(a) the details of doubling work of Konkan Railway undertaken or proposed to be done during
the 11th Five year Plan;
(b) whether Railways propose to introduce Borivali-Konkan train;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) the details of annual increase of passenger traveling in AC-III tier during the last two
years and the steps taken by Railways to meet the demand; and
(e) the steps taken by the Railways to overcome disruption of rail traffic during monsoon
season in Konkan Railway?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K.H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) to (e): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4248 BY SHRI P.T. THOMAS
AND DR. NILESH N. RANE TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 19.08.2010 REGARDING DISRUPTION OF RAIL TRAFFIC
DURING MONSOON.
(a): There is no proposal to double the existing Konkan Railway track. However, with the development
of industries and Ports etc. in the Konkan Region, as well as increase in Traffic, patch-doubling may
be required. The identified Sections would be taken up for patch-doubling selectively accordingly,
depending upon justification and availability of funds.
(b)&(c): No, Madam. At present, there is no proposal to introduce Borivali-Konkan train.
(d): There is a 21.34% increase in number of passenger travelling in AC-III tier from 2008-09 to 2009-10.
Attachment of coaches including AC-III tier coaches, is an on-going process on Indian Railways subject to
operational feasibility, commercial viability and availability of resources.
(e): To overcome disruption of rail traffic during monsoon season, following measures have been taken
by the Konkan Railway:
(i) Patrolling of track and vulnerable locations along its route.
(ii) Special monsoon time table introduced.
(iii) Drivers, Station Masters, P. Way Personnel and other concerned officials have been empowered
to impose speed restriction whenever there is heavy rainfall impairing visibility.
(iv) Various Geotechnical Safety works like flattening of slopes in cutting, lowering of berms, provision
of catch water drains, provision of retaining walls, Rock bolting and Shotcreting works in tunnels have
been done.
(v) Special vigil on Railways Affecting Works.
(vi) Night Inspections by Officers and Staff have been intensified.
(vii) Essential track components and material are kept in readiness.