In the House

Between January and July this year, as many as 128 people have been killed in 106 consequential train accidents that have occurred on Indian Railways network.

Minister of State for Railways R Velu’s replies in Lok Sabha:

• Between January and July this year, as many as 128 people have been killed in 106 consequential train accidents that have occurred on Indian Railways network. Railways have lost property worth Rs 26.53 crore due to these accidents and have paid Rs 5.10 lakh as ex-gratia.

• RailTel, a Railways PSU, has plans to install Wi-Fi system at 50 railways stations under a pilot project. While 20 stations would be made operational by March 2008, the remaining 30 would be commissioned in 2008-09.

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• Railways have identified 185 railway station as vulnerable where security systems are proposed to be upgraded.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel’s Replies

• As many as 4,540 pilots are currently required in the country for airline operations. While 3,950 Indian pilots are available, the shortfall of 590 pilots is being met through foreign pilots. Low cost carrier Air Deccan employs 131 foreign pilots, followed by Jet Airways which has 117 foreign pilots.

• During 2006-07, international traffic passenger traffic coming to and from India was 23.3 million while the domestic passenger traffic was 35.5 million. AAI earned Rs 560.33 crore from the Passenger Service Fee .

• The ministry expects the total passenger traffic during the 11th and 12th Five Year Plan to grow at the rate of 21.6 per cent and 17.8 per cent, respectively.

Cyclone Montha: Schools closed, fishing activities suspended in Andhra, Odisha

India3 hr ago

A severe cyclonic storm, named Montha, is expected to make landfall along India's east coast between Odisha and Tamil Nadu on Tuesday. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rain and rough seas, with the potential for extremely heavy rain in certain areas.

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