(a) whether the Railways have drawn up any plan to modernise the Railway system and to improve safety in signalling and telecom system;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the extent to which offset bad track, track fractures, technically failed components and human errors are likely to be detected; and
(d) the progress made in respect of modernisation of railway track and telecommunication during the last three years?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (d): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRTED QUESTION NO. 3696 BY
SHRI MADAN LAL SHARMA, SHRI PRATAPRAO GANPATRAO JADHAO, SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE, SHRI
KUNVARJIBHAI M. BAVALIYA AND SHRI SUBHASH BAPURAO WANKHEDE TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK
SABHA ON 30-07-2009 REGARDING MODERNISATION OF RAILWAYS SYSTEM.
(a) & (b): Modernization and technological up-gradation of the railway system
is an ongoing process and is one of the thrust areas of the 11th Five Year Plan
(2007-2012). Various modernization activities covering passenger business, freight
business and other areas were identified for implementation in the Integrated Railway
Modernization Plan (IRMP) for the period 2005-2010. The plan to improve safety in
signalling system include provision of route relay interlocking /panel interlocking /
electronic interlocking, colour light signalling, LED Signals, axle counters, track
circuiting, data loggers, onboard train protection system and interlocking of level
crossing gates. To improve telecom infrastructure, it is planned to provide Optic
Fibre and Quad Cables and Mobile Train Radio Communication, Satellite Communication
and Voice Recorders.
(c) & (d): Modern technology and systems not only prevent failures including
human errors, they enable detection of failures like rail fractures, other equipment
failures and obstruction of track etc. During the last 3 years 12,530 Kilometers of
track renewals have been done; 20,200 route kilometers of Optic Fibre and Quad Cable
laid, Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) commissioned on 700 route kilometers,
230 remote locations connected through V –Set Network and Voice Recorders provided
in all Control Offices.