Question : DEMU TRAINS

(a) whether it is a fact that Diesel Electric Multiple Unit(DEMU) trains are low cost trains and do not require massive infrastructural investments and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the increase in number of DEMU trains will minimize the problems of unavailability of trains in the country;

(c) if so, the details of sections in which DEMU/MEMU/EMU services are likely to be made available; and

(d) whether the Railways propose to increase the production of DEMU, EMU and MEMU trains and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI MANOJ SINHA)

(a & b) No, Madam. Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains are similar in cost as compared to conventional trains of equal length. Infrastructural investments required for DEMU trains are also similar to those for conventional trains. For short composition, DEMU trains are more fuel efficient than loco hauled passenger trains. Turnaround time at terminal station is reduced, as no reversal is required. So, more DEMU trains can be run on same section as it runs faster and thus enhance line capacity.

(a) Introduction of DEMU/MEMU/EMU is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, availability of resources, availability of necessary infrastructural facilities etc. Accordingly, efforts are being taken for exploiting the maximum advantage of DEMU/MEMU/EMU by utilizing them primarily for replacing conventional service with these class of services on sections with high line capacity utilisation.

(b) The production of DEMU, EMU and MEMU coaches in the production units of Indian Railways is planned to be commensurate with traffic requirements.