to pay all dues of farmers ,we are observing protest day informed Mohan Mammidwar loacal activist..
"The farmer who soled cotton 50 days ago to the federation is receiving payment now. This is again a failure on the federation part which had promised to clear dues within a week," Mammidwar said.
Cotton farmers urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan who has promised to respond to cotton growers crisis to attend the problems of west vidarbha cotton farmers who are till committing suicides daily and apathy of administration is adding fuel on going distress among the dying farmer, Tiwari informed.

40 NEW SUBURBAN SERVICES ANNOUNCED BY
GENERAL MANAGER, WR ON REPUBLIC DAY

MUMBAI : The dawn of 59th anniversary of Republic Day of our nation was marked on Western Railway with flag hoisting by Shri R.N. Verma, General Manager, Western Railway. Keeping with the motto of caring for its customers and providing with more comforts, General Manager announced the introduction of 40 new suburban services from 26th January, 2009. 23 new suburban services were introduced in November 2008, thus taking it to 63 new suburban services this financial year. Every effort is being taken by WR to ease the load on trains on Borivali – Virar sector and this is one step to provide relief to the commuters of this sector. Virar sector services, have thus gone up from 370 to 402. Renewal of Season tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and Ticketing through Mobile are likely to be introduced within this financial year. In our continuous endeavour to improve passenger services, current All India Radio news is being relayed during the journey of Rajdhani Express trains since August 2008. A new initiative of sending updated rail related information via SMSs has been found very useful by railway users and 56000 persons have signed up for this service.
Recalling duty of railwaymen towards the country and reviewing Railway’s performance during the year, General Manager in his address expressed how the cash strapped Indian Railways is now a cash surplus organisation, due to the visionary policies of Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Shri Lalu Prasad.
Shri Verma highlighted that Western Railway being one of the important Zonal Railways of the Indian Railways has been giving significant contribution in all the areas of railway activities including freight and passenger business. WR has achieved a freight traffic loading of 36.66 million tonnes up to December which is approximately 14.5% more than the corresponding period of last year. He also added that there has been a growth of 26% over last year, up to December, in respect of freight traffic earnings. On the passenger side also, the earnings have grown by 11%. 929 Holiday Specials have been run and about 7000 extra coaches attached in different trains and 6 new trains have been introduced up till now.
On the construction front, various projects have been completed like the Gauge Conversion of Pratapnagar – Dabhoi line and Mahesana – Patan and new line of Veraval – Somnath. An additional pair of passenger trains between Pratapnagar – Dabhoi is introduced from 26th January 2009. The works introduced in the current budget are Gauge Conversion of Ratlam – Indore – Khandwa and Ahmedabad – Udaipur lines and doubling of Udhna – Jalgaon section.
Emphasising on the safety and security of its public, Shri Verma said that a foolproof security system is provided to the rail users. CCTVs have been installed at 38 stations and are under commission at 13 other stations. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) equipped with metal detectors, dog squads and superior INSAS rifles have been deployed over Western Railway. One Bomb Disposal Unit in each division is under the process of being set up soon.
He also lauded the sports performance of WR sportspersons and took the opportunity to thank the unions for their role in fostering cordial relations.
Shri Verma concluded that he was confident that all railwaymen would continue to strive hard to improve the performance of this Railway and keep its flag flying high and thus play a significant role in nation building.

Southern Railway installing Integrated Security

Chennai : Southern Railways will be installing Integrated Security System(ISS) in all major railway stations as part of its initiative to step upsecurity measures. The ISS includes CCTVs, access control, personal and baggage screening systemand explosive detection and disposal system, a release issued by the Southern Railways said. Procurement of bomb squad equipment and other modern security equipment was also under progress, the release said.

Gomo rly stn. now Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose rly stn.

Ranchi : Indian Railways Friday paid tributes to freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose by renaming a railway station in Jharkhand after him. Railways Minister Lalu Prasad announced the new name of the Gomo railway station that comes under the Dhanbad railway division. The railway station will be now known as the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose railwaystation, Lalu Prasad said. Bose had stayed for some time in Gomo when his Indian National Army was fighting British rule in the country.'In the coming months, Jharkhand will get many gifts from the Indian Railways,' Lalu Prasad said.

5 Members of Cheater Gang Arrested

Darbhanga : Five members of a gang, who used to cheat people by promising to double theirmoney, were arrested from near the railway station area here last night, policesaid today. They said acting on a tip-off, a team of district police led byRailway police station officer in charge Sanjay Kumar, rounded up five members of the gang who had duped several people in the district by promising them todouble their money within minutes. On the basis of complaints lodged by some ofthe cheated people and necessary information provided by them, the police arrested the five while they were boarding a train. A large amount of cash along with some counterfeit notes were recovered from them, the police said adding that all the five had been brought to the district police head quarters for interrogation. The police was on the look out for the gang members for the past few months following reports that several people had been cheated by them in the name of doubling their money in a whisker.

BJP accused Lalu Prasad of taking

political mileage during Govt. function

Ranchi : The BJP today accused Railway Minister Lalu Prasad of taking political mileage during a government function organised at the Gomo railway station during whichhe urged people to vote for the UPA in the coming Lok Sabha election. ''Mr. Prasad has no right to urge people to vote in UPA's favour during a government function and we lodge our protest against him,'' party's state secretary Dinesahnand Goswami said. Yesterday, during a function to rename the railway station as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Gomo junction, Mr Prasad urged people to vote in favour of UPA toform a secular government at the Centre. Criticising UPA for present political crisis in the state Mr Goswami said fresh Assembly polls should be held to end the present political crisis in the state.''Fresh polls should be held after dissolving state Assembly,'' the BJP leader said.

ER-Trains rescheduled due to late running Assam bound trains

Kolkata : Due to suspension of night running of Mail/Express trains in Assam region by the North East Frontier Railway, many following trains, running through Eastern railway system, will either be cancelled or short terminated. The trains, which would be cancelled are 2517 Up/2518 Dn Kolkata-Guwahati Garib Rath Express, 5657 Up/5658 Dn Sealdah-Guwahati Kanchenjungha Express, which willremain cancelled from Sealdah on January 25 and 26 and from Guwahati on January 24, 25 and 26 and 5930 Dn Dibrugarh Town-Chennai Egmore Express, which willremain cancelled from Dibrugarh town on January 26, an Eastern railway releasesaid. Similarly, the trains, which would be short-terminated are 5959 Up Kamrup Express to be short terminated at Guwahati on January 24, 25 and 26 and the corresponding down train 5960 Dn will originate from Guwahati on January 25, 26and 27. 2345 Up Saraighat Express will also be short terminated at New Bangaigaon on January 25, 26 and the corresponding down train 2346 Dn willoriginate from there on January 25 and 26. Also, 4055 Dn Dibrugarh town-Delhi Brahmaputra Mail will originate from Guwahati on January 25, 26 and 27 and 4056Up Brahmaputra Mail will be terminated at Guwahati on January 24, 25 and 26January. 5639 Up Puri-Guwahati Express will be terminated at New Jalpaiguri on January 25 and will work from there as 5642 Dn Guwahati-Jhajha Express onJanuary 26.The 2456 New Delhi-Guwahati Rajdhani Special will be terminated at New Bangaigaon on January 26 and will work from there as 2455 Dn on January 27, therelease added.

