For Net-on-rail, tech partner’s interest awaited

Although the trials were successful, further implementation of the system has not progressed due to lack of interest on part of the technology partner, the Minister stated.

RailTel is exploring possibilities of cheaper alternatives, including use of BSNL’s General Packet Radio Services network for providing the facility.

The Minister informed that 25,269 Route Kilometres (RKM) of Broad Gauge Track have been brought under the optical fibre communication system for providing the requisite voice and data channels and work was in progress on another 9,712 RKM. With an eye on improving efficiency of operations and safety, the ministry would introduce Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) for over 3,200 RKM.

Other plans on track

Shorter journeys: The Railways have chalked out an action plan to reduce journey time of trains, especially Rajdhani and Shatabdi, and to upgrade some of the main and express trains to superfast. It is proposed to speed up 28 Rajdhani Express trains and add more than 200 superfast trains on Indian Railways during the financial year 2006-07 by rescheduling the existing time table.

Smuggling capital: Smuggled goods worth Rs 6.87 lakh and Rs 3.20 lakh were seized during 2005 and till January 31 this year respectively at Gede station of the Eastern Railway.

IRCTC expansion: It has been decided that Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will set up plants for manufacturing ‘‘Rail Neer’’ in a phased manner. So far, IRCTC has set up two plants, one at Nangloi in Delhi and the other at Danapur in Bihar. At present, there is no proposal for setting up an independent power plant. However, an MoU has been signed with the NTPC for exploring possibilities for setting up a joint venture power plant.

Rs 463.76/km: As per data available for 2004-05, Rs 463.76 is incurred on running a passenger train per kilometer. The average expenditure on running a goods train per kilometer is Rs 743.75.