(a) whether the Government proposes to introduce new trains during the current financial year;
(b) if so, the details thereof across the country, State and zone-wise;
(c) whether new provisions for passenger amenities are to be improved at the stations and if so, the details thereof, station-wise; and
(d) whether demarcation of new railway zones are under consideration of the Government and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) & (b): Introduction of new trains is an ongoing process subject to traffic demand, availability of necessary infrastructure, resources etc. However, Indian Railways do not run new train services on State-wise/District-wise/Union-Territory basis as railway network and train operations between originating & terminating stations lying on various Zonal Railways cut across State/District boundaries.
(c): Upgradation of passenger amenities based on the prescribed norms is a continuous process and the same is undertaken based on the volume of passenger traffic handled at all the stations, inter-se priority of works etc. subject to availability of funds.
(d): At present, there is no plan to set up new Zones on Indian Railways. However, a Committee of senior officers from Railways has been constituted to, inter-alia, examine the feasibility of setting up a new railway zone in the successor State of Andhra Pradesh, in terms of Item No. 8 of Schedule 13 (Infrastructure) of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.
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