(a) whether the Government proposes to at least do the regular maintenance of the locomotive, coaches and track so as to render the services keeping in view the safety issue and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to convert these narrow gauge lines to broad gauge; and
(c) if so, the time bound programme chalked out in this regard including for Pachora- Jamner in Central Railway, Mumbai Zone?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) Yes, Madam.
(i) Regular preventive maintenance is carried out for rendering satisfactory service of diesel locomotives to ensure safe train operation.
(ii) Regular maintenance of all the coaches (including Narrow Gauge coaches) is done as per the prescribed schedules keeping in view the safety and passenger amenities.
(iii) Maintenance of track is a regular activity. Maintenance and inspection of track is done as per laid down procedures. The defects noticed during inspections get rectified in the planned manner. If considered necessary, suitable speed restrictions are imposed by field officials till rectification of defect is done.
(b) Conversion of Narrow Gauge (NG) lines, wherever feasible, and of Meter Gauge (MG) lines to Broad Gauge (BG) has been taken up by Indian Railways, as a part of Uni-gauge policy in phases, depending on overall availability of funds and relative priority of the route.
(c) Survey for Gauge Conversion of Pachora-Jamner line and extension to Malkapur (104 Km) has been included in Rail Budget 2016-17 and survey taken up by Central Railway.
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