Bridge collapsed-2 labourers injured

Bilaspur : Two labourers were seriously injured when a portion of an under-constructed railway bridge collapsed on Bilaspur-Katni route under Civil Lines area here today, police said. Two slabs of the overbridge over Uslapur rail lines were collapsed suddenly prompting two labourers to jump. Both the labourers were injured critically andadmitted to hospital.A major accident was averted as the nearby railway gate was opened and movementof people was less. A bike, parked under the bridge, was also damaged, A casehad been registered in this regard, the police added.

NFR suspends trains for security reasons

Agartala : Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has suspended two pairs of trains between Agartala and Assam following security threat on the eve of Republic Day. Announcing the decision, NFR officials last night said Assam government had declined to provide security for train movements between Agartala, Badarpur and Silchar even during the celebration of Republic Day. Therefore no train would move outside Tripura till January 27 from today, railway officials added.''Only a pair of local trains would move between Agartala and Dharmanagar because Tripura government has agreed to provide security along railway lines,''the officials said. Tripura government has been demanding resumption of train service on Lumding-Badarpur route providing sufficient security to connect southern partsof the region but nothing substantial was done so far, officials stated. Railway service in Tripura had been affected for past three months following attack from militant outfit Dimasa Black Widow (DBW), which forced NFR authority to suspend six trains between Lumding and Badarpur.

Dhenkanal Rly Stn. Gets A Raw Deal

DHENKANAL : Despite frequent visits by Khurda Road Divisional Railway Manager(DRM) R Venkadaswami to Dhenkanal and Talcher, the long-standing demands ofpassengers are yet to be addressed. The DRM often visits the area once in amonth and inspects Talcher, MCL sidings and other stations on the Dhenkanal-Talcher route and halts every time at Dhenkanal station.According to station train signal register (TSR), the DRM comes in a traincalled light goods special (LGS) and is accompanied by a number of class Iofficers from different sections like signal, security, operation, commercial,safety, electrical and signal during his visit. He recently visited Dhenkanalrailway station, inaugurated an SBI ATM and held talks with officials. But thedemands of passengers were reportedly not looked into.The demands include attaching more bogies with fast passengers and intercityexpress trains, posting of clerk at inquiry room, PCO facility on stationpremises, expediting the foot overbridge work, construction of rain-proof shedover platform, adequate lighting facility in the platform, halting of BBSR-Kurla express, stall facilities and others.Dhenkanal railway station is one of the oldest stations in the State. Dhenkanal-Talcher sector also tops in revenue collection. According to sources, Talcherrailway station earns over Rs 100 crore a month from transportation of coal toseveral areas of the country. Dhenkanal railway station earns around Rs 9.13lakh from ferrying of passengers every month.Officials on condition of anonymity said the DRM is concentrating on privatesidings of MCL instead of the main line during his frequent visits. This despiteMCL having its own skilled professionals to look after the railway sidings.However, Venkadaswami said he had no idea about overcrowding of passengers andwill look into the matter. The DRM also said he would look into posting ofinquiry clerk and installation of PCO facility.

Punjab Govt. To Speed up rail line construction process
Shimla : The Punjab government today said it will speed up the processof land acquisition for the construction of Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri rail line.Chief Secretary of Punjab Ramesh Inder Singh during a meeting with his HimachalPradesh counterpart Asha Swaroop directed the Deputy Commissioner Ropar to makejoint inspections with the Railway authorities to acquire land in 14 villages,which falls in Ropar district of Punjab.Swaroop said the rail line was vital for the development of Himachal Pradesh asit would provide the necessary impetus for development of the region.

BHUBANESWAR RAJDHANI EXP. TO HAVE MODERN

GERMAN COACHES : FREQUENCY INCREASED

Bhubaneswar : LHB (Linke-Hofmann-Busch) Germany design coaches are being introduced inBhubaneswar-New Delhi Rajdhani Express with effect from 25.01.09.These German LHB coaches are different from the Indian coaches. These are longerthan the existing coaches by 1770 mm and have been designed for speed of 160Km/Hour with the capacity of increasing the speed to 200 KMPH if required.Besides, the coaches are light in weight with higher passenger comfort. TheSpecial feature of the coach is its higher carrying capacity. LHB coach 24berthsin A/C First class as against 18 berths made by Integral Coach Factory(ICF), 52 beths in A/C two tiers as against 48 in ICF coaches and 72 berths inA/C 3 Tier as against 64 in ICF coaches.There are luggage racks of modern design with integrated lamps for all seats. The coaches are of superior framing design and corrosion free and also vibrationproof. The coaches are made of fire retardant materials. Controlled dischargetoilet system has been introduced in these coaches. Bigger windows and moderninteriors with improved Air-conditioning system have also been introduced.Shri K. C. Jena, Chairman, Railway Board will flag off the Bhubaneswar RajdhaniExpress with the inducted new LHB German design coaches at Bhubaneswar RailwayStation at 11.25a.m on 25th January'09.RAJDHANI TO RUN ONE MORE DAYThe frequency of 2421/2422 Bhubaneswar-New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Expresshas been increased from bi-weekly to tri-weekly with effect from 31st Jan'09from Bhubaneswar and from 1st Feb'09 from New Delhi. Now Bhubaneswar-New DelhiRajdhani Express will leave Bhubaneswar on every Sunday, Wednesday andSaturdays. In the return direction, 2422 New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Expresswill leave New Delhi on every Sunday, Monday and Fridays.

SAMBALPUR-PURI INTER CITY EXPRESS TO RUN DAILY

Bhubaneswar : Train no. 8303/8304 Puri-Sambalpur-Puri Intercity Express will run daily with effect from 1st Feb'09. Presently, this train is running six days a week except Sunday. In consideration of providing better convenience to the passengers, Railway administration has decided to increase the frequency of this popular train.Shri K. C. Jena, Chairman, Railway Board will flag off the this Intercity Express at Bhubaneswar Railway Station at 11.50 a.m. on 25th January'09 as aspecial train for increase in frequency of Sambalpur-Puri Intercity Express.

