Railways to spend `10K cr on tech, renewal of tracks
Asserting that the Modi government is working towards a “zero accident level”, railways minister Suresh Prabhu on Thursday informed Parliament about the various measures in this regard, including renewal of tracks, train protection warning system and eliminate all unmanned level crossings across the country. Incidentally, the Delhi-bound Mahakaushal Express derailed due to rail fracture near Mahoba in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in injuries to at least 52 people.
Replying to a debate on Appropriation (Railways) Bill, 2017, and working of his ministry, in Rajya Sabha, Mr Prabhu also said that efforts are on to make railways more environment friendly and transparency in all commercial decisions. Earlier, members voiced concern over the safety of the railways and raised questions over upgradation of its infrastructure. In order to improve the profitability of railways, Mr Prabhu said the government is trying to maximise revenues from fares as well as non-fare methods besides reducing the cost of operations.
While asserting that the rate of train accidents in India has come down, as per the “global index”, the minister said, “It does not mean I am happy with this. We would like to work towards zero accident.”
Announcing that the ministry will spend about `10,000 crore for renewal of tracks, Mr Prabhu said the government is trying to maximise revenues from fares as well as non-fare methods, besides reducing the cost of operations, to improve profitability.
He also said that the government plans to save `41,000 crore in energy bill in the next 10 years by using wind power.