Question : Death of Passengers due to Heat

(a) whether the Government is aware of four passengers succumbing to unbearable heat onboard Kerala express recently and if so, whether the Government has received complaints about passenger coaches being ill fitted and uninsulated to prevent extreme temperatures;

(b) if so, the details of steps taken to modernize the coaches with a view to making them more resistant to extreme heat and temperature and to provide comfort to the passengers;

(c) whether the Railways also intend to provide solatium to the immediate family members of the deceased; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. However, no complaints have been received about passenger coaches being ill fitted and uninsulated to prevent extreme temperatures. The coaches of Indian Railways (IR) are not uninsulated as non-AC coaches are properly painted with heat reflecting paint on the roof. Thermal insulation alongwith composite natural fibre ceiling is also provided in non-AC coaches. Modernization of coaches is a continual endeavour of Indian Railways. New specifications have been

developed for infrared heat reflective coating on the roof exterior surface. Around 100 coaches have been turned out by Production Units with this specification. This is being done with a view to further minimize heat infiltration from the exterior of the coach in order to provide more comfort to passengers.

(c) & (d): No ex-gratia or compensation has been paid by Railways as the incident is not covered under untoward incidents as laid down in Section 124A read with Section 123 (c) of Railways Act, 1989.
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