(a) the criteria fixed for selection of route for Rajdhani Trains in the country;
(b) whether the objective of operating Rajdhani trains is to connect National Capital with State Capitals;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether Railways propose to make the change in the route of New Delhi- Bhubhaneshwar Rajdhani Express so as to make its route via Sambalpur; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) Routing of Mail/Express trains including Rajdhani Express services inter-alia depend on factors like potential traffic offering and operational feasibility.
(b)&(c) Yes, Madam.
(d) & (e) No, Madam. 22811/22812 New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express runs via Adra, Bankura & 22823/22824 New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express runs via Bokaro Steel City, Tata Nagar and are presently very well patronized on their existing route and as such, there is no proposal to divert 22811/22812 & 22823/22824 New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express via Sambalpur. Change in route is neither operationally feasible nor desirable as it would be resented to by the existing users.