Railway Budget 2010

For Press Release.

Comment on Railway Budget -2010

Railway Minister Hon. Mamata Banerjee has submitted her Railway Budget in Parliament on 24.02.10.

The budget clearly indicates that her eyes are targeted to the Chief Minister Post of West Bengal. It is a Popularity based Budget. But Railway required a proper vision for future development like more kilometer of New track, Gauge Conversion, Doubling, Electrification
And filling up of existing vacancies.

In this budget Minister announced
10 Durantos
101 Suburban Trains for Mumbai,
54 New trains.

But where is the infrastructure and staff?

At present track capacity is saturated in different sections, and hence the punctuality of trains is very badly affected. So present double line sections to change to automatic signaling and Quadruple (4lines, like Chennai-Arakkonam) modernization of signaling and replacing aged bridges and tracks also important. The major thing is alarming vacancy position in general and safety category in particular. As per the knowledge 1, 72,749 vacancies are available in Railways out of that around 12,000 posts of Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots are existing. Last month Mumbai Motorman agitated demanding filling up of vacancies and pay hike and trains service were paralised.

In Bangalore Division also so many old proposals are kept in cold storage.
Bangalore –Mysore Doubling and Electrification,
Bangarpet –Marikuppam electrification,
Tumkur- Arsikere Doubling,
Bangalore- Guntakkal doubling and electrification,
Chick banavar – Sravanabelegola line
etc are to be given top priority.

The tourist trains presently running in Karnataka(Golden Chariot) is in huge loss, again operating such service will not be viable.
So before announcing any more trains the infrastructure to be developed and staff to be recruited.

Up to 2002 there were only 9 railway zones. But later due to different political and Administrative reasons new zones and divisions formed and as on date there are 16 Railway Zones. In 2000 total number of Officers in Indian Railways was around 6000; and the other Employees was around 17, 00,000. But as on 01.04.2009 the number of Officers is tripled (17680-White Paper) and other Staff reduced to 13, 72,003(white Paper).
In South Western Railway 565 posts of Loco Pilots assistant Loco Pilots are vacant.
Mamata expects more investment through PPP, which is handing over Public Property to the Private.

C. Sunish,
General Secretary,
AILRSA, SWR.

THE HINDU
Thursday, February 25, 2010, Bangalore
‘Where is the infrastructure for new trains?’
Staff Reporter
BANGALORE: Even as Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa termed the Railway Budget 2010-11 as encouraging, many pending projects and proposals from the State have not been given due consideration in the budget.
Union Minister for Railways Mamata Banerjee’s gesture in announcing 54 new trains has come under severe criticism from within the Railway fraternity on the grounds of inadequate infrastructure and manpower.
General Secretary of All India Loco Running Staff Association, South Western Railway, C. Sunish, said many old proposals in Bangalore division, including Bangalore–Mysore line doubling and electrification; Bangarpet–Marikuppam electrification; Tumkur-Arsikere line doubling; Bangalore- Guntakkal line doubling and electrification, and Chikkabanavar–Shravanabelegola new line have been kept in cold storage.
Mr. Sunish said, at present, track capacity was saturated in different sections as a result of which punctuality of trains had severely been affected. Ms. Banerjee should also have focussed on filling up over 1.7 lakh vacancies, of which nearly 12,000 are that of loco pilots. He said the Railways has utterly failed in manpower management. The numbers had dwindled from 17 lakh employees as against 6,000 officers in the year 2000 to 13.7 lakh employees and 17,680 officers in 2009. Kannada Development Authority Chairperson Mukhyamantri Chandru hailed Ms. Banerjee’s decision to conduct recruitment tests simultaneously across the country and in regional languages. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Working President D.K. Shivakumar lauded the efforts of Minister of State for Railways K.H. Muniyappa in getting many projects for the State. Bangalore South Lok Sabha member Ananth Kumar said Karnataka is the only State which has continuously contributed and committed a major portion of funds for new rail projects.

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Fast Track Committee

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA / MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(RAILWAY BOARD)

Rail Bhavan, New Delhi, 110001, dated 15.2.2010

No. ERB-I/2010/23/7

ORDER

Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have decided to constitute a Fast Track Committee to look into the issues of Loco Running Staff including Motormen

raised in different fora consisting of the following:-

i) Executive Director/PC-I, Railway Board – Convenor

ii) Executive Director/PC-II, Railway Board – Member

iii) Executive Director/Finance(E), Railway Board – Member

iv) Adviser/Elect(RS), Railway Board – Member

v) Executive Director/ME(Tr), Railway Board – Member

vi) Executive Director (Chg.), Railway Board – Member

2. The terms of reference of the Committee will be as under:-

The Committee will look into the issues raised by various Federations/Unions/Associations and will also seek views from Federations, Associations, Unions and employees as considered appropriate regarding:

a) Grade Pay and fixation of pay on promotion vis-a-vis direct recruitment;

b) Allowances to Loco Running Staff as per the recommendation of Sixth Pay Commission;

c) Applicability of running allowances with effect from 01.01.2006 based on revised rate of running allowance and related demands;

d) Computed running allowance in suburban sections; and

e) Any other issue/demand which is referred to the Committee.

