Question : Swarn Project

(a) whether the Railways has started ‘Swarn Project’ for refurbishing the Premium Trains and if so, the details thereof;

(b) the details of the facilities likely to be provided under Swarn Project and the expenditure likely to be incurred on it;

(c) whether there is any proposal to increase the fare of these trains after introducing the Swarn Project;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the way money is likely to be raised for the same; and

(e) whether there is any proposal for modernizing the other trains also and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Railways has decided to launch “Project Swarn” with the objective of significantly improving the passenger experience across 9 dimensions which include coach interiors, toilets, onboard cleanliness, staff behavior, catering, linen, punctuality, security, on-board entertainment. real time feedback will also be taken as part of Project Swarn. In total, 14 Rajdhani and 15 Shatabdi trains will be covered. Railways have been allowed to spend upto 50 lakh per rake for upgradation of trains to Swarn Standard.
(c) & (d): Evaluation of various alternatives relating to rationalization of the passenger fare structures is an ongoing process. Presently, there is no proposal for reviewing the fare structure.
(e): (i) “Project Swarn’ has been launched with the objective of improving the condition of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains.
(ii) Some of the coaches undergoing mid life rehabilitation at Bhopal workshop are being upgraded to make model rakes for Mahamana Trains. Presently, three such trains viz. from New Delhi to Varanasi, from Bhopal to Khajuraho and from Vadodara to Varanasi are plying.
*****