Railway Budget: Rs 1,112 cr for passenger amenities

Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi in his maiden Budget announced passenger amenities worth Rs 1,112 crore in 2012-13 as against Rs 762 crore in current year.

Some of the important passenger and other user friendly measures introduced or being proposed during 2012-13 are:

i. To facilitate easy movement of passengers, installation of 321 escalators at important stations of which 50 will be commissioned during 2012-13;

ii. SMS on passenger mobile phone in case of e-ticket along with an ID proof to be accepted as proof of valid reservation;

Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage

iii. To meet the needs of changing times and customer demand, launching of "Book-a-meal" scheme to provide multiple choice of meals, like low cost meal, diabetic meal etc. through SMS or email;

iv. To set up AC Executive lounges at important stations to provide value added services at a charge, offering facilities such as wifi internet, buffet services, wash and change, concierge services for pre-departure and post-arrival assistance to passengers;

v. Expansion of housekeeping schemes for trains such as Clean Train Station, On Board Housekeeping Services for cleaning en route and mechanized cleaning at originating/terminating stations;

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vi. Introduction of 'Rail Bandhu' on-board magazine on Rajdhanis, Shatabdis and Duronto Trains;

vii. Introduction of coin/currency operated ticket vending machines as a pilot project;

viii. Introduction of alternate Train accommodation System (ATAS) as a pilot project to accommodate waitlisted passenger on alternate trains;

ix. Introduction of first model rake with world class interiors;

x. Upgradation of 929 stations as Adarsh Stations including 84 stations proposed in 2012-13;

xi. Construction of Multi-functional Complexes at 24 locations completed;

xii. Sale of PRS tickets (reserved tickets) through 151 post offices and

xiii. Implementation of electronic transmission of Railway Receipts for freight traffic direct to the customers.

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Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage

New initiatives for security of passengers

Security of passengers has been of prime concern to Indian Railways. It is proposed to complete the installation of Integrated Security System at all the 202 identified stations during 2012-13.

Additionally, escorting of trains by RPF/GRP has been extended to almost 3500 trains. It is also proposed to integrate the RPF helpline with the All India Passenger helpline to facilitate much faster response to the security needs of passengers.

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Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage

Expressing his unhappiness over the present standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the Indian Railways, the Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said that all out efforts would be made to improve the situation on trains and at the stations within the next six months.

He said this is a very special activity which comes under the core area of house-keeping. Trivedi said Indian Railways is duty bound to provide high standards in both, as this is giving a bad name to the otherwise efficient train system.

The Minister proposed to set up a specialised house-keeping body to take care of both stations and the trains.

Union Budget 2012-13: Complete coverage