Question : TRAINS BETWEEN MUMBAI CST AND SAWANTWADI STATION

(a) whether the number of trains being run on daily basis between Mumbai CST and Sawantwadi Station is insufficient keeping in view of the heavy passenger traffic on this route;

(b) if so, whether the Raiwlays propose to introduce any new Mail/ Express train on daily basis on this route;

(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Railways also propose to increase the number of coaches particularly AC Coaches in all the trains running on this route;

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

(f) the other remedial steps to be taken to give a sigh of relief to the general public of this route?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) to (c): Existing trains services, which are available from Mumbai area to Sawantwadi Road are considered adequate for the present volume of traffic. To meet the passenger demand, holiday specials are run during Ganapati festival, Diwali, Winter, Christmas and summer to clear the extra rush of traffic.

(d) to (f): Increasing the number of coaches including air-conditioned coaches in trains is an ongoing process, which is done keeping in view the operational feasibility, commercial viability and availability of resources. Measures such as increase in frequency of the existing services, running of special trains during peak seasons and introduction of new trains are also taken with a view to take care of the increasing passenger traffic.