3. The Committee will submit its report within a period of two months from the date of its constitution.

4. The headquarter of the Committee will be at New Delhi.

5. The Convener and Members of the Committee will be eligible to draw TA/DA as per extant rules.

(J.M.S. Rawat)

Under Secretary (Estt)

Railway Board

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Lady Assistant Loco Pilot working train in Bangalore.

Lady ALP at Bangalore.
So far in many divisions Lady assistant Loco Pilots were working.But in Bangalore today is the first day that one Lady Assistant LocoPilot is working in Passenger Train operation. The credit goes toMiss. Alok Nanda, Lady Assistant Loco Pilot recently completedtraining and inducted to service. She is from Orissa. Today she isworking the Passenger train from Bangalore to Tumkur and back . Trainnumbers 221, 222, 225 and 224. Morning 9.20 hours leaving frombangalore reaching Tumkur at 11.05 ,again leaving Tumkur at 11.20arriving 13.20 at Bangalore. Leaving Bangalore at 13.40 and arrivingTumkur at 15.25, Leaving Tumkur at15.50 and arriving bangalore at17.40 hours. She is working with Loco Pilot Pasenger Sri G Narayana.

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Conciliation talk with RLC

Conviliation talk between Railway Board and AILRSA held at RLC/NDLS on 19.02.2010. From Railway Board 3 officers attended, and from AILRSA, Com. MN Prasad, Com. L Mony , Com. NB Dutta and Com. Jeet Singh Tank attended.
Railway Board officers requested for some more time since Railway Budget is shortly coming.
RLC ask railways to submit their comment on our demands within 15th March 2010.Next sitting on 15.03.2010.

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Flash news

8% DA with effect from 01.01.2010
Transportation allowance will also increase by 8%

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Notice for CWC

Notice for Extended CWC meeting


I hereby call an extended CWC meeting up to Divisional Secretary’s on 11th, 12th march 2010 starting from 10:00 hrs on 11th march, will be concluded latest by 20:00 hrs on 12th March 2010 to enable to catch the convenient train to return your Head Quarter. To-wards HWH you may avail 2842 (Coromandal Exp) dept at VSKP 22:10 from VSKP, to-wards Chennai 2841 dept 4:40 on 13.03.2010, for NGP/Delhi by 8518 / 2409 i.e. by 8518 to R and then from R to NGP, and Delhi by 2409 for Mumbai (CSTM) 1020 is available.

Agenda to be discussed

1. Organizational position
2. Our future task in post conclusion of RLC conciliation on 19th Feb 2010
3. Member ship position
4. Any other subject with the permission of chair

All the CWC members / Zonal / Divisional Secretarys must come having a discussion on future task in post RLC conciliation based on actual mental preparation of our workers. They also requested to come in time so meeting will start in time.

Divisional Secretary / WAT and Zonal Secretary / E. Co. Railway will see that all arrangement is done for meeting.

With greeting,

Yours’ comradely




(M. N. Prasad)
Secy. General

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Comment from Mahesh Pandya

Dear Comrades, all of you who read this blog regularly please give one clarion call to all the Loco Running Staff &Motormen all over the Indian Railways.Forget all the difference of opinions between & among all of us.Forget all the affiliations to Religion, Caste, Unions, etc.Let all of us come together as Loco Running Staff & Motormen.Spread the following message:ALL ALP, LP & MM: PREPARE SERIOUSLY FOR THE ALL INDIA INDEFINITESTRIKE FROM 1st MAY, 2010 IN CASE THE REPORT OF THE FAST TRACKCOMMITTEE NOT IN OUR FAVOR AND/OR NOT IMPLEMENTED ON OR BEFORE 30thAPRIL, 2010.LOCO RUNNING STAFF & MOTORMEN UNITY ZINDABAD.
Mahesh Pandya

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Hubli BGM Photos

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Hubli Divisional BGM

All India Loco running Staff Association Hubli Divisional ConferenceHeld at Jyothy Basu Nagar (Railway Institute) Castle Rock on01.02.2010. Flag hoisting done by sri C. Sunish, General SecretaryAILRSA SWR, Welcome address by Sri K Nishad, Div. Secretray, Presidedby Sri Donal raj. The conference was Inaugurated By Sri Geomy George, General Secretary Southern Railway, AILRSA. In his welcomeaddress he explained the history of Railway men struggle in indianRailways and formation of AILRSA and the need of unity etc.The Following were also addressed the Conference
1. C. Sunish, General Secretary AILRSA SWR,
2. Sri SD Arnold, , President, AILRSA SWR,
3. Sri Kamal Pasha, Secretary, SWRMU, Castle Rock
4. Sri. MR Radhakrishnan, Joint Secretray, AILRSA, Palakkad.
Sri K Nishad submitted the working report and the meeting afterdiscussion passed the report. The conference elected the folloowing asoffice beareres of the Hubli Division
President : D Murali-Hospet
Vice President : K Rajesh, Hospet, Anoop KR-Hubli
Secretary :K Nishad-Hubli
Joint Secretary : Y Sreedhar-Hubli, S Sudharsan-Hospet
Organising Secretary : Sirish Hubli
Treasurer : Praveen GP-Hubli
The conference has passed a number of resolutions out of which one isthe demand for opening a crew depot at Vasco and Belgam.
Sri Rejith Branch Secretary AILRSA expressed vote of thanks.

