Question : Lifeline Express Train

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether India’s first Lifeline Express Train is being run by the Impact India Foundation which is the World’s first hospital on train in collaboration with his Ministry;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the salient features of the said hospital;

(c) the number of doctors and medical staff provided by the Government in Lifeline Express along with the treatment/ services provided;

(d) the total expenditure incurred in running the said train during each of the last three years and the current year; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to create awareness about Lifeline Express train in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (c): Impact India Foundation (IIF) operates the Lifeline Express Train on Broad-Gauge (BG) network as per agreement between IIF and Ministry of Railways. The Lifeline Express Train has set up a mobile Hospital with 7 (Seven) coaches to impart “on the spot” diagnostic, medical and surgical treatment for prevention and curative intervention for restoring sight, mobility and hearing of persons living in the rural areas. They also conduct medical tests and training. The Government does not provide any doctor or medical staff in Lifeline Express Train. Doctor or medical staff provide services voluntarily on rotation basis.


(d): The charges applicable for Lifeline Express Train are as under:
I. Maintenance charges are levied at the rate of 50% of the applicable cost of maintenance charges.

II. Haulage charges are recovered at the rate of 25% of the actual cost of movement of AC sleeper class coaches. Therefore, 75% concession is granted in haulage cost.

III. A token amount of Rs. 5.00 (Five) per coach per day is levied as against Rs. 900.00 per hour per coach, by the Railways.

IV. Maintenance charges, haulage charges & detention charges recovered by Indian Railways from Impact India Foundation are as under:
Years Total charges
(Approx. in lakh)
2014-15 Rs. 47.34
2015-16 Rs.52.10
2016-17 Rs.57.21


(e): Information Education and Communication (IEC) activities are conducted by Impact India Foundation to create awareness about Lifeline Express train in the country.