(a) the number of special trains being run in the country along with the details of the special amenities provided to the passengers in such trains;
(b) whether there are a number of passengers eligible for concessions but have not been able to avail the same;
(c) if so, the number of such passengers along with the reasons therefor; and
(d) the details of the rules under which concessions due to senior citizens were not provided?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a). Special trains are being run during peak seasons, festivals, special events for clearance of extra rush of passengers traffic keeping in view the pattern of traffic, commercial justification, operational feasibility and availability of resources. Running of special trains on various sectors is a continuous process and continue to vary on day to day basis. .
During last 3 years, following new types of rakes have been introduced:
1. LHB type Mail & Express rakes: These have LHB AC as well as non-AC coaches, with higher carrying capacity, when compared with similar coaches of ICF design conventional type of coaches. Besides, these are safer and have better ride quality.
2. LHB AC Double Decker rakes: Coaches of these rakes have higher carrying capacity when compared with LHB Shatabdi type coaches. In the latest design variant, reclining seats, snack tables, bottle holders, Mini Pantry etc. have been provided.
3. Model rake: Model rake coaches which have been introduced in Mahamana Express have additional amenities:
i. Aesthetically appealing toilet modules provided with enhanced passenger amenities - big mirror, platform washbasin, controlled discharged water tap, odour control system, exhaust fan, LED lights, dustbin inside the toilet.
ii. Ergonomically designed Ladders.
iii. Snack tables provided for side berth passengers also.
iv. Windows with powered venetian blind provided in FAC coaches and roller blind in ACCW coaches.
v. Composite panels without visible screws.
vi. Provision of dustbin in all coaches.
vii. Enhanced scale of light fittings including berth reading lights in GSCN Coaches and embarking light in all classes of coaches.
viii. LED based berth indicators for reserved coaches.
ix. Provision of Passenger Address system & Passenger Information System in all the coaches.
x. The scale of mobile/ laptop charging points have been increased in all classes of coaches.
xi. Use of LED Lighting.
xii. Shifting of electrical junction points from passenger area to non-passenger area for enhanced safety.
xiii. Use of e-beam cables and polyamide conduits for enhanced electrical and fire safety.
xiv. Provision of fire extinguisher in all coaches.
xv. Provision of electrically operated chimney in Pantry Car.
xvi. Stainless steel panelling in Luggage Compartment of SLR.
Besides above, exterior and interior colour scheme of the coaches has also been changed to impart more pleasing feel to passengers.
(b) & (c): Special trains on normal fare structure (equivalent to regular time Tabled trains) with concession are run under the following circumstances:-
(i). Unreserved special train for all distances including Jansadharan Express.
(ii) To clear passengers due to hold up of traffic on account of incidents like accidents, floods, breaches, line blocks, cancellation of trains etc.
Apart from above special trains, Suvidha trains and special trains on special charges are introduced on higher fares based on demand pattern. No concession is permissible in these trains.
In the unreserved sector, train wise tickets are not issued, therefore, overall data for concession in special train is not maintained separately. However, for all trains in which concession is permissible, the revenue foregone due to concession being given to various categories of passengers have increased during last two years. The revenue foregone for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are `1313 crores and `1423 crores respectively.
(d). As per Commercial Circular No. 33 of 2015 dated 02.06.2015 and Commercial Circular No. 30 of 2015 dated 21.05.2015, no concession is permissible in Suvidha trains and special trains on Special charges. Further, the total revenue foregone due to concession being given to senior citizens in all the trains as per rule during last two years for 2013-14 and 2014-15 are ` 933 crores and `1148 crores respectively.
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