Measures to Prevent Fire Incidents in Trains
Measures to Prevent Fire
Incidents in Trains
As per
corporate safety plan (2003-2013) it was targeted to reduce fire accidents on
the trains from 14 to 3 by the year 2012-13. In the year 2012-13, 9 fire
accidents took place on trains. Thus, there has been a reduction of 35% in the
fire accidents on trains over the same period(2003-13). This declining trend is
continuing in the current year & till 31.01.2016 there has not been a
single case of fire accident on train.
Followings
steps are being taken on Indian Railways to prevent fire accident in trains:-
Ø
Indian Railways have always endeavoured to enhance fire worthiness of
coaches by using fire retardant furnishing materials to mitigate effect of
fire. Specifications for such furnishing materials have been periodically
reviewed to incorporate fire retardant parameters in line with UIC
(International Union of Railways) and other international norms. All new
manufacture of coaches/periodical overhauling of existing coaches is being
carried out with fire retardant specifications of the furnishing materials
wherever condition based replacements are warranted.
Ø
Fire extinguishers are being provided in all Air-conditioned coaches,
Second class-cum-guard and luggage vans, Pantry cars and train locomotives.
Ø
Improved materials for electrical fittings and fixtures such as MCB
(Miniature Circuit Breaker), light fittings, terminal boards, connectors etc.,
are being used progressively.
Ø
A pilot project for provision of Comprehensive Fire and Smoke Detection
System has been taken up in one rake of New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express
on East Coast Railway. Besides, one LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rake in New
Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani train and one AC Double Decker rake running between
Kachiguda-Tirupati/Guntur have also been provided with such a system. Based on
the feedback from initial trails, Board has sanctioned for extended field
trails in 2750 coaches.
Ø
Water mist type fire suppression system is being provided on power cars
in phased manner.
Ø
Detailed instructions have been issued to zonal railways for observance
of safe practices in handling of pantry cars and for ensuring periodical
inspection of electrical and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) fittings in the
pantry cars.
Ø
Intensive publicity campaigns to prevent the travelling public from
carrying inflammable goods are regularly undertaken.
Ø
Frequent drives against carrying of inflammable/dangerous articles in
trains as well as station premises are undertaken.
This
information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in
a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
****
MoUs with Japan and
Russia in the various fields of Railways
The
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was today
apprised of the following Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) and Memorandum of
Understanding (MoUs):-
(i)
The MoC signed between Ministry of Railways
(MoR) and Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Japan
on technological cooperation in Rail Sector on 11th December
2015.
(ii)
The MoU signed between Ministry of Railways and Joint Stock Company
"Russian Railways" on technical cooperation in railway sector on 24th
December 2015.
(iii)
The MoU signed between Research Design & Standards Organization (RDSO) and
Railway Technical Research Institute (RTRI), Japan on technological cooperation
in railway sector on 11th December 2015.
Background
Ministry
of Railways have signed MoC/MoUs for technical cooperation in the rail sector
with various foreign Governments and National Railways. The identified areas of
cooperation include high speed corridors, speed raising of existingroutes, development of world class stations, heavy haul
operations and modernization of rail infrastructure, etc. The cooperation is
achieved through exchange of information on developments in areas of railways
technologyoperations, knowledge sharing, technical visits,
training & seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest.
The MoUs provide a platform for Indian Railways to interact and share
the latest developments and knowledge in the railway sector. The MoUs
facilitate exchange of technical experts, reports and technical documents,
training and seminars/workshops focusing on specific technology areas and other
interactions for knowledge sharing.
(i)
The Memorandum of Cooperation between MoR and MLIT of Japanwill enable
technical cooperation in the following areas:-
(a) Railway Safety;
(b) Rolling stock
including train sets/EMU;
(c) Information sharing
for station development and land value capture;
(d)
Information sharing for environment friendly Sanitation technology in trams;
(e) Signaling and
telecommunication;
(f) Railway
Electrification;
(g) Civil structure and
railway track system;
(h) Train control
system;
(i) Mitigation of
natural disasters; and
(j) Any other
areas jointly determined by both Sides.
This MoC is valid for a period of three years. Thereafter it will be
automatically renewed for further period of two years.
(ii)
The MoU signed between Ministry of
Railways and Russian Railways provides for technical
cooperation in the following areas:
a)
High Speed
Rail (HSR) in India;
b)
Modernization of existing lines of the Indian
railways in order to raise train speeds up to 160-200 kmph;
c)
Modern Control and
safety related Systems based on satellite navigation and digital communication
means,
d)
Satellite and geo-
information technologies;
e)
Transportation safety and cyber
security;
f)
Rolling stock;
g)
Heavy haul
transportation;
h)
Organization of Human Resources training for the Indian Railways:
secondary and higher vocational education of students and advanced training of
staff members including managers;
i)
Station redevelopment
j)
Dedicated freight rail corridors;
k)
Modernization, reconstruction and construction of track
superstructure,civil engineering works, including bridges and tunnels; and
l)
Slab tracks.
