Question : TRANSPORTATION OF VEGETABLES

(a) whether there is any proposal to increase vegetable transportation by Railways;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the quantum of vegetables transported by Railways from Patna-New Delhi through special refrigerated van during the months of June, 2004 to July, 2004;

(d) the total amount earned by Railways as profit;

(e) whether the first refrigerated van that reached Delhi was full of rotten vegetables resulting in loss incurred thereby; and

(f) the details of the modifications made and steps taken for successful implementation of the scheme ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)

(a) & (b) A total of 10 Refrigerated Vans have been introduced so far on Indian Railways for transportation of perishable commodities, including fruits, vegetables, frozen foods etc.

(c) & (d) 125 packages weighing 8.68 tonnes of vegetables were booked by a Refrigerated Van on 20th June 2004 from Patna to New Delhi. The Railways earned a freight of Rs. 14,100/- from this traffic.

(e) & (f) All the packages reached New Delhi in fresh condition. Ten packages of vegetables remained unclaimed and were ultimately got destroyed. Railways did not suffer any loss on this account.