Question : Increasing Frequency of Train No. 12489-12490

(a) whether need to increase the frequency of Bikaner-Dadar superfast Train No.12489/12490 running two days a week from Bikaner to Dadar is being felt and demand for the same has been raised several times and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether its frequency is not sufficient in view of the number of passengers and this train is earning huge revenue from the district and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the revenue of the Railways is likely to increase and the passengers are likely to get relief from long waiting list if this train is run on all the days of the week and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to run the said train all the seven days of the week; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) A large number of representations are received at various levels of Railway administration viz. Railway station, Division, Zonal Headquarter and Railway Board’s level for increasing the frequency of existing train services. Action as found feasible and justified is taken from time to time. This is an ongoing exercise in Indian Railways.

(b) & (c) The demand pattern on Indian Railways is not uniform throughout the year and it varies during the peak and lean seasons. The demand for travel surges especially during the peak season like during summer holidays, festivals etc. The overall occupancy of train no. 12489/12490 during the Financial Year 2016-17 ( upto February, 2017) was more than 100%. However, state-wise/district-wise statistics are not maintained.

(d) & (e) No, Madam. Increase in frequency of 12489/12490 Bikaner-Dadar Express from bi-weekly to daily is not feasible at present, due to operational and resource constraints including path constraints on several sections enroute and terminal constraints at Dadar.

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