This
MoU is valid for a period of three years. Thereafter, it will be automatically
renewed for further successive period of two years.
(iii)
The MoU signed between RDSO, India and RTRI, Japan provides for technical
cooperation in the following areas:-
(a) Safety in train operation;
(b) Advanced techniques of
maintenance;
(c) Use of environment friendly
technologies;
(d) Throughput enhancement measures;
and
(e) Any other area jointly agreed
upon by the Parties.
This
MoU is valid for a period of three years and it may be renewed for further
period of one year at a time with mutual written agreement.
***
Development of Model
Disabled Friendly Coach in Trains
As on
31.03.15, disabled friendly coaches with wider entrance doors for wheelchair
access are more than 5% of total holding of Indian Railway coaches. It is
endeavoured to provide at least one such disabled friendly coach in Mail &
Express trains.
Second Class cum luggage and brake van with PWD (Persons with Disabilities) Compartment coaches and Power Cars for Garib Rath trains having provisions for PWD Compartment with air-conditioning are already in service. In these coaches, mobility-impaired person may require help for boarding.
However, accessibility to trains from low-level platforms has been identified as one of the challenge areas under ‘Navrachna-Innovation’ initiative.
For assistance to visually impaired travellers as well as those with normal vision, integrated Braille signages, i.e., signages superimposed with Braille scripts are being provided on newly manufactured coaches. Retrofitment on existing coaches has also been taken up in a phased manner.
Hearing impaired travelers with normal vision can also make use of these integrated Braille signages.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
Second Class cum luggage and brake van with PWD (Persons with Disabilities) Compartment coaches and Power Cars for Garib Rath trains having provisions for PWD Compartment with air-conditioning are already in service. In these coaches, mobility-impaired person may require help for boarding.
However, accessibility to trains from low-level platforms has been identified as one of the challenge areas under ‘Navrachna-Innovation’ initiative.
For assistance to visually impaired travellers as well as those with normal vision, integrated Braille signages, i.e., signages superimposed with Braille scripts are being provided on newly manufactured coaches. Retrofitment on existing coaches has also been taken up in a phased manner.
Hearing impaired travelers with normal vision can also make use of these integrated Braille signages.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
****
Special Trains
The details of approximate total number of special trains run during the
last three years is as under:-
|
Year
|
Special trains (In trips)
|
|
2012-13
|
39721
|
|
2013-14
|
41386
|
|
2014-15
|
41062
|
During last 3 years, following new types of rakes have been introduced
:-
1. LHB type Mail & Express rakes: These have LHB AC as well as
non-AC coaches, with higher carrying capacity, when compared with similar
coaches of ICF design conventional type of coaches. Besides, these are safer
and have better ride quality.
2. LHB AC Double Decker rakes: Coaches of these rakes have higher
carrying capacity when compared with LHB Shatabdi type coaches.
3. Model rake: Model rake coaches have additional amenities:
i. Aesthetically appealing toilet modules provided with enhanced
passenger amenities - big mirror, platform washbasin, controlled discharged
water tap, odour control system, exhaust fan, LED lights, dustbin inside the
toilet.
ii. Ergonomically designed Ladders.
iii. Snack tables provided for side berth passengers also.
iv. Windows with powered venetian blind provided in FAC coaches and
roller blind in ACCW coaches.
v. Composite panels without visible screws.
vi. Provision of dustbin in all coaches.
vii. Enhanced scale of light fittings including berth reading lights in
GSCN Coaches and embarking light in all classes of coaches.
viii. LED based berth indicators for reserved coaches.
ix. Provision of Passenger Address system & Passenger Information
System in all the coaches.
x. The scale of mobile/ laptop charging points have been increased in
all classes of coaches.
xi. Use of LED Lighting.
xii. Shifting of electrical junction points from passenger area to
non-passenger area for enhanced safety.
xiii. Use of e-beam cables and polyamide conduits for enhanced
electrical and fire safety.
xiv. Provision of fire extinguisher in all coaches.
xv. Provision of electrically operated chimney in Pantry Car.
xvi. Stainless steel panelling in Luggage Compartment of SLR.
Besides
above, exterior and interior colour scheme of the coaches has also been changed
to impart more pleasing feel to passengers.
The following types of special trains are running over Indian Railways:-
(A) On Normal fare similar to regular Time Tabled trains with
concessions to all the eligible categories of passengers:
(i) Unreserved special train for all distances including Jansadharan
Express.