Rail meets to address the fast growing logistics needs

KOLKATA : Chairman, Railway Board, K. C. Jena held a high level meeting on Saturday here to discuss a detailed plan being prepared by the Indian Railways to address the fast growing logistics needs- both for passenger and freight services- inthe Greater Kolkata metropolitan area. The plan, which is perhaps the first of its kind being tried out by the Railways' system to tackle fast growing needs of Kolkata and its suburban area, essentially revolves around an integrated approach by Eastern (ER), SouthEastern (SER) and Metro Railway to tackle the demanding transportation needs ofthe area over the next 15-20 years. The meeting was attended by Deepak Krishan, General Manager, Eastern Railway, A. K. Jain, General Manager, South Eastern Raiway and V. N. Tripathi, General Manager, Metro Railway and principal head of departments of all the three Railways basedin Kolkata."A detailed and holistic plan is being worked out encompassing all the threerailways, namely ER, SER and Metro to identify the needs of the greater Kolkataregion. We are in the process of shortlisting a consultant who will help usprepare the blueprint for its execution," a top Railway official told ET.The Railways' technical services arm, RITES, is likely to be one of the agencies shortlisted for the consultancy. "A decision on the appointment of theconsultant is expected shortly. We will have to decide whether it is through anopen tender or through a single tender, he added. "We have decided on the terms of reference for the job and have completed aninternal study to make a detailed assessment of the number of passengers andfreight customers as well as the number of freight terminals in and aroundKolkata. This will help us understand the need to either relocate or augmentthese terminals to meet future needs," the official said.The plan will be worked out with other key agencies involved in growth anddevelopment of the city namely, Kolkata Metropolitan Development Agency (KMDA). The meeting also reviewed the performance of the three railways and alsodiscussed the launch of Metro Railways' extended services upto Garia. Theservice in that stretch is likely to operational by end of March 2009.

Barak Obama's Train Journy

Discribes Arc Of US History

Wilmington (Delaware) : Barack Obama spent Saturday on a train,embroidering an arc through US history that took him from the founding days ofthe country in Philadelphia to the place where the national anthem was writtenduring the War of 1812, in Baltimore, Maryland. With just three days before he becomes the country's first black president, Obama's journey also followed closely that of Civil War president Abe Lincoln, the man who ended slavery two years after riding to his 1861 inauguration.Along the way, Obama spoke to cheering crowds who pounded their hands togetherto keep warm in the minus 12 degree Centigrade chill.In Philadelphia, Obama called for the country to work toward a more "perfectunion." In Wilmington, Delaware, he ceded the spotlight to vice president electJoe Biden and Biden's hometown crowd.Finally, in Baltimore, Maryland, after a bass singer delivered a deep-timbred rendition of "Oh Say Can You See," Obama and wife Michelle, and Biden and wife Jill, majestically strolled onto the stage in front of city hall to the cheersof thousands of shivering well-wishers. The moment gave a hint of what is to come between now and Tuesday, when Obamawill swear his oath of office on the Capitol steps in Washington promptly atnoon, placing his hand on the same Bible that Lincoln used at his ownswearing-in on March 4, 1861, as the country threatened to break apart over theslavery question.A free music concert Sunday afternoon will formally welcome Obama to town on Washington's National Mall in front of the Lincoln Memorial, with a star-studdedcaste including Beyonce and Stevie Wonder expected to draw 1 million people. Monday, Obama has declared a nationwide "call to service" in honour of civilrights pioneer Martin Luther King Jr's birthday.Tuesday, about 2 million people are expected to crowd the National Mall for thebig moment. At Philadelphia's train station, Obama recalled how 18th century farmers, lawyers and merchants gathered in the city to launch the American war forindependence despite "insurmountable odds. "Obama said the current trials were "different, but severe in their own right," referring to the faltering economy, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the warmingplanet. He was confident that if the country displayed the same "perseverance andidealism" as the founding fathers, the problems could be mastered. "The American Revolution was - and remains - an ongoing struggle 'in the mindsand hearts of the people' to live up to our founding creed," Obama said. "Starting now, let's take up in our own lives the work of perfecting our union."In Baltimore, the crowd reflected the largely African-American make-up of thecity. Elijah Cummings, a leading black representative in Congress, introduced Obama, saying he "realizes it's not about him." "It is good to have a president who understands that all of this is bigger thanhim, that understands we are preparing for generations yet unborn," Cummingssaid. Cummings then waved his hand in a large, dismissive goodbye gesture, salutingthe departure of US President George W. Bush - to the delight of a mocking, booing crowd. Obama picked up another Lincoln theme with his Baltimore speech, with an appeal" to our better angels" to declare independence from "ideology and small thinking, prejudice and bigotry, selfishness and narrow instincts."Lincoln famously used the "better angels" idea in his 1861 inauguration speech,as he tackled the challenge of keeping the country together and said he wasconfident the union would survive "when again touched, as surely they will be,by the better angels of our nature. "Lincoln, under death threats for his commitment to ending slavery, had to passthrough Baltimore in the dead of night in disguise to avoid attacks. Obama's journey, while taking place in bright sunlight, was accompanied by similar tight security against more sophisticated threats. Obama has pledged to make his inauguration a transparent and inclusive occasion. "The events of the next several days are not simply about the inauguration of an American president," Obama said early Saturday. "They will be a celebration ofthe American people. "In an unusual step, Obama's inauguration committee said it would open the White House Wednesday, his first full day at home in his new quarters, to "first come, first served" people who responded to the e-mail. For the first time, there will also be an official "neighbourhood ball" with emphasis on attendance by ordinary Washingtonians.

METRO HAS VOLUNTEERS NOW TO

CHECK PASSENGERS INDISCIPLINE

New Delhi : Next time you itch to squat on the floor or lean againstsliding doors aboard the metro, think again because Delhi Metro Citizen Forum'svolunteers will be patrolling the network to stop you from doing so.The volunteers will sport a fist-sized blue and red badge with "Delhi MetroCitizen's Forum" stamped across it.Over a hundred commuters of the Delhi Metro Sunday formally became a part of theDelhi Metro's Citizens Forum, which aims to help the Metro administration ininstilling better behaviour and discipline among the fellow commuters.The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) handed the badges to volunteers after adaylong training cum orientation programme called 'Sahyog' held at the MetroRail headquarters here."In the training programme, volunteers were imparted training about variousimportant aspects of Metro operation such as customer orientation, etiquette,co-operation with passengers, ticketing procedures, boarding and de-boardingfrom trains, security mechanisms, disaster management and cleanliness," saidAnuj Dayal, the chief spokesman of the DMRC.The initiative that was launched a month ago received more than a thousandapplications of which 150 odd were selected."After a month-long process of short listing the forms, the selected volunteerswere called for today's training programme," Dayal said.DMRC intends to involve more commuters in the initiative and forms are stillavailable with the station managers of the metro stations.Delhi Metro recently recorded its highest daily number of passengers at9,500,000. On an average, it ferries about 800,000 commuters everyday.Still, the swanky Metro system faces many challenges to keep in check passengerswho are accustomed to flouting rules and breaking queues."In the wake of increasing ridership and the scheduled opening of many newcorridors in the coming year, such cooperation from the commuters has becomevery important," Dayal said.

NARROW ESCAPE FOR PATHANKOT-DELHI EXP. IN PUNJAB

Jalandhar (Punjab) : Hundreds of passengers of the Pathankot-DelhiExpress train had a lucky escape Saturday as it was stopped by applyingemergency brakes, barely 100 metres away from a stationary engine near here.A head-on collision between the passenger train and the engine, which was on ashunting job, was avoided by a whisker after both came on the same track nearthe Phillaur railway station near Jalandhar."The Pathankot-Delhi Express train was going towards Ludhiana and suddenly cameon the same track as that of the stationary engine. The train does not have apermanent stop at Phillaur but it came to a sudden halt as it was shown redsignal," said a railway official."The engine was then put on another track to make way for the train to pass."

