Question : PREMIUM TRAINS

(a) the details of the applications received by the Railways from public representatives regarding starting new trains for Jharkhand and action taken thereon;

(b) whether the Railways are considering to start Special Premium Trains for different States including Maharashtra and Kerala via Konkan route in view of ensuing festivals and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the proposals for introduction of Superfast trains between Mangalore-Ahmedabad; Mangalore-Kacheguda, Mangalore-Bangalore day train via Mysore, Mangalore-Dadar, Hubli- Kohlapur via Belgaum and Mangalore- Hubli are pending with the Railways and if so, the time by which these trains are likely to be introduced; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) Representations for introduction of new train services are received from public representatives at various levels of railway administration, compendium of which is not main- tained. However, these are examined and action as found feasible and justified is taken. Accordingly, in Railway Budget 2014-15, two pairs of train services viz. Ranchi– New Jalpaiguri Express (weekly) and Rourkela – Hatia Passenger (daily) have been announced serving stations in Jharkhand.

(b) Indian Railways do not introduce train services on State-wise basis as Railway network and train operations run across State boundaries. Indian Railway have notified 10 Premium special trains (in single) and 8 special trains (in single) to run via Konkan route during the ensuing winter/ festival season. Further, introduction of special trains including premium special trains is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to traffic demand, operational feasibility, availability of resources, etc.

(c) & (d) In the Railway Budget 2014-15, Bangalore City-Mangalore Central Express (daily) via Mysore and Thiruvananthpuram -Nizamuddin Express (bi-weekly) via Mangalore & Vasai Road have been announced. However, at present, there is no proposal to introduce new train services between Mangalore and Ahmedabad/Kacheguda/Hubli/ Dadar and Hubli- Kolhapur via Belgaum due to operational and resource constraints.