(a) whether the Railways are aware that the railway wagons which
are being used to carry fertilizers are also being used for carrying
foodgrains without the necessary cleaning process as reported in the
media recently;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Railways in this regard
and also to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in future
to avoid serious health hazards?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H.MUNIYAPPA)
(a): Yes, Madam.
(b): The news item was published in the Tribune newspaper dated
3rd March 2012 regarding loading at Gurdaspur station.
(c): Foodgrains and fertilizers are both bagged consignment and are
loaded in covered wagons to protect the cargo from theft and rains. The
process of cleaning wagons at loading/ unloading points is not undertaken
by the Railways and is to be done by the loading and unloading agencies
who handle the consignment.