MHOW-MANMAD RAILWAY LINE IN LIMBO

Badwani(MP) : Maharashtra's former legislator Anil Gotealleged that Mhow-Manmad railway line was in limbo in absence of propercooperation from Madhya Pradesh government.''The Madhya Pradesh given formal approval for about Rs 1450.41 crore worth339-km long ambitious railway line of in 2008-09,'' Loksangram leader Gote toldmediapersons here yesterday.He claimed that the survey report to lay down the railway line fromMaharashtra's Manmad to Madhya Pradesh's Mhow area via Malegaon, Dhule, Shirpurand Sendhwa was handed over to the ministry on January 14.Centre did not issue any directives in connection with the formal approval ofthe railway route's construction. Hence, former union law minister RamJethmalani wrote a letter to Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and demanded toimmediately start the work.After the construction of Mhow-Manmad railway line, Madhya Pradesh's Indore,Badwani, Khargone and Dhar while Maharashtra's Nashik and Dhulia's population ofabout three crore would be facilitated.

RLY EMPLOYEE DIES : LOCALS AGITATED

SILIGURI : A section of railway employees staged a demonstration at New Jalpaiguri station after a rail guard, ML Das, died due to the alleged negligence of railway doctors and the local railway hospital authorities. He hadput up at a rest room for railway employees, near New Jalpaiguri station. He waslying unconscious when locals spotted him. The local railway hospitalauthorities were informed but by the time the doctors reached there, Das wasalready dead. Locals also staged a demonstration at the station for a couple ofhours. But the train services were not disrupted.

WCR : TRAIN FACILITY IMPROVES

Bhopal : The number of trains, whether starting from Bhopal or passing through it, haveconsiderably increased. Habibganj station in New Bhopal is being developed withall modern facilities. However, the facility for going towards East, mainly Kolkata, is still not up to the mark in comparison to other directions. For theeast direction, most of the trains pass through Itarsi. The people of Bhopalhave to reach Itarsi for these trains. The trains towards Indore or from Indorepass through old Bhopal station. It does not pass through Habibganj. Due tothis, half of the residents of Bhopal cannot avail the benefit of these trains.There should be a local train of two or three bogies between Bhopal and Habibganj stations every one or two hours during day and night. This small trainwould give much relief for the people. The fare of auto and mini-bus for afamily between these stations comes out to nearly Rs 100. A new railway line hasbeen laid between Bina andItarsi. It would cater mainly for movement of the goods trains. The capitalcity is expanding at a fast pace. Its total population has now gone up to nearly20 lakhs. There has been a project of metro rail for the city like Ludhiana in Punjab and Kochi of Kerala. Bhopal and Indore are fast-growing cities so runningof a metro is being considered seriously. Earlier, London based model of metrotrain, which run underground were favoured. But, Japan successfully ran themetro train above the land. Whereas it is too costly to lay underground track, in comparison to laying down of tracks above the ground by making fly- overs. This also does not necessitate acquisition of land.

THREAT CALL TO MEERUT, SECURITY AT AMBALA STN. BEEFD

Ambala : Security at Ambala Cantonment station has been beefed up in thewake of letters and calls threatening to kill GRP SP Bharati Arora and to blowup railway stations in Punjab.Taking action on the complaint of SP Arora, the Ambala police have traced andidentified the call to the Sim of Sarfaraz alias Siraj, a resident of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh. However, the Police which went to Meerut to investigate the matter claimed thata brother-in-law of Siraj had made the call posing as a member of Lashkar-e-Tayyeba and threatened the SP saying that if she didn't wind up theinvestigation into Samjhauta Express bomb blast incident, she would be done todeath.He allegedlly wanted to get Siraj involved in a terrorist case out of vengeance and had also made threatening calls to four businessmen of Delhi for ransom. The businessmen included a cloth merchant, a jeweller and two businessmen from Geeta colony. He claimed to be a ''sharpshooter'' of notorious gangster Babloo Srivastava. Meanwhile, the security has been revamped in view of the threatening. The callswere received at sensitive stations of Punjab, Chandigarh and Ambala besides the GRP SP. According to GRP sources, the strength of home guards and railway wardens had been increased to assist the GRP personnel in view of the Republic Day. The Army has also been alerted in the cantonment area. Barricades have beenerected to check the persons entering the military area. The RPF and GRP were jointly screening every nook and corner of Ambala Cantonment station in the wake of threats. Today, the forces conducted inspection of abut a dozen express trains at thestation here.

WCR : DEMAND FOR TRAINS

Bhopal : Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kailash Joshi has demanded starting of four trains from Habibganj and Bhopal besides extending the Jabalpur-New Delhi train to Haridwar.The demand was made at a meeting of MPs of Kota and Bhusawal railway divisions. ''The trains demanded by me are the Habibganj-Jabalpur Intercity, Bhopal-RaipurExpress via Itarsi, Bhopal-Haridwar Exp via New Delhi and Bhopal-Bhusawal Passenger, '' Mr Joshi said in a statement issued here today.He also demanded stoppage of the Jabalpur-Chennai-Coimbatore Superfast Exp and Pushpak Exp at Hoshangabad besides stoppage of the Gondwana Exp at Habibganj and Bhopal Exp at Mathura. Mr Joshi wanted the number of general coaches to beenhanced in the Amritsar-Dadar Exp and renaming Bhimbetka Station as Dr Wakankar Station.

Accidents : Railways getting on right track but a long way to go

Rlys plans to rope in France for high-speed corridor Nilambur-Nanjangode line being delayed deliberately: Kerala Railways hunts for carbon credits in the light of CFLs Low-cost flights hit growth, Rlys likely to slash AC-II tier fares

