(a) the present status of progress made in the use of fire retardant material in the
manufacturing of passenger coaches;
(b) if so, the total number of coaches manufactured so far with the use of fire retardant
material;
(c) whether the old railway coaches are periodically renovated by the Railways;
(d) if so, the total number of coaches renovated by the Railways during the last three years;and
(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Railways in this regard?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)
(a) Fire retardant materials are being provided in the interior furnishing of all the newly
manufactured coaches.
(b) There are around 60464 nos. of Broad gauge coaches presently in service which have
been manufactured/acquired from different Production Units. Presently all coaches have
been provided with fire retardant furnishing material.
(c) Yes, Madam.
(d) Around 75674 coaches were given periodic overhauling in last three years.
(e) During periodic overhauling of coaches in railway workshops, replacement of identified
components, as per schedule and on condition basis, is carried out. Similarly, identified
coaches on attaining 12-15 years of service life, are also given Mid life Rehabilitation
in which furnishing materials are completely replaced with new ones alongwith major structural
repairs.