(a) whether the Government has constituted the Rail Development Authority for management and regulation of India Railways;
(b) if so, the details thereof including its structure and current constitution;
(c) whether the authority has powers of price fixation and regulation of non-fare revenue; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)
(a) to (d) : No, Sir. The Government has approved the setting up of Rail Development Authority (RDA). The role/mandate of RDA, interalia, includes providing expert advice to Government to make informed decision on :-
(i) Pricing of services commensurate with costs;
(ii) Measures for enhancement of non-fare Revenue;
(iii) Protection of consumer interests, by ensuring quality of service and cost optimization;
(iv) Promoting competition, efficiency and economy;
(v) Encouraging market development and participation of stakeholders in the rail sector and for ensuring a fair deal to the stakeholders and customers;
(vi) Creating positive environment for investment;
(vii) Promoting efficient allocation of resources in the Sector;
(viii) Benchmarking of service standards against international norms and specify and enforce standards with respect to the quality, continuity and reliability of services provided by them;
(ix) Providing framework for non-discriminatory open access to the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) infrastructure and others in future;
(x) Suggesting measures to absorb new technologies for achieving desired efficiency and performance standards; and
(xi) Suggesting measures for human resource development to achieve any of its stated objectives.
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