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Archives for August 2019


Introduction of Double-decker train between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam Route Time Table and Day Order

Introduction of Double-decker train between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam Route Time Table and Day Order

Double decker trains they are a faster and cheaper option.

The train would comprise of nine double-deckers coaches and two power cars. It will have the seating capacity of 120 seats per coach.

The Double-decker train between Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam features are WiFi, LCD screens, modular bio-toilets and attractive interiors.

The express on its route will make a stop at Duvvada, Anakapalle, Tuni, Samarlakota, Rajamahendravaram, and Eluru railway stations. It will run five days a week; Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

From Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada, UDAY Express will take total 5 hours 30 minutes and on the return journey from Vijayawada to Visakhapatnam, the double-decker train will take 5 hours and 25 minutes.

Heritage Special Service EIR-21, world’s oldest working Steam Locomotive Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam

Heritage Special Service EIR-21, world’s oldest working Steam Locomotive Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam

HERITAGE SPECIAL RUN OF WORLD’S OLDEST WORKING LOCOMOTIVE CONDUCTED

To commemorate the 73rd Independence Day Celebrations , a Heritage Special Service hauled by EIR-21, world’s oldest working Steam Locomotive was successfully operated from Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam today, the 15th August, 2019. The heritage special with a single coach with Railway Officials left Chennai Egmore around Noon on 15th August 2019 to reach Kodambakkam 15 minutes later.

Shri P.K.Mishra, Addl General Manager, Southern Railway, Principal heads of departments, Shri P.Mahesh, Divisional Railway Manager, and other senior Railway officials travelled on the brief heritage run. Many Rail and steam enthusiasts turned up at Chennai Egmore and Kodambakkam Railway Stations to see the Heritage Special.

These Steam heritage runs are operated to showcase the heritage value of Indian Railways. So, far, nine such Heritage runs have been organized by Southern Railway in Chennai Division. Heritage special runs were also conducted in Salem, Tiruchchirappalli, Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram Divisions in the past few months.

In Chennai, the Heritage Runs conducted so far are :-

1st Heritage Run – Chennai Central to Avadi on 15th August, 2010.

2nd Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Guindy on 15th August, 2011.

3rd Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Guindy on 26th January, 2012.

4th Heritage Run – In commemoration of the 157th Anniversary from Chennai Central to Perambur on 06th February, 2012.

5th Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Guindy on 26th January, 2013.

6th Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam on 10th September 2017

7th Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam on 26th January 2018

8th Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam on 27th May, 2018

9th Heritage Run – Chennai Egmore to Kodambakkam today, 15th August, 2019

World’s Oldest Working Locomotive, the Express EIR 21, which is similar to Fairy Queen in appearance, is 164 years old. The locomotive was originally shipped to India from England in 1855. After withdrawal from service in 1909, this loco was kept as an exhibit at Jamalpur Workshops and Howrah Station for over 101 years. During this period this loco was in the sun and rain; many parts were corroded, some were missing, some were broken and some were not fit for use. Loco Works, Perambur took the challenge of reviving the presently 164 year old steam loco ‘EXPRESS EIR 21’ in the year 2010 and Heritage Runs have been made on this World’s Oldest Working Steam Locomotive.

Indian Railway CORAS (Commandos For Railway Security)  training in Jagadhri, Haryana

Indian Railway CORAS (Commandos For Railway Security)  training in Jagadhri, Haryana

CORAS (Commandos For Railway Security) Vision and Features

Shri Piyush Goyal launches CORAS (Commandos For Railway Security) of Indian Railways

Shri Piyush Goyal launches new Establishment Manual for RPF Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry announces a new state of the art commando training centre to be established in Jagadhri, Haryana

Minister of Railways and Commerce &Industry,Shri Piyush Goyal launched CORAS (Commando for Railway Security) of Indian Railways and new establishment manual for Railway Protection Force today. Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav, other Railway Board Members,DG, RPF, Shri Arun Kumar, General Manager, Northern Railway, Shri T.P.Singh, along with senior Railway officials were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry,Shri Piyush Goyalsaid, “Today we are committed to develop India as a Clean India, Healthy India, Prosperous and Secure India. Keeping in mind the threat from disruptive forces, induction of CORAS was planned in Railway Protection Force. CORAS team will be provided best, most modern equipment and world class training. Lauding the efforts of RPF soldier Shivcharan Gurjar, who rescued eight lives in flood stricken areas of Gujarat, Shri Goyal appreciated the commendable work of RPF soldiers. Shri Goyal urged the people to crack down on touts and immediately inform the authorities so the menace of ticket touting may be eliminated permanently.”

