Question : REFRIGERATED VANS

(a) whether the Railways have started refrigerated vans attached with various trains for transportation of perishable commodities;

(b) if so, the number of such vans at present being operated by railways;

(c) whether operation of such vans have shown any encouraging results;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the railways to make these vans viable?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)

(a) Yes, Madam.

(b) to (e) Indian Railways have 10 such refrigerated parcel vans at present. Earning from such refrigerated vans has been increasing, showing encouraging results. The earning has gone up from Rs. 1.32 crores in 2007 -08 to Rs. 1.96 crores in 2009-10. It is a viable service.