Rajya Sabha
Delayed running of trains increases the transit time apart from causing dislocation to the paths of other trains. However, the overall losses incurred by the Railways due to delayed running of trains are not computed and only in specific cases viz., breaches, flood etc. when a considerable disruption to through traffic is caused are the losses computed for the given period.
The other reasons for late running of trains on Indian Railways besides fog & agitations are accidents, bundhs, bad weather, alarm chain pulling, miscreant activities, signal failure, over head equipmet failure, loco failure, cattle run over, grid failure, human failures etc.
The following steps are taken by Indian Railways to improve operations and the punctuality of passenger carrying trains: -
Intensive, round the clock monitoring of trains at all three levels viz., Divisional, Zonal Head Quarters and Railway Board. Punctuality drives are being conducted from time to time. Running of trains at maximum permissible speed subject to observance of safety limits and speed restrictions. Improvements in time tabling to provide a clear path. Improvement in standard of maintenance of assets to reduce equipment failures. Counseling and motivating staff to ensure punctual running. Liaison with state Government to tackle the law and order problems and miscreant activities. Up-gradation of technology of track, rolling stock and signaling. To further strengthen the monitoring of punctuality, introduction of Coaching Operations Information System (COIS) has been introduced.This information was given by Shri R. Velu, Minister of State for Railways in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.
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