(a) whether the Railways have received requests for starting Special trains during 2004 and 2005;
(b) if so, the details thereof, zone-wise;
(c) the number of Special trains sanctioned during the said period, zone-wise;
(d) the criteria for sanctioning of Special trains;
(e) the reasons for rejection of Special trains during the said period; and
(f) the steps taken/proposed to be taken for starting more Special trains?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. Representations for special trains are received at various level of Railway administration ranging from station to the Ministry level. These are examined and action as found feasible and justified is taken. The data is too voluminous to be compiled.
(c): The details of all special trains run during 2004 & 2005 are as under:
Railway 2004-05 2005 (1.4.2005 to 30.6.2005)
Central 1028 574 Eastern 282 127 East Central 173 130 East Coast 91 125 Northern 1029 691 North Central 250 Nil North Eastern 1334 594 North East Frontier 76 93 North Western 61 36 Southern 1702 504 South Central 716 57 South Eastern 185 59 South East Central 12 Nil South Western 2288 1031 Western 1758 365 West Central 819 59 Grand Total 11804 3845