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Bombay Motor man agitation.

At around 18.30 hours on 25.01.10 the Proposed Mass NH by JAF on 26.01.10 was postponed due to the persuation of Ex MP Sri. Mohan Rawla and both General Managers of Central railway and Western Railway and Com. Basudeb Acharia MP contacted CRB,Member Staff at New Delhi. Based on these political pressures, CRB and Member staff assured that the issues raised will be refered to a Fast Track Committee which will submit report within 60 days.. GM/CR also promised that he himself will persue the matter personally.
Going through the past experience of Fast Track Committee's which deliver result in SLOW TRACK, the JAF leadres Com. DS Koparkar, Com. Devendra Yadav, Com. BN Bhardwaj told they given 3 months ultimatom to finalise the assurance given by the Administration. If not we will be forced to enter in to some action including INDEFINITE HUNGER FAST ,which may leads dislocation of train service from MAY FIRST.
On 27.01.10 there will be a conciliation talk with RLC /Bombay
on 28.01.10 there will be a discussion with Member Staff at New Delhi.
AILRSA extend solidarity for the Comrades.

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CWC- Mumbai Motorman on Warpath.

CWC at GZB on 20.01.10

AILRSA Central Working Committee meeting held at Ghaziabad on 20.01.10, presided by Com. Jeet Singh Tank. Secretary General Com. MN Prasad explained about the conciliation talk.
On 18.01.10 from AILRSA, Com. MN.Prasad, Com. L Mony, Com. NB Dutta, Com. JS Tank attended, from Railways, Dy Director, Joint Director and Director, Pay Commission attended. But RLC Sri. BB Bhatnagar who called the meeting unable to attend the conciliation due to some inconvenience (?), and next sitting scheduled to 19.02.10.
After our agitation program Railway has declared some improvement like increasing the percentage of Senior ALP to 80% and nomination of a Senior Welfare Inspector for LP/ALP and Promotion as per seniority etc.
Motorman agitation
The Loco Running Staff & Motormen of Mumbai Division - Western and Central Railway (Joint Action Forum) decided to take one day National Holiday on the next Republic Day 26th January, 2010. They are demanding review of Grade Pay for all categories of the train driving staff, Revision of Mileage Rates from 01.01.2006 & 01.09.2008as per the RAC 1981 formula, Computation allowance for Motormen &Judicial Review of the HOER. They claim the Railway Administration willfully delaying the decision in all these issues.

Regional Labour Commissioner Bombay called for conciliation on 18.01.10 at Bombay. From Railways SPO/WR only attended, he express that since the demands are of National level it can be settled by RB, and local demands can be considered, and next conciliation meeting on 27.02.10.

AILRSA CWC is having the opinion that since conciliation talk is going on the mass availing of NH may be deferred suitably. Since AILRSA is continuing negotiation with RLC New Delhi, we cannot go for a national level agitation program. Any way if the JAC continue with their program on 26.01.10 , AILRSA extend its solidarity by conducting Gate Meeting in front of all Crew Booking Lobby and wearing badge .

Next Extended CWC meeting will be convened in March either at Visakapattanam or Mugalsarai and take future course of action.

Latest Development.
On 22nd CPRO given a press statement that Motorman are getting a salary more than DRM and their demands are not genuine. By seeing this motorman stopped extra work and around 40% suburban trains cancelled due to want of motorman. Later discussion was called and settled.
See a report.

Mumbai local train services halted as drivers on strike

Published: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 ,

Mumbai: The life line of Mumbai, the local train services came to stand still as drivers went on strike demanding hike in their salaries. The local train driver's halted the sub urban train services on central route. The local train services between CST and Thane has been bad affected. The daily commuters will face difficulties to return their destinations.Further development related to the strike of the drivers of Mumbai local train were coming that the drivers have called off their strike.But the drivers have given threat that if their demands will not be fulfilled till 26th January they will again go on strike. According to the Motormen's Association, since the railway administration is not considering their long pending demands, all the motormen will go on strike on January 26.The demands of the motormen include a weekly off, more allowances and better working conditions."As the motormen do not intend to cause inconvenience to commuters they have chosen the national holiday," a member of the motormen's association said.Meanwhile, railway authorities have said, action will be taken against motormen who are absent from work on January 26."The action would include loss of pay and break-in service," they said.

