JOIN USEbbing passenger comforts affect Railways earnings
“The Railways should examine the causes for passenger dissatisfaction with the services available and issues like unsatisfactory on-board services, catering, punctuality, hygiene, etc,” the Standing Committee on Railways said in its report.
The report, which was recently placed in Parliament, asked the Railways to make concerted efforts to increase the passenger earnings as it would help generate internal resources to a substantial extent.
“Efforts should be made by the Railways to target passengers who make use of the road transport and even low cost airlines by being punctual, by facilitating on time arrivals and providing appropriate facilities,” the committee headed by T R Baalu said.
The committee also observed that the passenger earnings which were budgeted at Rs 24,309 crore during 2009-2010 were revised downward to Rs 24,057 crore.
The committee also expressed concern over the tardy implementation of rail projects during the 11th Plan period.
As against the target of laying 2,000 km of new lines, the Railways could lay only 513 km in the first two years of the Plan period, it said. During the Plan period, Railways had targeted to complete 10,000 km of gauge conversion but so far achieved conversion of only 2,612 km.
Likewise, it had targeted to finish 6,000 km of doubling of track and 3,500 km of electrification work but could achieve only 789 km of doubling work and 1,299 km of electrification work, the panel said.
“The committee notes with concern that such a serious shortfall in achievement of the targets may hamper the working of the Railways in the coming years,” the panel said.
The committee also called for concerted efforts from Railways for timely execution of proposed production units in Madhepura, Marhowra, Chhapra, Kanchrapara, Rai Bareili, Palghat and Dankuni.
Downhill journey
The passenger earnings reflected a shortfall of a whopping Rs 764 crore
Ministry told to pay special attention to inadequate on-board services, punctuality and hygiene.
House panel feels increased passenger earnings will help generate internal resources
Passenger earnings budgeted at Rs 24,309 crore during 2009-2010 revised to Rs 24,057 crore
During the Plan period, Railways had targeted to complete 10,000 km of gauge conversion but so far achieved conversion of only 2,612 km