Question : Modernisation of Railways

(a) whether the Government has organised three day brain storming session for railway officials from all zones and divisions to focus on complete overhaul of the national transporter recently and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the main issues discussed in the event and the outcome thereof;

(c) whether the Government is actively considering to modernise Railway system on the pattern of some advanced countries of the world;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other steps taken by the Government to increase the revenue and also increase its contribution to the GDP?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
*****


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.116 BY KUNWAR BHARATENDRA AND DR. HEENA VIJAYKUMAR GAVIT TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 16.11.2016 REGARDING MODERNISATION OF RAILWAYS

(a) & (b): A three day brain storming session with railway officials has been scheduled from 18th to 20th November, 2016 to generate innovative yet practical ideas from within the organisation that would help Indian Railways in achieving its commercial and societal objectives.

(c) & (d): A five year investment plan of ` 8.56 lakh crores has been proposed to enhance capacity and modernise railway system. Capital expenditure has been scaled up.

(e): A separate multi-disciplinary directorate viz. the Non Fare Revenue Directorate has been created in the Ministry of Railways to coordinate the exercise of raising non-fare revenue. Several initiatives have been taken which include, inter-alia, increasing advertising revenue using innovative approach combining digital and conventional mediums, monetizing soft assets like Software, Apps and Websites, creating a new policy for encouraging innovative revenue concepts.

Some initiatives taken to increase the railway revenue and contribution to GDP include rationalization of freight structure and incentives to attract incremental traffic.
*****