(a) whether Indian Railways has slashed its orders for the procurement of engines ;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether central trade unions have approached the Government to intervene in the matter; and
(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government to place the orders for procurement of engines?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS ( SHRI O.RAJAGOPAL )
(a) & (b) The production of locomotives is based on the actual requirements to meet the projected traffic arisings as also the availability of funds. Since the actual materialisation of freight traffic has been less than that anticipated for the IXth plan period, the requirement of locomotives has accordingly come down. The present production level is commensurate with traffic requirement and fund availability.
(c) Yes, Sir.
(d) The yearly production programme of locomotives is issued as per the requirements as explained at (a) above.