(a) whether special trains are being run to facilitate the
devotees of various religions for visiting their main pilgrim/
religious places;
(b) if so, the details of such trains and the details of
the facilities and relaxation given to such pilgrim devotees;
(c) whether the Railways propose to extend such service to
the people of Jain religion for visiting their main pilgrim/
religious places; and
(d) if so, the details thereof ?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H.MUNIYAPPA)
(a) Special trains are run for clearance of extra passenger traffic
during peak seasons, festivals, special events, including for pilgrim/
religious places keeping in view the pattern of traffic, commercial
justification, operational feasibility and availability of resources.
However, special trains on demand in favour a party/organization/trust
etc. on specific route and date are provided on Full Tariff Rates (FTR)
on certain terms and conditions.
(b) As regards relaxation, in case
of special trains booked by individuals/party, as per rule, no concession
fare is admissible to anyone including children, students and senior
citizens and on detention and pantry car charges. However, in exceptional
cases, relaxation is given taking into account the purpose of the journey.
(c) & (d) Running of special trains on various sectors including for
Jain pilgrim/religious places is a continuous process keeping in view the
pattern of traffic, commercial justification, operational feasibility and
availability of resources. At present, there is no proposal for providing
concession in booking of special train to the people of any religious
faith including Jains.