Question : TRANSPORTATION OF PERISHABLE GOODS

(a) whether there is any provision regarding speedy transportation of perishable goods at parcel rates by Railways;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Railways have prepared any separate list for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables being transported at parcel rate;

(d) if so, whether banana has been included in the list of fruits;

(e) if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) whether the Government have received any representations from Members of Parliament regarding inclusion of banana in the list of perishable goods and transporting it by parcel rates; and

(g) if so, the action taken by the Government in this regard ?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI NITISH KUMAR)

(a) to (g): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (g) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 456 BY SHRI Y.G. MAHAJAN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 23.08.2001 REGARDING TRANSPORTATION OF PERISHABLE GOODS

(a) Yes, Sir.

(b) preference is given to the loading of perishable traffic over oterh parcels. In case of large volumes of perishable traffic, they are being cleared in `special trains` by the Indian Railways. Punctuality of these trains is being monitored to prevent detentions enroute.

(c) & (d) Yes, Sir.

(e) Does not arise.

(f) and (g) Yes, Sir. However, banana is already included in the list of perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables and is charged at parcel rates.