(a) whether Railway Track of BAK Loopline of Eastern Railway has become unsafe for traffic;
(b) whether derailment, collapse in railway track is taking place and speed of passenger trains is only around 35 kmp. on this BAK Loopline;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(d) the remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI BANDARU DATTATRAYA )
(a) No, Sir.
(b) No, Sir. During the last one year, there has been only one derailment on Barharwa-Azimganj-Katwa (BAK) section. Trains are running at an average speed of 60 kmph in this section.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) Repair and maintenance of Railway track is an on-going activity. Apart from regular maintenance, track renewals are also undertaken whenever required, depending upon the availability of funds. In certain cases, suitable speed restrictions are also imposed to ensure safety. Most of the stretches on BAK section, where track renewals are due, have already been sanctioned. Railway has targeted 17 km of Rail renewal and 7 km of sleeper renewal on this section, during the current year. Work is in progress.