Shri Goyal announced that a new state of the art commando training centre to beestablished in Jagadhri, Haryana. Shri Goyal added that a new network of CCTV cameras at every station will be set up to enhance the security of Railway passengers. The link of these cameras will be given to the local stations, GRP, RPF, Divisional office and to the Minister’s office. Shri Goyal also congratulated RPF officers and each soldier for extending security to passengers and Railway property in far-flung areas round the clock. Shri Goyal thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for taking the concern about the safety of train passengers. Launch of CORAS is an important step in this direction. Shri Goyalalso conveyed his greetings to the Nation on Independence Day and Rakshabandhan.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Railway Board,Shri Vinod Kumar Yadav said, “CORAS, a special Railway Unit is a result of detailed policy formulation. Railway Protection Force is always involved in protecting Railway passengers and Railway property in far and inaccessible threat prone areas. To meet the challenges to Railway security, CORAS, a separate Commando Unit of RPF has been established. This special unit is given world class training and best facilities. This special unit will be able to meet any challenging situation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Director General, Railway Protection Force, Shri Arun Kumar said, “Railway plays an important role in connecting nook and corner of the country. To tackle the threats to Railway passengers or establishments, a special task force having trained manpower was required. Railway is currently carrying out projects, which are strategically and economically important. Commissioning of CORAS will address challenges to these ongoing projects as well as any challenging situation for Railway travellers. The commandos in CORAS are well trained in reputed institutions and are capable of meeting any precarious situation. This new unit will strengthen the Railway security.”

BACKGROUND OF CORAS (Commandos for Railway Security)

VISION STATEMENT

  • To develop world level capabilities of specialized responder for any situation pertaining to damage, disturbance, disruption of train operations, attack/hostage/hijack, disaster situations in railway areas.
  • Following the doctrine of graded response, minimum effective force shall be used for providing fool proof security to Indian Railways and its users.

SALIENT FEATURES

  • Carved out from motivated and willing young staff of RPF/RPSF.
  • With an average age between 30-35 years, CORAS will always be young and motivated staff.
  • Very high physical standards to join CORAS.
  • Commando Coys shall be deployed in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)/Insurgency/Terrorism affected Railway areas.

New Railway Line Vaibhavwadi to Kolhapur (108 km) with an estimated cost of Rs.3,439 crore

New Railway Line Vaibhavwadi to Kolhapur (108 km) with an estimated cost of Rs.3,439 crore

New Railway Line between Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur (108 km)

Government approves the construction of the New Line between Vaibhavwadi – Kolhapur (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) (108 km)

The proposed link would reduce the distance for thermal coal transportation for a number of power plants in Maharashtra and Karnataka The project is expected to benefit the districts of Belgaum, Ballari, Gulbarga, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Latur, Beed & Solapur by creating a shorter evacuation route to western ports These districts would be benefitting immensely with the proposal of world class infrastructure coming up on the west coast Vijaydurg port, Gulbarga, Adilabad and nearby industrial clusters will be able to exploit the closeness to west coast with the advent of the Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur line This project will generate employment direct during construction for about 26 lakh mandays The total estimated cost of this project is Rs. 3,439 crore & will be completed by 2023-24

The Government has approved Ministry of Railways plan to construct the New Line between Vaibhavwadi – Kolhapur (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) (108 km) with an estimated cost of Rs. 3,439 crore. The project will be completed by 2023-24 and will be executed by Construction Organization of Central Railway.

The proposed alignment from Vaibhavwadi to Kolhapur (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) passes through the districts of Kolhapur, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg of Maharashtra state. The proposed alignment would link Kolhapur railway station (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) on the existing Pune-Kolhapur section of Central Railway with Vaibhavwadi Railway Station on the existing Roha-Madgaon section of Konkan Railway. The proposed link would reduce the distances for thermal coal transportation for a number of power plants in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The addition of Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) is expected to directly benefit the districts of Belgaum, Ballari, Bijapur, Gulbarga, Latur, & Solapur and create a shorter evacuation route to western ports as there is a lack of Rail connectivity between Central and Konkan regions leads to longer supply routes for power plants in the Northern Karnataka and Southern Maharashtra region which affects supply coming from ports like Mumbai, JNPT, Krishnapatnam and New Mangalore due to longer rail route of Ratnagiri-Panvel-Pune route.