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Letter to GM/ DRM/Western Railway

ALL INDIA LOCO RUNNING STAFF ASSOCIATION
MUMBAI DIVISION – WESTERN RAILWAY
Date: 4TH January, 2010.
To,
The Divisional Railway Manager
Mumbai Central – Western Railway. &
The General Manager – Western Railway.
Respected Sir,
Subject: Programs of Joint Action Forum of Loco Running Staff & Motormen of Mumbai Division – Central & Western Railway.
Sir, the AILRSA has already taken up so many programs to draw the attention of the Railway Administration towards the grievances and demands regarding the Sixth CPC & Mileage Rate of the Loco Running Staff & Motormen of the Indian Railways. (List of programs taken up by the AILRSA before 1st December, 2009 attached herewith for your ready reference.)
Joint Action Forum of Loco Running Staff & Motormen of Mumbai Division – Central & Western Railway had been formed in the month of December, 2009 and “Fight for Right” movement by the Joint Action Forum of the Loco Running Staff & Motormen is gathering tremendous momentum supported by near about complete mobilization of the Loco Running Staff & motormen in the Mumbai Division of Western & Central Railway; the following programs were taken up.
(1)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Mumbai CST (CR) Lobby 16-12-2009.
(2)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Churchgate (WR) Lobby 18-12-2009.
(3)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Bandra (WR) 19-12-2009.
(4)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at BAMY Lobby 24-12-2009 as the Loco Running Staff of Bandra Diesel went on the “Work to Rule” agitation for the vacation of their Local Grievances & Demands.
(5)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at BAMY Lobby 28-12-2009.
(6)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum At Vasai Road on date 04-01-2010.
(7) Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Kalyan (CR) Lobby 08-01-2010.
(8)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Valsad (WR) on date 11-01-2010.

The Program of series of Meetings by our Secretary General Comrade M. N. Prasad was as per the following.
(A) 27-12-2009 Meeting at BINA – Kota Division – WCR.
(B) 28-12-2009 Meeting at Maninagar – Ahmadabad Division – WR.
© 29-12-2009 Meeting at Fulera – Jaipur Division – NWR.
The Loco Running Staff & Motormen of Mumbai Division – Western and Central Railway (Joint Action Forum) decided to take one day National Holiday on the next Republic Day 26TH January, 2010. They are demanding review of Grade Pay for all categories of the train driving staff, Revision of Mileage Rates from 01.01.2006 & 01.09.2008as per the RAC 1981 formula, Computation allowance for Motormen &Judicial Review of the HOER. They claim the Railway Administration willfully delaying the decision in all these issues.
The Demands of the Loco Running Staff are as represented time and again by the Central Working Committee of the AILRSA as per the following
(1) Grade Pay for Asst. Loco Pilot-Rs.2800
Loco Pilot (Shunting-Rs.4200
Loco Pilot (Goods)-Rs.4600
Loco Pilot (Passenger)-Rs.4800
Loco Pilot (Mail)-Rs.5400
(2) Mileage Rate with old TA Rate & New Basic Pay W.E.F. 01.01.2006 as per RAC 1980 formula: for ALP Rs.157, for LP/MM Rs: 212.
(3) Mileage Rate with NEW TA Rate & New Basic Pay W.E.F. 01.09.2008 as per RAC 1980 formula: for ALP Rs.233, for LP/MM Rs: 312.
(4) Computation of mileage rates for Suburban service.
(5) Limit the working hours of Loco Pilots to 8 hours at a stretch.
The representatives of the Train Driving Staff of the Indian Railways who called from various parts of the country before, during and after these meetings expressed solidarity and assured that if the Railway's administration do not solve this matter at the earliest then they will be compelled for stoppage for trains all over India that too with or without the prior notice as it is already too late from the Management side and now it is crossing all limits of patience for the staff side to wait for getting justice done.
Sir, this is for your kind information from the AILRSA – Mumbai Division – Western Railway that members of the AILRSA also actively support & join all the programs taken up by the Joint Action Forum as the Grievances & Demands represented by the Joint Action Forum are the same as decided by the Central Working Committee of the AILRSA.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,

(Mahesh N. Pandya)
Divisional Secretary – AILRSA
Mumbai Division – Western Railway.

