(a) the zone-wise details of the total number of Special Trains operating in the country, including Rajasthan;
(b) whether it is a fact that the Special Trains lack basic amenities like potable water, catering, cleanliness, water in toilets and also run late; and
(c) if so, the steps/measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Railways in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) Indian Railways run special trains during peak seasons, festivals, special events for clearance extra rush of passengers keeping in view the pattern of traffic, operational feasibility and availability of resources. This is an ongoing process on Indian Railways. The zone-wise details of approximate total number of special trains run, including Rajasthan, from April 2014 to June 2014 is as under:-
Railway Special trains (In trips) Central 384 Eastern 130 Northern 3361 North Eastern 1499 North East Frontier 301 North Western 2266 East Coast 486 Southern 256 South Eastern 754 South East Central 165 South Western 1119 Western 1810 South Central 187 North Central 89 East Central 300 West Central 414 Total 13521(b) & (c) Basic amenities are provided in the coaches running in special trains as per the prescribed norms. Besides, healthy level of cleanliness and hygiene in coaches and coach toilets and adequate watering in these trains are also ensured.