(ii) To clear passengers due to hold up of traffic on account of
incidents like accidents, floods, breaches, line blocks, cancellation of trains
etc.
(B) Suvidha trains on variable fare structures with no concessions.
(C) Special trains on special charges with no concessions.
In case of special trains on normal fare structures, all the concessions
are permissible as per Rule.
In case of trains having higher fare/variable fare structure for
reserved class, no concession is permissible as per Rule.
However,
unreserved class of special train on special charges and Suvidha trains are
charged on the normal Mail/Express superfast fares.
This
information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in
a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
****
Modern Coaches in Indian
Railways
A work of
upgrade to one semi-high speed LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rake with 200 kmph
speed potential has been sanctioned. Design of these coaches also includes
provision of automatic sliding entrance doors and electro-pneumatically
assisted brake system.
Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala has been entrusted to manufacture these coaches. Estimated cost for upgrade is around ₹1 crore per coach as per sanction.
Neither any high speed coaches with speed potential greater than 200 kmph are under manufacture nor has any order been placed as yet.
Government has sanctioned implementation of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed corridor in December 2015 with financial and technical assistance of Government of Japan. A new entity, National High Speed Rail Corporation has been formed in February 2016 to implement the project.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala has been entrusted to manufacture these coaches. Estimated cost for upgrade is around ₹1 crore per coach as per sanction.
Neither any high speed coaches with speed potential greater than 200 kmph are under manufacture nor has any order been placed as yet.
Government has sanctioned implementation of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed corridor in December 2015 with financial and technical assistance of Government of Japan. A new entity, National High Speed Rail Corporation has been formed in February 2016 to implement the project.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
****
Multi – Functional
Complexes at Railway Stations
As a part of Railway’s commitment to
upgrade/augment passenger amenities at Railway Stations on continuous basis,
development of Multi Functional Complexes (MFCs) at Railway Stations was first
announced in Railway Budget 2009-10 to provide rail user facilities like
Shopping, Food Stalls & Restaurants, Book Stalls, PCOs/STD/ ISD/FAX Booths,
Medicine & Variety Stores, Budget Hotels (subject to viability), parking,
etc.
Initially,
development of MFCs was assigned to Railway Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) who
develop MFCs with their own equity
and to Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) who
develop MFCs through private sector participation. Total expenditure incurred
by PSUs on construction of MFCs since beginning is approximately `109 Cr. No
expenditure is incurred by RLDA for developing MFCs.
Subsequently, some of the MFCs were assigned to Zonal
Railways. Works for developing MFCs by Zonal Railways are sanctioned under Plan
Head – ‘Passenger Amenities’. Amenity-wise details of funds allocated/expenditure
incurred is not maintained. Funds allocated/ expenditure incurred under Plan
Head – ‘Passenger Amenities’ during the last three years and the current year
is as under:
|
(` in crores) Year
|
Funds allocated (Revised Estimate)
|
Expenditure
incurred
|
|
2012-13
|
967.55
|
842.14
|
|
2013-14
|
914.40
|
857.73
|
|
2014-15
|
1047.90
|
858.16
|
|
2015-16 (upto Jan. 2016)
|
1211.84
|
645.80
|
197 stations have been identified for development of
Multi Functional Complexes (MFCs) on Indian Railways. These are Abu Road, Adra,
Agartala, Ajmer, Alipurduar Jn., Allahabad, Alleppey, Amethi, Amritsar, Anand,
Anandpur Sahib, Anara(Adra), Arsikere, Asansol, Aurangabad, Ayodhya, Azamgarh,
Balasore, Ballygunge, Bangarpet, Bankura, Banspani, Bardhman, Bareilly, Barhni,
Barrackpore, Bathinda Cantt., Behrampur, Bellary Jn., Belurghat, Belurmath,
Bhagalpur, Bharatpur Jn., Bhavnagar, Bhilai, Bhubaneswar, Bhuj, Bikaner,
Bilaspur, Birur, Bishnupur, Bolpur, Chandigarh, Chhindwara, Cuttack,
Darjeeling, Davangere, Dehradun, Deoghar, Dhakuria, Dhanbad Jn., Dharmavaram
(Near Puttaparthi), Diamond Harbour, Dibrugarh, Digha, Dimapur, Durg, Durgapur,
Ernakulam Jn., Erode Jn., Gandhidham, Gaya, Ghatshila, Gondia, Gorakhpur,
Gulbarga, Guntur, Hajipur, Haldia, Haridwar, Hazur Saheb Nanded, Hissar Jn.,