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Joint Action Forum-Central and Western Railway

Joint Action Forum of Loco Running Staff & Motormen of Mumbai Division - Central & Western Railway had been formed in the month of December, 2009 and "Fight for Right" movement by the Joint Action Forum of the Loco Running Staff & Motormen is gathering tremendous momentum supported by near about complete mobilization of the Loco Running Staff & motormen in the Mumbai Division of Western & Central Railway; the following programs were taken up.(1)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Mumbai CST (CR) Lobby 16-12-2009. Attended by 225 Loco Running Staff & Motormen.(2)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Churchgate (WR) Lobby 18-12-2009. Attended by 200 Loco Running Staff & Motormen.(3)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at Bandra (WR) 19-12-2009. Attended by about 50 representatives of Loco Running Staff & Motormen.(4)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at BAMY Lobby 24-12-2009 as the Loco Running Staff of Bandra Diesel went on the "Work to Rule" agitation for the vacation of their Local Grievances & Demands. Attended by 125 Loco Running Staff.(5)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum at BAMY (WR) Lobby 28-12-2009. Attended by 175 Loco Running Staff & Motormen.(6)Meeting of the Joint Action Forum At Vasai Road (WR) Lobby on date 04-01-2010. Attended by 190 Loco Running Staff & Motormen.(7)Meeting of the Loco Running Staff At Kalyan (CR) Suburban Lobby on date 09-01-2010. Attended by 300 Loco Running Staff & Motormen.The Program of series of Meetings by our Secretary General Comrade M. N. Prasad was as per the following.(A) 27-12-2009 Meeting at BINA - Kota Division - WCR. Attended by 225 Loco Running Staff.(B) 28-12-2009 Meeting at Maninagar - Ahemadabad Division - WR. Attended by 150 Loco Running Staff.© 29-12-2009 Meeting at Fulera - Jaipur Division - NWR. Attended by 200 Loco Running Staff.(D) 30-12-2009 Meeting at Kota - WCR Attended by 200 Loco Running Staff.The Loco Running Staff & Motormen of Mumbai Division - Western and Central Railway (Joint Action Forum) decided to take one day National Holiday on the next Republic Day 26TH January, 2010. They are demanding review of Grade Pay for all categories of the train driving staff, Revision of Mileage Rates from 01.01.2006 & 01.09.2008as per the RAC 1981 formula, Computation allowance for Motormen &Judicial Review of the HOER. They claim the Railway Administration willfully delaying the decision in all these issues.Mahesh N PandyaDivisional Secretary - AILRSA - Mumbai Division - Western Railway.

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Railways give guidelines to LP's

THE TIMES OF INDIA-Ludhiana
Harsh weather: Rlys give drivers guidelines
Nidhi Singhi, TNN 4 January 2010,

LUDHIANA: Following three major train collisions in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday and in the face of dense fog, railway authorities have forwarded guidelines to drivers and guards of trains that they should not be on duty for more than 10 hours at a stretch. The guidelines have been issued by Delhi headquarters and are to be stuck to in all five divisions under Northern Railways. Confirming this, senior Divisional Safety Officer RV Singh said they had directed drivers and guards to take proper rest in an effort to minimize lapses. According to information, there is sanctioned strength of about 1,200 drivers in Ferozepur division. Three hundred and sixty two of the posts concerned are vacant. At the city station, there is sanction for 504 drivers. Against this, there are 168 vacancies, which puts added burden on employees. According to employees, this has a bearing on security arrangements for commuters. The staff crunch leads many of them to be on duty for long hours. The staff shortage has also affected maintenance of railway tracks. The harsh weather and dense fog are impeding smooth movement of trains. In absence of any device for commuters’ safety, the authorities are laying emphasis on preventive measures and they have therefore asked drivers and guards to stay alert. They have written a letter to railway board for it to effect an increase in the number of drivers in Ferozepur division so that the staff are not over-burdened. On condition of anonymity, one of the railway drivers said in the normal weather, it does not matter much if they are on duty for more than eight hours at one go, but the foggy weather makes it difficult to manage things. He further maintained that at times, drivers had to wait long for relief from duty when they were forced to drive passenger as well as goods trains, but the authorities were seemingly not concerned about their well-being, which was why despite several recommendations for fresh recruitments, they were not taking appropriate action. Commenting on it, RV Singh said they had written to the board for provision of extra staff.

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Fog Signalling-Press news

Railways using old techniques to issue fog warning
Marya Shakil / CNN-IBN

New Delhi: Four train drivers have been suspended because of the accidents that took place in Kanpur and Etawah on January 2 in which at least 10 people were killed and over 40 injured.
The train accidents reportedly took place due to heavy fog due, low visibility and human error. The accidents have raised serious concerns on railway safety.
During fog conditions trains must stick to the speed limit of 30 km per hour and in the dense fog eight km per hour.
Railway officials say most accidents are due to the failure of their own staff. But of the 177 accidents that occurred in 2008-2009, less than half were due to human error.
The truth is the railways are still using outdated techniques like detonators to warn the train drivers during fog.
When the train passes over them the driver gets a warning to slow down. Another technique is for train drivers blow the horn ahead of crossings to warn road users.
"If anti-collision devices are installed on all the trains and at all the stations then you need not have to depend on the human element," claims former chairman of Railway Board SB Ghosh Dastidar.
The anti-collision device has only been fixed over 1,736 route kms of the North Frontier Railway.
Rauilway Minister Mamata Banerjee says 1700 kms more will be covered, but financial issues are holding that up.
Indian Railways say that anti-collision device is not fit to be implemented in all terrains.
Shockingly the 10-year old project is still undergoing technical evaluation even as accidents continue to rise.
With outdated techniques of dealing with fog, the lifeline of the country is surely Ram bharose (in God's hands).

