(a) whether the efficiency and safety in operations of Railways have improved with the creation of five new zones w.e.f. April 1, 2003;
(b) if so, whether there has also been some improvement in Railways earnings after new zones come into being; and
(c) if so, the perceptible changes that have been noticed in this period?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS( SHRI BANDARU DATTATRAYA )
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) Since 01.04.2003, the total approximate earning on Indian Railways, to the end of June 2003, has increased by Rs.240 crores as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year.
(c) An increase of approximate 9.76 Million Tonnes in loading, decrease of approximate Rs.718 crores in Ordinary Working Expenses and reduction of 18 consequential train accidents have been noticed in the first quarter of the year 2003-04 as compared to the corresponding period of previous year.