(a) the details of trains provided to Kerala from various parts of the country during the last three years and the current year so far;
(b) the requests for various facilities received from the Government of Kerala during the last three years and the current year so far;
(c) the details of the requests still pending with the Ministry; and
(d) the time by which all the requests of the State Government will be fulfilled?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) Indian Railways do not run trains on State-wise basis as Railway network and its train operations cut across State boundaries. During the last three years i.e. 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 and current year 2016-17 up to October 2016, 17 new trains were introduced and 6 existing train services were extended serving the State of Kerala from various parts of the country.
(b) to (d) A large number of representations are received at various levels of Railway Administration viz. Railway stations, Divisions, Zonal Headquarters and at Railway Board level. Action as found feasible and justified is taken from time to time. However, compendium of such representations is not maintained by Indian Railways. Introduction of new trains, extension, and increase in frequency of existing trains is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility and availability of resources, etc.
Augmentation/improvement of passenger amenities at railway stations is a continuous process and works in this regard are undertaken as per need, inter se priority of works and availability of funds.
A letter dated 24.09.2016 was received from the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala requesting for a review of the condition of coaches and improvement in the amenities in long distance trains plying through the State. Safety and provision of facilities/passenger amenities (as per the prescribed norms) is ensured during the various maintenance schedules.
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