(a) whether the Government are exploring additional sources of revenues in railways;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the manner in which the Government propose to go by these ways to make them a success; and
(d) the rate of success of the Government in regard to the steps taken so far and the nature of success?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI BANDARU DATTATRAYA)
(a) to (d): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED
QUESTION NO.668 BY SHRIMATI RAJKUMARI RATNA SINGH TO BE ANSWERED
IN LOK SABHA ON 18.7.2001 REGARDING ADDITIONAL REVENUE SOURCES.
(a) to (d): The freight and passenger earnings constitute around 90% of the railway revenues.
In order to generate more revenue, railways are continuously striving to capture more and more
traffic. In case of freight, all possible marketing strategies which include rationalisation of
freight structure, volume discount scheme etc. are being adopted. Besides, railways with the
participation of private entrepreneurs, are developing terminal and warehousing facilities so as
to provide better freight handling facilities. Efforts are made to step up passenger earnings by
providing additional coaches and running special/new trains to cater to the growing demand.
Besides, customer interface is also being improved by expansion of Passenger Reservation
System(PRS), introduction of Self Printing Ticketing Machines (SPTMs) and Coupon Validating
Machines (CVMs), besides improving information system.
Apart from this, railways are also emphasising on the revenue generation by commercial
exploitation of railway land and air space and commercial publicity on rolling stock and railway
stations etc. Feasibility/Market studies are being taken up to see commercial potential of railway
land/air-space. So far, 65 such sites have been identified out of which, in 14 cases, bidding process
has been initiated or completed.
Traffic performance and earnings therefrom are being monitored closely and necessary
corrective measures taken.