Kolhapur cluster, as part of western Maharashtra, has a vibrant industrial belt which consists of manufacturing based industries, auto parts and ancillary, sugar manufacturing, textiles, edible oil processing factories etc. With the increased industrial development in and nearby area of west coast, imports are going to increase in future. Also, with the proposal of world class infrastructure coming up at Jaigad and Vijaydurg on the west coast, the district would be benefitting immensely. Thus, with the advent of the Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) line and the upcoming Vijaydurg port, Gulbarga, Adilabad and the nearby industrial clusters will be able to exploit the closeness to west coast.

There will also be reduction in distance and time taken for freight trains running on the existing Vaibhavwadi-Roha-Pune route and Miraj-Pune-Panvel-Pen route if the same is routed via the Vaibhavwadi–Kolhapur (now Shri Chhatrapati Shahumaharaj Terminus) project line. This project will also generate employment direct during construction for about 26 lakh mandays.

Increasing  train speed of the Delhi-Howrah Section to 160 Kmph

Increasing  train speed of the Delhi-Howrah Section to 160 Kmph

Increasing the Speed to 160 kmph on existing New Delhi – Howrah Route (including Kanpur – Lucknow) has been approved by the Government

Increasing the speed of the Delhi-Howrah Section to 160 Kmph will ensure upto 60% increase in average speed of passenger trains and doubling of average speed of freight traffic by 2022-23 Travel time between New Delhi and Howrah will be reduced by 5 hours, now making it a fully overnight journey Will allow semi-high speed trains to unlock its full potential and travel at a speed of 160 Kmph Total length of the route is 1,525 kms and passes 5 states (Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal) Project will ensure increased capacity creation, speed, and safety Entire project has been structured on a new approach of route wise single composite work with single agency execution, and complete funding through Extra Budgetary Resources – Institutional Finance (ERB-IF)

The Government has given its approval for increasing the speed of the Delhi-Howrah route (including Kanpur-Lucknow) to 160 Kmph’ at a total cost of Rs. 6,685 cr by 2022-23. This will ensure improved speed, service, safety and create capacity. As part of Mission Raftaar, Indian Railways is working in mission mode to improve the average speed of trains across the network. Increasing the speed of the Delhi-Howrah Section to 160 Kmph will ensure upto 60% increase in average speed of passenger trains and doubling of average speed of freight traffic.

The 1,525 Kms long Delhi-Howrah Route passes through 5 states, namely Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The travel time between New Delhi and Howrah will be reduced by 5 hours, now making it a fully overnight journey. Increasing the maximum speed of the Delhi-Howrah route will also give further impetus to semi-high speed trains like the Vande Bharat Express. It will allow such trains to unlock their full potential and travel at a speed of 160 Kmph, to ensure passengers have best in class speed and service. In addition, it has been found that the safer LHB coaches too can be made fit for this speed.

The scope of the project includes fencing, Automatic Train Protection System (ETCS 2/TPWS), Mobile Train Radio Communication, and automated and mechanised diagnostic systems, which will considerably enhance safety and reliability. Besides the above main inputs, the policy also requires removal of all level crossings which are being eliminated otherwise under a separate plan head.

The entire project has been structured on a new approach of route wise single composite work with single agency execution, and complete funding through Extra Budgetary Resources – Institutional Finance (ERB-IF). With improved funding, better coordination, economies of scale, and induction of state of the art technology, the project will be completed in 4 years from the date of approval. Furthermore, work along the line will be planned with minimum disruption of traffic, ensuring passengers and businesses are least affected during the construction phase.

The project will help boost employment during the construction phase with more than 3.6 crore mandays to be generated directly. It will also help kick start an economic multiplier that will give a boost to growth in all states. The project will also lead to an increase in throughput on the route by 30-35%, paving the way for PPP models in the future.

As a part of Mission Raftaar, Government has also granted similar approval for the Delhi-Mumbai route, which together with the Delhi-Howrah route account for 29% of passenger traffic and 20% of freight traffic. Railways is also working to cover the complete Golden Quadrilateral and Diagonals of Indian Railways, which consist of 16% of the total Indian Railways Network, but account for 52% of total passenger traffic and 58% of total freight traffic.