Focus on automatic train protection system, staff welfare, capacity expansion: Par Committee to Railways

Along with prioritising capacity expansion and safety enhancement the thrust areas of the Railways should also remain technological advancements and execution of automatic train protection systems according to a report of the Standing Committee of RailwaysPresented in Lok Sabha on Monday the third report on Demands for Grants 202526 of the Ministry of Railways made several observations and recommendations for the improvement of its functioning as well as revenue generationImproving crowd management adopting energyefficient technologies enhancing onboard amenities using innovative pricing strategies and focusing on doubling railway lines are some of the suggestionsThe Committee stressed the importance of ensuring efficient utilisation of the budget through a wellplanned strategy prioritising capacity expansion and safety enhancementIt was of the view that the thrust areas should also remain technological advancements and execution of automatic train protection systems the report said while highlighting the need for speedy implementation of KavachRecommending that the Railway Ministry should prioritise the efficient utilisation of capital expenditure to accelerate infrastructure development modernisation and asset replacement ensuring timely completion of projects and avoiding cost overruns it suggested optimisation of revenue expenditureAccording to the Committee the optimisation is possible by streamlining recurring costs particularly in operating expenses and adopting energyefficient technologies and exploring costsaving measures without compromising service qualityThe Committee also urge the Ministry to focus on staff welfare initiatives to boost employee morale and productivity while maintaining fiscal discipline and strategic alignment in all financial allocations the report saidIt added The Committee expect full utilisation of the budget allocation made in 202425 which stands at 8337 as on 31012025 and desires the Ministry for timely execution of projects to prevent cost overrunsAfter examining the Railway Ministrys stand on internal resources the Committee said it has shown a downward trajectory since 202223 and urged it to explore and review all possible areas where resources can be mobilised to increase internal earnings and ensure a gradual reduction of dependence on Gross Budget Allocation GBSEBR to the extent possibleThe Committee also suggested that the Ministry explore the option of supplementing GBS with market borrowing by leveraging private sector expertiseObserve that the net earnings of Railways have remained marginal in the financial years 202223 and 202324 the Committee urged the Ministry to explore alternative avenues to boost passenger revenues by including servicebased revenue generation improved onboard amenities thereby increasing of passenger base by allowing passenger transition from road and air transport to more sustainable railway alternativesThe Committee said that the Ministry of Railways should take proactive measures to improve the Operating Ratio by enhancing revenue generation and controlling working expensesEfforts should be made to increase freight and passenger traffic revenues through innovative pricing strategies improved service quality and better utilisation of existing assets the report saidAs far as the doubling of railway lines is concerned the Committee observed that while the financial utilisation of the budget stands at nearly 74 per cent the physical achievement of the doubling target is merely 39 per centThe Committee would like to be apprised of the factors leading to this disparity They urge the Railways to exercise due diligence in identifying and addressing obstacles to ensure seamless project execution the report saidThe Committee also observed that the Railways had consistently fallen short of achieving their physical targets for the closure of manned level crossings since 202122 highlighting the need for focused attention in this areaTo address the persistent issue of unmet production targets for coaches and wagons the Committee recommend that the Railways significantly increase manufacturing capacity at existing units and explore the creation of new production facilities in areas lacking them the report saidMaking several significant suggestions on the ongoing station redevelopment schemes the Committee recommended that the scheme among other things should focus on improving crowd management to prevent any untoward incidentsTo enhance freight traffic the Committee recommend a commercially viable marketdriven approach with a focus on diversification beyond bulk commoditiesAdditionally the Committee stress the need for prioritizing Dedicated Freight Corridors DFCs development and usage to ease congestion on highdensity routes and improve freight efficiency the report saidRegarding the MumbaiAhmedabad HighSpeed Rail MAHSR project according to the report the Committee noted that an expenditure of Rs71116 crores has been incurred so far as of January 2025 and the overall physical progress stands at 4855 per cent with key construction activities ongoing including viaducts tunnels and station buildingsThe Committee recommend the Ministry to expedite the finalisation of remaining contract packages and associated works to ensure timely completion of the MAHSR Project The Committee also desire the Ministry to address potential bottlenecks such as delays in utility shifting and construction challenges to avoid cost overruns and ensure the project stays on track the report saidIt added To support the longterm sustainability of highspeed rail operations the Committee desire that indigenous manufacturing of Shinkansen technology components under the MakeinIndia initiative be expandedThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or 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