Question : DOUBLE STACK CONTAINER FACILITY

(a) the details of norms/criteria for introducing three stack/double stack container trains;

(b) whether the Railways propose to run three stack/double stack container facilities in the country, ncluding Rajkot – Surat-Howrah section;

(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise, port-wise, including Gujarat;

(d) the details of special container trains connecting ports, State-wise, port-wise;

(e) whether the Railways propose to run special/double stack container trains connecting Kandla – Veraval Ports, Kandla – Mundra Port and Kandla – Bhildi – Jodhpur – Bhatinda section;and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

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

(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the Sabha.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1180 BY SHRI P. P. CHAUHAN, DR. MAHENDRASINH P. CHAUHAN AND SHRIMATI JAYSHREEBEN PATEL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 03.03.2011 REGARDING DOUBLE STACK CONTAINER FACILITY.

(a): Railways have no plans to run three stack container trains. Running of double stack container trains depends firstly upon the route having sufficient clearances for accommodating the maximum moving dimensions of such trains and secondly on customer demand.

(b) to (d): Railways are already running double stack container trains on Pipavav - Kanakpura and Mundra - Kanakpura routes, which pass through the States of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Between April 2010 and January 2011 Mundra and Pipavav Ports have handled 88 and 38 double stack trains respectively.

(e): No Madam.

(f): Does not arise.