‘Railway resources constantly dwindling’

PTI NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 24 The resources of Railways are “constantly dwindling” as freight and passenger fares are not being decided in an optimum manner, the government said in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Responding to supplementaries during Question Hour, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said “resources of Railways are constantly dwindling” as they are “not decided in the most optimum manner”. He said the share of railways in freight as compared to other modes of transportation is declining. Referring to the creation of a Rail Development Authority, he said there should be a “trade off” to ensure that interests of the freight operators and passengers as well as that of Railways is protected. Efficiency should be the parameter in deciding on freight, he said. Stressing the need for private participation in Railways, he also said there was a need to ensure that while private participation is there, it should not affect the interest of the travelling public. The minister recalled that in December last, a concept paper was floated on the regulatory framework and setting up of the proposed Authority. The proposed body will protect consumer interest, promote competition and encourage market development. When some members raised issues about railways lines and development of Railway Divisions, Prabhu asked them to wait for the Rail Budget to be tabled on Thursday. 1000 Adarsh Stations Nearly 1,000 railway stations across the country have been developed as ‘Adarsh’ stations having facilities such as toilets, drinking water, catering services and waiting rooms, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said today. “Development of stations under ‘Adarsh’ station scheme was started in 2009-10. 1,052 stations were identified under ‘Adarsh’ station scheme and out of which, 946 stations have been developed till 2014-15,” he said in Lok Sabha during Question Hour. Prabhu said review of the facilities available at stations developed as ‘Adarsh’ stations, in the light of passenger need and expectation, is a continuous and ongoing process. Progress for development of stations under ‘Adarsh’ station scheme is monitored regularly at various levels viz.zonal railway level and Railway Board level, he said. The expenditure on development of stations under Adarsh Station Scheme is generally funded under Plan Head ‘Passenger Amenities’, Prabhu said.