Under the scanner is the move by the Railways to convert a safety surcharge on passenger fares into a development charge to raise money for its dedicated freight corridor project. This move, which drew adverse remarks from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways in two successive reports, has even invited queries from the Prime Minister’s Office.
At the centre of the row is a Rs 1,000-crore sum which the Railways will end up collecting as development charge from passengers by the end of the current fiscal. Not a fresh levy, this development charge was essentially a change of name for the safety surcharge which the Ministry had levied since 2001 to raise funds for the Special Railway Safety Fund (SRSF).
Set up in October 2001 following recommendations of the Railway Safety Review Committee headed by Justice H R Khanna, the SRSF was a non-lapsable fund of Rs 17,000 crore to clear arrears in replacement and renewal of overaged safety related assets like tracks, bridges, signal and telecom equipment and rolling stock within a fixed time frame of six years — from 2001-02 to 2006-07.
While Rs 12,000 crore for the SRSF was to come as dividend-free budgetary support from the Central government, the Railways were mandated to mobilise the remaining Rs 5,000 crore through levy of a safety surcharge on passenger fares.
The Railways began levying a safety surcharge, ranging from Re 1 to Rs 100, depending upon the class of travel and the total distance travelled. For travel up to 500 km, a Sleeper Class passenger had to pay Rs 10 as safety surcharge. Similarly, AC-3 and AC-2 passengers invited safety surcharges of Rs 30 and Rs 40 respectively. Exactly double the amounts were charged in case of travel beyond 500 km. The move paid off, generating a substantial sum. For instance, against projections of Rs 750 crore, the Railways earned Rs 850 crore in 2006-07 through the safety surcharge.
With the six year period for SRSF works running out on March 31, 2007 , the Railways were supposed to stop levying the safety surcharge beyond that date. But five days before the deadline, the Railway Board came out with a circular stating that the Ministry had decided to subsume the safety surcharge in passenger fares “on as is where is basis in the form of a development charge to fund the dedicated freight corridor”. The circular stated that receipts from the development charge would be included in “passenger earnings” starting April 1, 2007 .
Slamming the move, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways called it a “deceptive practice”. In its latest report tabled in Parliament in December 2007, the committee pointed out that the Railways went ahead “inspite of the committee’s repeated recommendations against such a move”.
Disagreeing with the Ministry’s view that imposition of a development surcharge on passenger fares will not result in any change in existing chargeable passenger fares, the committee said that “withdrawal of safety surcharge from the passenger fares would have certainly given some relief to passengers” and that “replacing safety surcharge with development charge has obviously denied this relief to the passengers.”
“The safety surcharge was levied for the specific purpose of raising funds for asset renewals. All the funds required for the Rs 17,000 crore SRSF have already been collected in the fixed tenure. When no extra funds are going to come from the Central exchequer, why should Railways continue to burden the passengers?” said Basudeb Acharia, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways.
“Converting the safety surcharge into a development charge is an indirect way to earn revenues. It raises questions of propriety considering the fact that it was not mentioned in the last Rail Budget speech. While the Railways make claims of having reduced fares, they are indulging in deceptive practices like these,” he said, adding that the Committee had specifically recommended withdrawal of this charge and sought an Action Taken Report from the Ministry.
When contacted, a Railway Ministry spokesperson declined comment.

To know the truth of Railways making huge profits:

All the Development Projects costs are borne by

The Passengers from 01/04/2007 onwards:-

A True Researched Report

A report printed only in Asian Age, Mumbai edition, dated 21/12/07 page no. 4, confirms my fears about the Railways grabbing money from poor passengers' (read here "aam aadami / aurat") pockets deeply and unethically, by replacing a 'Safety Surcharge,' being charged from 01/10/01, to a 'Development Charge' from 01/04/07, even though the concerned Parliamentary Standing Committee has disapproved and rapped the ministry saying that the withdrawal of Safety Surcharge from the passenger fares would have certainly given some relief to passengers but not so now, since it is replaced by a Development Charge.
It is with the utmost disgust that railway ministry has fraudulently converted the safety surcharge in 'Toto' grabbing the money from the poor passengers (poor because they can not afford to drive the cars) in the name of Development Charges replacing the Safety Surcharge.
The appeared news-
"This Safety Surcharge was created as a Non-Lapsable Special Railway Safety Fund from 01/10/01 , which lapsed on 31/03/07 , and has amassed to Rs.5000 crores in the ministry's kitty. The passengers and the public in general should know how this money is spent.
The Development Charge is for the dedicated freight corridor only and not for the benefit for any passenger related project."
The words Safety Charge is replaced by 'Development Charge,' in Toto (charges remaining same from Re. 1/- to Rs. 60/-) in Central Railway Suburban Time Table, page no.147, being operative from 01/07/07 (pl. also see 2006 time table, page no.100 for Safety Charge). No worthy NGO / electronic or print media has so far objected to this blatant misuse of public money, in the public interest. This is how the railway ministry makes huge profits.
I request to all the concerned to seriously oppose this development charge, said Mr. D.D. panse.
He also said that there is a reply from railway to me saying that the ministry has submitted and included the proposal in the last budget, but it was never publicly informed as was done neither in 2006 suburban railway time table nor to the users or Member of Parliament. It is with utter disgust that such a proposal was agreed by the MPs. Only the demand was made and as usual without hearing any public objection it is implemented the wrong decision. Even the railway authority was not aware of it till I pointed to them.

Information regarding misusing administrative authority by involving corrupt practices while staying constantly in same place for last 15 years by Deputy CMD(H & FW)/E.Rly./Kolkata- Dr. Mihir Chowdhury.

It is a matter of concern that Deputy CMD(H & FW)/E.Rly./KKK- Dr. Mihir Chowdhury has been found engaged himself in a lot of malpractices while staying constantly for last 15 years in same place. Some of his activities during his long tenure is here by placed for your information.

i) Violation of transfer rule for his corrupt Health Inspectors : As a Zonal in-charge and designated to look after Health and Family Welfare in E.Rly, Dr. Chowdhury categorically denies any transfer of his inspectors who are even staying more than 20 years. Not a single Health Inspector is transferred during his period of working as Deputy CMD(H & FW) as all regularly oblige him from remote and distant places. Presently, huge funds are allotted by the Rly administration for maintaining cleanliness of station and colonies. For instance around Rs. 5 crore an 50 lakhs are allotted at HOWRAH Station for cleanliness which are supervised by Health Inspectors. By keeping health inspectors in same place for 20 yrs (on an average) Dr. Chowdhury helps them involving in corrupt practices in return of bribes.
(Annexure –1 The news paper cutting of Railway Samachar on 12/04/2008, relating to the above facts )

ii) Involvement with the contractors for gratification : Presently in most important stations, private contractors are working along with Rly. workers for cleanliness. The Health Inspectors who are supervising the contractors getting bribes from them for not doing work as the same work has been done by the Rly. staff also. The Deputy CMD(H & FW) is obliged with the illegal gratification by them for not interference inspite of having complains for poor performances . Private contractors are thereby constantly paying bribes to Dr. Chowdhury for their day-to-day work of poor performance through these inspectors.

iii) Disproportionate Asset : Dr. Mihir Chowdhury during his long period working at the same place accumulated huge movable / immovable assets which are totally disproportionate to his known source of income. The present valuation of the residence in South Kolkata (Thakurpukur) where he is staying is around Rs.65 lakhs. Besides this, his bank balances and valuation of other properties will automatically speak the source of this corrupt income.

iv) Misusing CMD office for his personal vested interest : Dr. Mihir Chowdhury while sitting next to CMD’s chair easily maintains a constant communication with the doctor’s of whole zone posted at remote places and works as a mediator of the CMD for collection of bribes for their choice posting. Recently one order has been issued for transfer of doctors for giving three choice for posting. Dr. Chowdhury although is not designated and entitled to see the administrative work of doctors, he is working as middle man for the 1st choice of Doctor next transfer who are staying ever more than 5 years.
(Annexure –2 Xerox copy order for choice posting of Doctors )

Keeping the facts quoted above in view, you are requested to established a high level enquiry team so that Dr. Chowdhury be immediately sifted to other zone.

To,
Hon'ble Additional General Manager
&
Appellate Authority/RTIA
Western Railway,
Churchgate, Mumbai-20.