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Photos of Train Accident.

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Train Accident-Hindu News

10 killed as trains collide in dense fog in U.P.
Atiq Khan and K. Balchand -The Hindu-03.01.10
Five trains involved in three collisions; rail traffic in disarray
LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: Ten persons were killed and over 40 injured in three train accidents at three different places in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning, even as dense fog played havoc with rail, road and air traffic. The accidents, in a span of three hours, involved five express trains.
All casualties occurred at the Panki station near Kanpur when the Bhiwani-Gorakhpur Gorakhdam Express rammed the stationary New-Delhi-Prayagraj Express from the rear around 9 a.m. The victims were in the last two unreserved compartments of the Allahabad-bound train. The guard too is said to have been killed.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi-Sitamarhi Lichchavi Express rammed the stationary Magadh Express near the Sarai Bhopat station in Etawah district at 8.15 a.m. Both trains were going to Bihar behind schedule. No casualties were reported from Etawah, but the condition of the driver of the Lichchavi Express was stated to be serious.
Dense fog was the stated cause for both the collisions. The important fact is that two trains were stationary and the two others had decided to move on their forward journeys. The explanation forwarded is that the Automatic Block System is in operation in this section allowing the driver to proceed at a restricted speed even if he gets a cautionary red signal.
As per rules, on sighting a red signal, any loco driver can proceed after a one-minute halt at the maximum speed of 8 km. during day time. At night, the driver is expected to halt for two minutes before proceeding at no more than 8 km. per hour.
The drivers of the Lichchavi Express and Gorakhdham Express, it was stated, exercised this option. While fog prevented them from seeing the trains stationed ahead, the speed of the Lichchavi Express was relatively less.
Within hours of the two accidents, the Saryu Express, which was going from Ayodhya to Allahabad, hit a trolley near Tharwai. Two persons were injured.
Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee has condoled the deaths and ordered compensation of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs. 1 lakh to those seriously injured and Rs. 10,000 to those with minor injuries.

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Passenger train derails in Assam
Guwahati, Jan 3 (ANI): Seven compartments of a passenger train derailed between Helem and Nij Bogaon areas in Assam early on Sunday morning, but no casualty hasbeen reported till now.
The Murkongselek-Rangiya passenger train carrying 400 people derailed at 3:47 a.m., claimed railway sources.
The spot where the accident took place is under the Rangiya division of North East Frontier Railway.
Railway officials have rushed to the spot, around 70 kilometers from Rangiya, to ascertain the cause of the mishap. (ANI)

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Assam Derailment

7 coaches of Arunachal Pradesh derail in Assam, passengers safe
All seven coaches of the Arunachal Pradesh Express, running between Murkongselek and Rangiya, derailed at a place between Helem and Nij Bogaon in Assam in the early hours of today, but none of the passengers was hurt, official sources said.
A spokesman for the North East Frontier Railway (NEFR) told NetIndian that the accident had occurred around 0325 hours on the 500-km metre gauge section between Murkongselek and Rangiya, one of two such sections in the region.
"There were no casualties or injuries. All the passengers are safe," the spokesman said.
He said all the passengers had been taken to the nearest station and arrangements were being made to send them to their destinations.
The spokesman said an accident relief train as well as senior officials of the NEFR had reached the accident site, located about 200 km from the divisional headquarters of Rangiya and about 250 km from the state capital, Guwahati.
He said the officials were making all efforts to restore normal traffic on the section at the earliest. The cause of the mishap was also being investigated, he added.
Today's derailment came just a day after at least 10 people were killed and 42 others injured when the 2556 Gorakhdham Express crashed into the stationary 2418 Prayagraj Express at Panki near Kanpur on the North-Central Railway (NCR) in Uttar Pradesh yesterday in thick fog that had enveloped many parts of north India.
In a second accident, the Bihar-bound 4006 Lichchavi Express rammed into the stationary Delhi-Islampur 2402 Magadh Express at Saraibhopat near Etawah, also in Uttar Pradesh, yesterday morning. The driver of the Delhi-Sitamarhi Lichchavi Express, who was trapped inside the mangled engine of the train, was extricated safely with minor injuries.
Both the accidents occurred within the space of one hour on theTundla-Kanpur section in the Allahabad division of NCR on the busy Delhi-Kanpur-Howrah trunk route.
There was a third incident in Uttar Pradesh when the Sarayu Express hit a trolley near Pratapgarh, some 60 km from Allahabad, yesterday. Two people suffered minor injuries in the mishap, reports reaching here said.

