Question : PANTRY CAR IN TATANAGAR YASHWANTPUR EXPRESS

(a) the details of criterion fixed by the Tatanagar-Yashwantpur Express for providing pantry car in long-distance express trains alongwith the details of such trains running over 1000 kms. and not having pantry cars;

(b) whether Tatanagar-Yashwantpur Express train does not fulfill the prescribed criterion for providing pantry car;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Railways shall consider the issue of providing pantry car in Tatanagar-Yashwantpur Express train and in other similar trains as well; and

(e) if so, the time by which it is likely to take place and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2828 BY SHRI MADHU KODA AND SHRI P. KARUNAKARAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 18.08.2011 REGARDING PANTRY CAR IN TATANAGAR -YASHWANTPUR EXPRESS.

(a) to (c): Attachment of pantry cars to the trains is based on various factors such as priority of the train, operational feasibility, load of the train, maximum load permitted on each section, commercial justification, availability of pantry cars and other exigencies. As per policy guidelines of Ministry, pantry cars are to be attached to more and more Premier/ Super fast and Mail/Express trains on priority basis with first priority to Duronto and Rajdhani Express trains; second priority to long distance premier, Superfast trains; third priority to Mail & Express trains with more than 24 hours journey time either way; and fourth priority for the remaining trains, with preference to those trains in which vestibules are provided. The Tatanagar -Yashwantpur Express train (Train no. 12889/90) has a comparatively lower priority for the attachment of pantry car as per norms of the Ministry. 158 Mail/Express trains with a run in excess of 1000 kms. do not presently have pantry cars.

(d) and (e): With progressive increase in availability of pantry cars, additional trains will be provided with pantry cars, as per priority decided by the Ministry.