Sub.: Appeal against incomplete, misleading information and concealment of material information to shield the alleged corrupt railway employees and their protecting officers with reference to RTI application dated 10.09.2008, provided on 15.10.2008, received by undersigned on dated 23.10.2008.
Ref.: Letter no. G.542/2/2008/703, dated 15.10.2008 signed by Shri Aditya Kumar, DGM/G & CPIO/WR.

Respected Sir,

The deficiency/shortcomings by/conveyed by various concerned PIO's and officers i.e.
(i) PIO & DyCVO/E/CCG's note no. E/61/88/1/Vol.I, dtd. 10.10.2008,
(ii) PIO & DyCCO/CCG's note no. C.358/100/RTI/2008/09/703, dtd. 29.09.2008 and
(iii) PIO & DyCPO/HQ/CCG's note no. G.542/2/2008/703, dtd. 07.10.2008 are as below...

1. SDGM & CVO/CCG's note no. E/61/88/1/Vol.I, Dtd. 10.10.2008.

Q.2. (iii) Action in the vigilance case not provided, copy of action taken be provided under RTI. It may also be advised how Sh. Sanjay Sharma was posted on such a sensitive post where such a vigilance record? Who gave the vigilance clearance? The copy of the vigilance checks against Sh. Sharma and action taken be advised.


(iv) The information was very specific all the vigilance cases against the above said employees were covered in the request. However as usual vigilance avoided/violated the RTI provisions by not providing / concealing the material information. Complete copy of notings and correspondence side of vigilance file mentioned in the item (iv) of the note be provided. Action for concealing the facts should also be taken, why the vigilance investigation is not provided with enclosers and day to day monitoring of case?

> Regarding DA & SCM'G's orders and NIP Annexure 'F', the information provided does not clarify whether vigilance was consulted before implementing the DA's orders, if so, the vigilance views on such a high profile case be provided, which was raised by SDGM before GM made note dtd. 14.03.2007, regarding sheltering the two alleged TTE's of CCM's flying squad in the subject case. This attitude was further confirmed by Disciplinary Authority. The copy of vigilance view and further action taken be provided under RTI Act provisions and action for concealing this be taken.

> What action taken on further diluting the case by Appellate authority and Dy CCM/G/CCG that too without any categorical speaking order. Whether vigilance took any cognisance to the culprit friendly attitude of DA & AA...? Copies of proceedings be provided.

> Why the Annexures in support of SF-5 were not provided does it not covered under RTI Act 2005? Is it not part of information? Please take action against the concealment of material fact/information.

(v) Copy of concerned file processing for NOC of culprit staff is not provided. Who is responsible for issuing NOC in favour of accused of Major action at the instance of vigilance department only. Whether any enquiry conducted on the issue and persons behind the mischief taken up? The copy of action taken be provided.

Q.3. Copy of the file proceedings not provided. It is not understood why the material record information is being concealed? What action was taken on SDGM's note dtd. 14.03.2007 marked to CCM & GM? Whether the further proceedings/orders by GM & CCM are not covered under RTI Act? Why it is concealed? The same may please be provided under RTI Act 2005 and copy of proceedings be provided.

It should also be advised that how and on whose orders both the concerned employees were kept on the same post despite of raising the issue by SDGM up to General Manager's level for more than one year and on what grounds? Complete proceedings copy be provided. Is it not the concealment of material documentary information under RTI Act 2005? Please get it examined and provide the same at the earliest.

Q.4. In reply to Q.3, SDGM's note dtd. 14.03.2007 and other letters indicate that SDGM raised the issue of not repatriating the two alleged TTE's from CCM's flying squad and in reply to Q.4 it is mentioned that it does not pertaining to Vigilance. Appellate Authority may please decide which answer is correct; and what is the approach of vigilance department to RTI Act? Please provide copies of file records of concerned case.

Q.5. The reply is certainly misleading, incorrect and violative of RTI Act provisions. The DAR action was initiated out of vigilance investigation and no DAR file is maintained by vigilance is how for correct, may please be examined by Appellate Authority. If no file is maintained by vigilance that what happened to vigilance checks and how they are monitored...?
Please provide the complete copy of vigilance file and the responsibility for incorrect information be fixed.

Q.6. The copy of vigilance case is not provided. The reason for concealment of material information may please be got examined by Appellate Authority and copy of vigilance file be provided under RTI Act 2005.

It has been mentioned that reconsideration Advise for AA was sent on dtd. 22.09.2008, but the copy of same not provided and it is not clear that what action was taken at the time when DA diluted the case...? The proceedings took place on I.O.'s report and DA's decision may please be provided under RTI Act, 2005.

Regarding para 1 to 4 below Q.6 following information be provided which CPIO has not given...

PARA-1: The copy of Decoy check conducted by Sh. Mahendra Kumar Dayaram, CVI/CCG, on unauthorised Travel Agent ( Registration no.2007/09/058 ) with further proceedings. Copy of the DIARY seized during vigilance check bearing the names of both culprits - Sh. Sanjay Sharma & Sh. Harish Tiwari - as ''Regular Haftakhor'' and action taken on the said TTE's by RPF Staff who prosecuted the Tout.

PARA-2. Copy of the letter dtd. 26.10.2008 written to Board Vigilance and further orders regarding the said TTE's of CCM's flying squad. What action recommended by Board Vigilance and SDGM/WR...?

PARA-3: Copy of the Board's letter dtd. 08.01.2008 for repatriation of both concerned TTEs from the sensitive and lucrative post in CCM's flying squad and further action taken by WR Vigilance, copy of concerned file be provided and following information be also provided which was avoided by PIO Vigilance and CPIO/WR.

(I) Despite of SDGM's note dtd. 14.03.2007 to GM and further Board's letter dtd. 08.01.2008 why the both concerned TTEs were allowed to LOOT in the CCM's flying squad upto dtd. 18.08.2008 as per concluding para of the note, on what grounds and by whose orders they were retained...? What action for not adhering to Board Vigilance was taken...?

(II) Whether this was advised to DA & AA in vigilance advise who not only favoured but sheltered the both alleged TTEs, is there any plan to set the case reviewed at GM's level by WR Vigilance...?

PARA-4: Regarding para-4 the information provided shows that both the TTEs were vide ltr. no. E/C/839/24/Vol.XI, dtd. 29.04.2008 of GM/E were transferred and posted as Sr.TC & Sr.TTE/BCT. Further vide ltr. no. E/C/839/11(spl.squad)Vol.II, dtd. 05.06.2008 of Sr.DCM/E/BCT were posted at Sr.TTE/ST, where as per para-4 and Annexer 'L' ltr. no. E/C/839/4/24, dtd. 20.08.2008 of APO/T&C were physically releaved on dtd. 18.08.2008. Despite of Board's recommendations and SDGM/WR's continued pursuance how and on what grounds and authority they were retained in the CCM's Squad...? Please provide the copy of concerned file with complete details and material information whether it was done only to set their DAR cases decided by favourite officer at H.Q. ...?