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Press News-Regarding ACD

Despite Mamata promise, Rlys yet to put anti-collision system on track

Sun, Jan 3
Despite tall claims of modernising its systems to make rail travel safer, the Indian Railways has been dragging its feet on introducing the Anti Collision Device (ACD) — a system that has been designed to prevent the kind of twin collisions that killed 10 persons and injured 45 near Kanpur and Etawah on Saturday — on its network across the country.
Indigenously developed by the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL), the ACD has been specifically designed to prevent high-speed collision in mid-section, station areas and at level crossing gates (see box). The most significant feature of this device is that it activates automatic braking if two trains come dangerously close on the same track, like the way it happened on Saturday.
Having got the ACD installed on 1,736 route km of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) under a pilot project that was commissioned in 2007, the Railway Ministry has at different times made the right noises about installing the system across the country. In fact, minister Mamata Banerjee in her last Rail Budget speech said this system would be extended on 1,700 route km on Southern, South Central and South Western Railway in two years time.
"I will review the implementation of the project before further extension to other Railway," Banerjee had said. But despite this, has been apathetic to the introduction of this system.
Consider these:
n Sources told The Sunday Express that Konkan Railway has not been paid any money for the maintenance of the system installed in NFR since April 2007. "In fact, in April 2009, the Konkan Railway was told not to provide any maintenance to the system in NFR," a source said. Having awaited the payment of dues amounting to about Rs 40 crore, the Konkan Railway, it is learnt, told the ministry that it will not be able to install the system in any more places till the dues are cleared.
n Konkan Railway has been asking the ministry to fix the "parameters of commissioning the project". "Simply put, Konkan Railway asked the ministry to fix what it wanted as the delivered product," a source said. The ministry, on the other hand, has chosen to revise the specifications or ask for newer features every now and then, over the past few years.
n The Railway Ministry is yet to clearly spell out the financial model on which the project will be undertaken with the Konkan Railway.
n The ministry has shown resistance in allowing a "profit margin" to the Konkan Railway for executing this project.
Explaining the delay in taking a final call on the technology, ministry officials point out that the ACD system still has "unresolved issues" and the go-ahead to implement it across the country can only be given once it meets all the criteria. However, one of the conspiracy theories doing the rounds suggests that a powerful lobby of multinational companies, which is trying to sell railway signaling equipment to the Indian Railways, has been thwarting all attempts to introduce the ACD.
Significantly, the ACD, which is a patented technology of the Konkan Railway, has attracted attention from countries like Egypt, Australia and South Africa. But the fact that the Indian Railways has not implemented this system across its network has often put the technology under a cloud.

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Fog delays Train service

Heavy Fog delays Train and filght service.
Chandigarh 03.01.10-Express News
Heavy fog and bad weather conditions disrupted train and flight schedules on Saturday. Airlines cancelled their flights to and from Chandigarh and all trains ran late by two hours to 15 hours.
Station superintendent R K Dutta said the failure of the Northern Grid compounded the problems. "We expect this situation to continue for another week," he said.
The Shatabadi Express from Delhi reached Chandigarh at 11.5 am, two hours behind schedule. The Jan Shatbadi was late by 3 hours, and reached the city at 10.30 am. The evening Shatbadi Express from New Delhi was again late by two hours.
The Jaipur—Chandigarh Garib Rath arrived at 10.30 am, four hours behind schedule and the Howarh—Kalka Mail arrived at 5.45 pm, instead of its scheduled time of 3.15 am. It was late by almost 15 hours.
Paschim Express Mumbai—Kalka was also running three hours behind schedule. The evening Shatabdi Express, meanwhile, departed to Delhi at its scheduled time from Chandigarh.

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Chennai-Passengers averted Accident

Passengers averted Train accident
CHENNAI Jan 03 :
feedback@expressbuzz.com
Passengers of a suburban train in the Gummidipoondi- Chennai section had a narrow escape after the train, stationed in the loop line at Ponneri station, started moving to the main line, even as the Lucknow-Chennai biweekly Express (6031) was fast approaching the station on the main line.
The passengers on the suburban train, however, managed to pull the chain a few metres away from the main line, thus averting a major accident.
Chief Public Relations Officer V J Accamma confirmed the incident. She told Express that the motorman of the suburban train was suspended.
According to railway sources, the guard of the train was also placed under suspension.
Passengers who were travelling in the suburban train lodged a complaint with the Ponneri Station Master.
The Station Master reportedly said he had not given the signal to the suburban train and it was the driver’s mistake.

