Question : REPLACEMENT OF TRAIN COACHES

(a) the criteria laid down for replacement of coaches in the trains and the details of the incidents that have caused harm to the passengers due to its sub-standard quality and poor maintenance;

(b) whether the Railways have received representations from various quarters for the replacement of coaches during the last three years and the current year;

(c) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken to ensure that coaches are as per international safety standards;

(d) whether the Railways propose to procure coaches from private manufacturers; and

(e) if so, the details thereof including the manufacturers shortlisted for supply of coaches?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a) Coaches in the trains are replaced if they become unfit for service under prescribed norms.

There has been one incident of injury to a passenger during last three years on 31.10.2013 owing to falling off from one seat/berth in a Sleeper coach in Train No.14033 Delhi-Udhampur Jammu Mail.

(b) Yes, Madam.

(c) Few representations were received for replacement of old coaches with new ones. Replacement of old coaches was undertaken wherever feasible.

Coaches are inspected and certified for fitness in line with prescribed safety standards of Indian Railways prior to their use in passenger trains.

(d) Yes, Madam.

(e) Railways have placed orders for supply of Electrical Multiple Unit (EMU), Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) and Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit (DEMU) coaches. Purchase orders have been placed on private manufacturers namely M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd., Kolkata, M/s Jessop & Co. Ltd., Kolkata, M/s BESCO, Kolkata and M/s Texmaco Kolkata.