(a) whether the Railways have taken adequate steps to ensure comfortable journeys and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Railways propose to introduce state-of-the-art railway coaches in trains in the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof along with the facilities likely to be available in these coaches; and
(d) the steps taken by the Railways for large scale production of the modern railway coaches in the country and phasing out of conventional coaches in a time-bound manner?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (SHRI SURESH PRABHAKAR PRABHU)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO.310 BY SHRI VIKRAM USENDI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 15.12.2014 REGARDING RAILWAY COACHES
(a) Yes, Madam. To ensure comfortable journey, cushioned seats and berths, air-conditioned (AC) compartments, curtains, magazine bags, bottle holders, snack tables, mirrors, luggage racks, toilets, washbasins, dustbins, soap dispensers, vestibules, tap water, improved lighting, fans, mobile-cum-laptop charging points, reading lights etc. have been provided in coaches as per prescribed norms besides linen in AC classes. For maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene during train journeys, mechanized cleaning of coaches, pest and rodent control treatment in maintenance depots, cleaning of identified trains through On Board Housekeeping services (OBHS) scheme, enroute cleaning under Clean Train Station Scheme is being done. All reserved class coaches are manned by railway staff as per prescribed norms for guidance to passengers. Catering services are provided to the travelling passengers through static units and/or mobile units. To provide better ride quality even at higher speeds and improved interiors, LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches with superior design have also been introduced.
(b) No, Madam. However, LHB coaches introduced in service have superior design in terms of comfort and safety compared to ICF (Integral Coach Factory) design conventional coaches.
(c) Does not arise.
(d) Production of LHB coaches is being stepped up in a phased manner, ICF designed conventional coaches are being gradually phased out by converting/introducing more and more trains with LHB type coaching stock.