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Train Accidents

10 killed, 43 hurt in 3 UP rail accidents involving 5 trains
Sat, 02/01/2010 -

Net Indian News Network

At least ten people were killed and 42 others injured when the 2556 Gorakhdham Express crashed into the stationary 2418 Prayagraj Express at Panki near Kanpur on the North-Central Railway in Uttar Pradesh this morning as a thick fog enveloped many parts of north India and reduced visibility to near zero.
As many as 19 of those injured were in a serious condition, official sources said.
In a second accident, the Bihar-bound 4006 Lichchavi Express rammed into the stationary Delhi-Islampur 2402 Magadh Express at Saraibhopat near Etawah early this morning. The driver of the Delhi-Sitamarhi Lichchavi Express, who was trapped inside the mangled engine of the train, was extricated safely with minor injuries, official sources said.
Ministry of Railways spokesman Anil Saxena told NetIndian that Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of each of those killed in the accident, Rs one lakh for each of those seriously injured and Rs 10,000 for those who suffered minor injuries.
He said Ms Banerjee had directed Railway Board Member (Mechanical) Praveen Kumar and Member (Electrical) Sudesh Kumar to rush to the spot. Other senior officials were already at the sites of the two accidents and efforts were being made on a war footing to restore traffic on the route.
Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi, who was among the passengers on the Prayagraj Express, said action taken against those found responsible for the accidents.
Another scene at Panki near Kanpur where the Gorakhdam Express rammed into Prayagraj Express on Saturday morning.
Both the accidents occurred within the space of one hour on theTundla-Kanpur Section in the Allahabad division of North Central Railway (NCR) on the busy Delhi-Kanpur-Howrah trunk route.
There was a third incident in Uttar Pradesh when the Sarayu Express hit trolley near Pratapgarh, some 60 km from Allahabad today. Two people suffered minor injuries in the mishap, reports reaching here said.
NCR spokesman Amit Malaviya told NetIndian over the telephone that the first accident at Etawah occurred around 0815 hours, while the second occured near Kanpur around 0900 hours.
All the ten persons killed were passengers of the Prayagraj Express, he said. In the Etawah accident, barring the driver of the Lichchavi Express, no one was injured, he said.
According to sources, the dense fog had also led to a tripping of the northern grid in the early hours of today, and the shutdown of the electricity supply caused the Delhi-Allahabad Prayagraj Express to stop, when it was hit from behind by the Bhiwani-Gorakhpur Gorakhdham Express.
The three rear coaches of the Prayagraj Express got derailed as a result of the accident. Two of them wee ordinary second class general coaches while the third was a passenger-cum-luggage-cum-guard (SLR) coach. In the case of the Magadh Express, the rear SLR coach got derailed.
Mr Malaviya said the injured were admitted to three hospitals in Kanpur. Railway medical and accident relief teams had reached the two accident sites and efforts were on to restore the lines at the earliest. Movement of trains on the section was likely to resume by midnight tonight, he said.
NCR authorities had identified five of the ten people killed in the accident. Their names were given as Ms Usha Rai, Ms Urmila Rai, Mr Krishna Kumar, Mr Shivanand and Ms Kaushalya Devi.
The Railways have set up helpline numbers at Allahabad (0532-2408149, 2408128 and 2407393), Kanpur (0512-2323015, 2323016 and 2323018), Tundla (05612-220337) and Aligarh (0571-2403458) to provide information to the public.
Sources said that the Prayagraj Express had resumed its journey to Allahabad after the last two coaches, which were damaged, had been detached. The Gorakhdam Express had been pulled back to the nearest station so that the passengers could be provided with food, water and other amenities, they said.
Similarly, the Lichchavi Express and the Magadh Express had also been moved to the nearest stations, they said.
In New Delhi, a spokesman for the Northern Railway said several trains were running between one and five hours late because of the fog, the power disruption and the two accidents. Some trains were also cancelled or diverted.
A press release from NCR said a special train would leave for Gorakhpur this evening from Kanpur to carry the passengers of the Gorakhdham Express.
It said free breakfast and lunch packets had been distributed to the passngers at Kanpur and Etawah stations. Vehicles had been deployed at Kanpur and Etawah to carry the stranded passengers to their destinations, it said.
Late tonight, the Government announced that an inquiry would be conducted into the accidents by Mr P K Vajpayee, Commissioner of Railway Safety, North-East Circle, Lucknow, Ministry of Civil Aviation

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CWC

Discussion with RLC on 18.01.10 at New Delhi.
CWC at Ghaziabad on 20.01.10.

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HRA-RBO

Grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway employees
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
RBE No.218 New Delhi,dated 10.12.2009
No.E(P&A)II-98/HRA-6The General Managers/CAOs,All Indian Railways and Production Units.
Subject:Grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway employees posted to new zones/new Divisions - Regarding.
Subject:Grant of House Rent Allowance to Railway employees posted to new zones/new Divisions - Regarding.
******Attention is invited to the instructions contained in Board's letters of even unmber dated 9.3.2004, 9.8.2006, 12.12.2007 and 24.10.2008 on the above subject. As per letter dt.24.10.2008 only railway staff posted to East-Cental Railway were allowed house rent allowance at the rates admissible at their last place of posting upto 31.8.2009.2. The matter has been considered by the Board subsequent to issue of letter No.E(G)2008 QR1-1 dated 22.5.2009 and it has been decided that railway employees posted to all new zones/divisions, in a uniform manner, may be allowed house rent allowance upto 31.8.2009 on the same terms and conditions laid down in the letter dated 09.03.2004 ibid and as amended/ clarified from to time.3. This issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.
(Salim Md.Ahmed)Deputy Director, Estt.(P&A)IIIRailway Board.

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