> When they were repatriated to BCT Division on dtd. 18.08.2008, how and under which rule Dy CCM/G/CCG was their Appellate Authority...? The copy of supporting rules should also be provided. The copy of concerned DAR/Vigilance file should also be provided under RTI Act, 2005.

2. Dy CPO/HQ/CCG & PIO's note no. G/542/2008/703, dtd. 07.10.2008 (page-148)

(i) SPO/W/CCG's note no. E/Wel/124/14/8(207-08), dtd. 08.10.2008. In the said note in item (i) of Q.2 the copy of file proceedings of CCM's office and personnel department not provided. The procedure for calling for GM's award nominations and further processing procedure should be provided and it should be advised that whether the same procedure was adopted in the case of Sh. Sanjay Sharma, TTE/CCM's flying squad...? It should also be advised whether the citation received was duely approved by PHOD i.e. CCM in connection with GM's award notification...? Whether the proposal of CCM's office was examined by Screening Committee and recommended to GM by the Committee should be provided along with the copy of said record in material form and copy of concerned file record be provided. Whether SCM/G/II is competent to directly sending the recommendations without personal approval of PHOD and CCM...?

(ii) In the item (ii) it is mentioned that no separate citation was received from CCM, then how it was considered? The citations received from CCM's approval be provided with the copy of file proceedings in support of the same. Copy of CCM's office file and personnel department file be provided.

(iii) SCM/G's note no. C/331/8/Vol.VI, dtd. 17.03.08 (CP-147), As per above note it appears that the name of Shri Sanjay Sharma, accused TTE, was not approved by CCM for GM's award nominations, it was got added by SCM/G without CCM's personal approval. The copy of concerned file proceedings be provided as entry (i) of the note doesn't indicate the CCM's approval. Entry (ii) has specifically mentioned as (citation duely approved by CCM is enclosed). Complete record be provided under RTI Act 2005. The note of SCM/G/II is not in reference to GM award, it is a general routine note, please get it examined that whether it was issued from the GM award file or otherwise and advise the material information under RTI Act 2005.

4. APO/T&C's note no. E/C/839/4/24/ RTI (Suresh Tripathi) dtd. 03.10.2008. (CP- 144/145)

> With reference to item 3 it is advised that vigilance vide note no. E/61/2006/02/115/C/VI/N/BCT, dtd. 22.09.2006 recommended for repatriation of the both concerned TTE's which was further reminded several time including SDGM's note and Boards orders, but the repatriation order was issued on dtd. 29.04.2008 and further posting orders were issued by BCT Division on dtd. 05.06.2008 and finally said two accused staff could be relieved only on dtd. 18.08.2008.

In this connection following information has been concealed or not provided deliberately:-

a) Why it took two years time to repatriate the accused TTE's?

b) What is the normal term in CCM squad and how much time both the TTE's spent in CCM's flying squad? Whether their term was extended in the CCM's flying squad despite of Major DAR action, if so, with whose orders? The copy of file proceedings be provided with supporting rules.

c) Despite of issuing repatriation orders on dtd. 29.04.08 why these two alleged TTE's were retained up to dtd. 18.08.2008 i.e. four months where their payment was charged and with whose orders and what authority with their fresh posting orders were issued by BCT Division on dtd. 05.06.2008.

d) With reference to item four it is advised that both the TTE's was repatriated as per vigilance advise, why the same action was taken after two years? What is the normal tenure in CCM's flying squad? How much total period the two alleged TTE's posted in the CCM's flying squad?

5. With reference to Dy CPO/HQ/CCG's note no. DAR/308/0 (Misc.), dtd. 30.09.2008, (CP-138).
> It is pointed out that only certain portion of DAR file has been provided, the reason for concealing the material information i.e. enclosures of chargesheet and noting side of concerned file not provided where as the same are part of information. AGM & Appellate Authority may please provide the same and fix responsibility concealing the main information.
Following information is also not provided:-
Whether vigilance advise was taken before issue of penalty? The copy of file proceedings be provided.

3. DyCCO and PIO Commercial note no. C/358/100/RTI/2008/09/703, dated 29.08.2008 (CP-15 of document)

(i) With reference to reply/information item 2(i), it has been advised that there was no recommendation for the award to both the accused TTE's where as personnel department cited SCM/G's note dated 17.03.2008 as recommendation, please get it examined which information is correct? Following point be got examined and information under RTI Act be provided under RTI Act 2005.
> When no recommendation from CCM was sent, how the name of alleged staff included in the award list?

(ii) When SCM/G was aware of the fact that Shri Sanjay Sharma was undergoing major penalty proceedings and the note at CP-11 bearing GM's endorsements dtd. 12.02.2002, why the same was not advised to Personnel Department and General Manager's office?

(iii) Whether the note of SCM/G dtd. 17.03.2008 at CP-12 was approved by CCM or otherwise? When it was known to SCM/G that Shri Sanjay Sharma was under major DAR Action, and how he advised SPO/W for his GM award? SCM/G is also his Disciplinary Authority in the same case? The copy of file proceedings may be provided in support of the above information.

(iv) Vigilance NOC for awards is taken before the case is put up to GM or after GM's approval this may please be advised with supporting rule.

(v) The reply of item (i) and (ii) are in contradiction with SCM/G's note dtd. 17.03.2008, this appears to be misleading information, please provide the copy of concerned file.

(vi) With reference item (iii) at CP-13, the complete record of concerned file be provided. Why two years time was taken to implement the vigilance advise, with whose orders the accused staff stayed in CCM's flying squad be provided. What was their normal term? If any extension granted, the copy of proceedings on file be provided.

(vii) With reference to item (iv) at CP-12, it is advised that the alleged TTE's were repatriated on vigilance advise on 18.08.2008, please advise why it took two years time even after SDGM raised the issue at GM's level, vide his note dtd. 14.03.2007, what action was taken on that, the copy of proceedings on file be provided in support of the same.

(viii) Regarding item (vi) the copy of the DAR proceedings NP/CP side should be provided and it should be advised that how much time the case was pending with DA and for what reasons? The NP/CP side of concerned department case file be provided in support of the reply.

It appeals that the material information is concealed deliberately by all these PIO's and CPIO's also failed to ensure the dissemination of correct information, please get it examined and provide complete and proper information at the earliest.

