Question : PASSENGER AMENITIES

(a) whether the Railways plan to introduce more passenger friendly trains with better amenities across the country including Central Railways;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there are certain schemes for upgradation of train services in the country including Central Railways;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Station in Mumbai has been upgraded with a new building and improved facilities for the railway commuters; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) to (d): Introduction of trains and improvement in passenger friendly amenities is a continuous process including for those trains being introduced on Central Railways. Such passenger friendly amenities include Passenger announcement and information display system, improved illumination and additional mobile charging points, toilets on new MEMUs, environment friendly toilets on conventional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design coaches etc. On-Board cleaning in important long-distance trains and enroute cleaning at select stations is also being carried out including those in Central Railway.

(e) & (f) Yes, Madam. The new station building provided has large concourse with around 30,000 sqm circulating area with separate arrival and departure bays for taxis/cars, Passenger Reservation System (PRS), current booking office, separate toilets and waiting rooms for ladies and gents VIP room, dormitory for Gents and Ladies, retiring rooms and Food Plaza etc.