Hubli, Hyderabad, Indore, Islampur, Jabalpur, Jamalpur Jn., Jammu, Jammu Tawi,
Jangipur, Jasidih, Jhansi, Jhargram, Jharsuguda Jn., Jhusi, Jodhpur, Junagarh
Jn., Kacheguda, Kakdwip (Gangasagar), Kalyani, Kamakhya, Kancharapara,
Kanyakumari, Kannur, Karimnagar, Kasargod, Kathgodam, Katihar Jn., Katra,
Khajuraho, Kishangarh, Korba, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Krishnanagar City Jn., Kulti,
Kurnool Town, Kurukshetra, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus Mumbai, Ludhiana, Madarihat,
Madurai, Majerhat, Malda Town, Manmad, Mavelikara, Midnapore, Miraj Jn.,
Murshidabad, Mysore, Nabadwipdham, Nadiad Jn., Nagarcoil Jn., Naihati, Nasik
Road, Neemuch, Nellore, New Alipore, New Farakka, New Mal, Nizamabad, Orai,
Palakkad, Panipat, Patiala, Patna Sahib, Purulia, Rae Bareilly Jn., Raigarh,
Raipur, Rajahmundry, Raja-ki-mandi, Rajgir, Rajkot, Rameshwaram, Ramnagar,
Rampurhat, Ranchi, Ratlam, Raxaul Jn., Rayagada, Rewa, Rohtak, Sagardighi,
Salem, Sambalpur, Sanchi, Sasaram, Sawai Madhopur Jn., Shegaon, Shimoga Town,
Shirdi, Sikar Jn., Silchar, Siliguri, Siuri, Somnath, Sonepat, Srikakulam Road,
Srinagar, Talcher, Tamluk, Tarakshewar, Tarapith, Tatanagar, Thakurnagar, Thiruvananthapuram,
Tiruchchirappalli Fort, Tiruchchirappalli Jn., Tiruttani, Tiruvalla, Trichur,
Tumkur, Udaipur, Udhampur, Ujjain, Vadodara, Varanasi, Vasai Road, Vellore,
Vijayawada, Vishakapatnam, Vizianagaram Jn., Wardha, Yeshwantpur and Zahirabad
(Medak).
This
information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in
a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
****
Safety Fund Arrangement
in Indian Railways
A Committee
was constituted for putting up consolidated proposal for creation of ‘Rashtriya
Rail Sanraksha Kosh(RRSK)’, a non-lapsable fund. The committee has submitted
its report in December 2015. The committee in its report has envisaged the
works of Track Renewal and Upgradation, Bridge Rehabilitation, Elimination of
Level Crossings, Construction of Road Over Bridges/Road Under Bridges,
Replacement and Improvement of Signalling System, Improvement and Upgradation
of Rolling Stock, Replacement of Electrical Assets and Human Resource
Development at a total cost of Rs.1,19,183 at current price level.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
****
Measures to Prevent
Misuse E-Ticket
Various
remedial measures have been taken by the Railways to check the misuse of
e-tickets including the following:-
1. Carrying of any one of the prescribed proofs of identity at the time of undertaking journey on e-tickets.
2. CAPTCHA has been put in place to check booking in batch mode and through Scripting related tools on the IRCTC e-ticketing website.
3. Check applied on minimum time required to enter the displayed CAPTCHA at the time of login by user, entering the Passenger details and making payment.
4. Agents are debarred from booking tickets during first thirty minutes of opening of booking i.e. from 0800 to 0830 hours for general booking, 1000 to 1030 hours and 1100 to 1130 hours for Tatkal booking on AC class and Non-AC class respectively. 5. Only one booking in one user login session except for return/onward journey between 0800 and 1200 hours.
6. An individual user can book a maximum of 06 tickets online in a month.
7. Regular joint drives are conducted by Commercial, Vigilance and Railway Protection Force against touts. These checks are intensified during peak rush/ festival periods. Touts are apprehended and prosecuted as per Section 143 of Railway Act, 1989.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
1. Carrying of any one of the prescribed proofs of identity at the time of undertaking journey on e-tickets.
2. CAPTCHA has been put in place to check booking in batch mode and through Scripting related tools on the IRCTC e-ticketing website.
3. Check applied on minimum time required to enter the displayed CAPTCHA at the time of login by user, entering the Passenger details and making payment.
4. Agents are debarred from booking tickets during first thirty minutes of opening of booking i.e. from 0800 to 0830 hours for general booking, 1000 to 1030 hours and 1100 to 1130 hours for Tatkal booking on AC class and Non-AC class respectively. 5. Only one booking in one user login session except for return/onward journey between 0800 and 1200 hours.
6. An individual user can book a maximum of 06 tickets online in a month.
7. Regular joint drives are conducted by Commercial, Vigilance and Railway Protection Force against touts. These checks are intensified during peak rush/ festival periods. Touts are apprehended and prosecuted as per Section 143 of Railway Act, 1989.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha on 02.03.2016 (Wednesday).
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