Thanking You,

Yours Sincerely,

Suresh Tripathi,


AGM & Appellate Authority RTI Cell,
Western Railway, HQ.
Churchgate, Mumbai-20

Vidarbha cotton farmers to observe 'Republic Day' as Betrayal

Day to protest the procurement of cotton below MSP

Nagpur : The Maharashtra Govt. has taken policy decision to procure the cotton below minimum support price (MSP) that's Bt.cotton is being procured at the average price Rs.2650 per quintal as against the MSP is Rs.3000/- per quintal .state owned agency marketing federation has been using police force to run procurement centers to curb farmers unrest against this unjust earlier all most all cotton procurement centers in the state were closed leaving the farmers saddled with harvested crop waiting to sell the produce and it has resulted in to distress sale of cotton at the much cheaper rates to private traders than MSP and it has made purpose of giving higher MSP of Rs.3000/- per quintal as ridiculous as it failed to benefit vidarbha dying cotton farmer according to the Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS).
Cotton farmers will observe Indian Republic Day 26th Jan .as Betrayal Day will sit on dharana agitation to demand restoration on MSP at all cotton procurement centers, there is no buyer to cotton other than Govt. agency and state is not only giving much less rate than MSP but farmers dues are unpaid since 15th of December as National Agricultural Marketing Federation (Nafed), has exhausted its funds earmarked for purchases this year, VJAS president Kishore Tiwari informed in a press note today.
"Farmers are in dire straits as private traders are also not coming forward to purchase because of severe recession in international market leading to big fall in cotton rates.at the start of the season, federation had promised to procure every single boll of cotton offered for purchase. It had also fixed 200 lakh quintals as target for collection. But after collecting less than 80 lakh quintal it has given up. Because Nafed, on whose behalf it is purchasing this year, is cash strapped and reports have appeared in media stating that Nafed has exhausted its allocated funds," said Tiwari.
"Obviously, the federation has failed to keep its word and is misleading people saying that due poor quality of cotton they are giving less price than MSP" Tiwari alleged.
In order to draw the Govt.'s attention to the serious problem of Vidarbha's distressed farmers in cotton belt and seek more funds for Nafed so that procurement is done at MSP to good quality cotton as per guidelines of CACP and federation to pay all dues of farmers ,we are observing protest day. "The farmer who soled cotton 50 days ago to the federation is receiving payment now. This is again a failure on the federation part which had promised to clear dues within a week," added Tiwari.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan who has promised to respond to cotton growers crisis has failed to give any attention to problems of west vidarbha cotton farmers who are till committing suicides daily and apathy of administration is adding fuel on going distress among the dying farmer, Tiwari added.

Postponement of Written Test
Employment Notice No. WR/HQ/R&T/Scouts & Guides Quota 1/2008-09
This is to inform the candidates called for written test on 10.01.2009 for Group "C" Post in Headquarters Office, Churchgate for recruitment against Scouts & Guides Quota that the said written test fixed on 10.01.2009 has been postponed till further notice. The revised date for the written test will be advised to the candidates individually by post.

1. Continuation of introduced Holiday Special Train between Pune and New Delhi
H.Nizamuddin and request for halting it at Kalyan Junction.
2. Enhancement of weekly frequency of 9311/9312 Pune –Indore Express
3. Request for halt at Kalyan Junction for Mumbai CST-Pune Super Fast Express
trains.

Many present and past members of ZRUCC, DRUCC and SRUCC Mumbai, and members of Mumbai Suburban Rail Passengers Association requested to the Railway Board to consider the following suggestions for increase in the passenger revenue without substantial capital investment in the budget which ultimately benefits the railways and to the passengers:

1. Continuation of introduced Holiday Special Train between Pune and New Delhi:

A Holiday Special Rajdhani Express [similar to Rajdhani Express between Mumbai and New Delhi/Hajarat Nizamuddin (H.NZM)] between Pune to New Delhi (H.NZM) was introduced daily during the Diwali festival in October 2008 which was not halting at Kalyan Junction.

This train was introduced having 14 coaches and not halting at Kalyan Junction, depriving the

passengers of Kalyan and surrounding area who wish to go to New Delhi. They had to go to Mumbai Central wasting their precious time, energy and money in the period it used to run.

It appears that the passengers from this vast Urban Agglomeration (Mumbai Metroplitan Region-called as MMR in short), having five Provincial Municipal Corporations of 'A' class under Acts of Maharashtra State, wishing to board this Holiday Special Rajdhani Express at Kalyan Junction, were not taken into consideration for reasons best known to you.

Moreover Kalyan is a Taluka (Tahasil) Place in Thane District, Maharashtra State, having a large suburban floating population of nearly 12 lakhs, (using rail conveyance is their prime mode of transport to Mumbai and other cities).

There is a great need to have such a train to serve passengers to New Delhi from this region.
"Kalyan Junction on Central Railway is one of the oldest junction and has the unique facilities of going to any region of India." Hence we request you to reintroduce this holiday special train again, and make it regular if possible.

2. Re-Introduction of Holiday Special train between Mumbai CST and Pune:

A Holiday Special train between Mumbai CST and Pune was introduced between Mumbai and Pune for quite a long time (in decades), departing from Mumbai CST at 0600 hrs. and arriving at Pune on 1000 hrs. On its return journey, departing from Pune at 1430 and arrival at Mumbai, CST was 1830 hrs.

This train used to run from the years 1965, through 1990 for a period of nearly 25 years, during summer and Christmas Vacations, Ganapati and Diwali festivals and was popular and convenient. It was also a good revenue collector to the railways.

It was stopped without giving valid reasons, and the passengers were forced to adopt other means of transport between Mumbai and Pune, one city being the state capital and the other being metro city.
Public request is that introduce it again considering the passenger traffic between these two metro cities has quadrupled. The timings can be appropriately fixed in consultation with all the user associations.

He requested to consider all the above three suggestions for the following reasons:

(a) The rail passenger traffic has grown manifold between Mumbai, State Capital of Maharashtra, Kalyan Junction, and these metropolitan cities, Pune and Indore with national Capital, New Delhi.
(b) The revenue collection from passengers has been growing very rapidly and presently one has to stand in the queue for minimum 30 minutes in rush hours to get the train ticket though there are many ticket windows at Kalyan Junction.
(c) If implemented, the passengers using these trains will be thousands in a day and their physical and monetary expenses, efforts and precious time will be saved by 100%.
(d) The revenue collection of Central Railway at Kalyan Junction will go up in leaps and bounds without investing much.

Our requests, we hope will not cost much to railways since they are genuine, user friendly, revenue generation. (Except introduction of Pune-New Delhi Rajdhani Express, Pune-Mumbai Holiday Special Express and making Pune-Indore daily train all our requests are only Halt at Kalyan Junction for Mumbai-Pune super Fast Express). These trains have sufficient running timeand by giving halt at Kalyan Junctionthere will be no loss of time since the catenary overhead line is going to be made AC instead od AC/DC. Enhancement of weekly frequency of 9311/9312 Pune –Indore Express from 3 days in a week to 7 days (Daily).

This train is very useful for the passengers of three states, viz., Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. It goes always full in reservation category. It may please be made daily.
Request for giving a permanent halt at Kalyan Junction for Holiday Special train (similar to Rajdhani Express) between Pune to New Delhi (Hajarat Nizamuddin) as well as other regular Mumbai CST-Pune Super Fast trains, viz., To Mumbai-Pune Intercity, Pragati, Deccan Queen Express Trains.
This request is pending for quite a long time with the Railway Board.
As mentioned above the passenger traffic between Kalyan and Pune has increased exponentially, there are no direct trains in the afternoon between Mumbai and Pune only. The users has to go to Karjat and board these train wasting their precious time and efforts.
We would like to suggest you henceforth if you consider to introduce any Mail/Express train going through Kalyan Junction, we promise to help.