Thursday, February 23 2006 15:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Indian Railways plan to phase out its fleet of more than 1,000 air-conditioned coaches keeping in view the Montreal Protocol on Environment of which India is a signatory, Rajya Sabha was informed today (Feb 23,2006).

Railways have already planned to phase out or modify 780 AC coaches with R-12 refrigerant manufactured before 1994, Minister of state for Railways R Velu said in a written reply.

After 1994 Railways have already switched over to manufacturing AC coaches with environment-friendly refrigerant (R-12), he said adding that R-12 refrigerant has to be phased out by 2010.

Yamuna: Velu informed the Upper House that Northern Railway is planning to build another railway bridge near the old one over Yamuna in Delhi. He said the new bridge on river Yamuna on Delhi-Shahdara section of Northern Railway is under construction near the old bridge site.

Trains: Railways have introduced fastest train between Delhi and Agra with a regular speed of 150 kmph with effect from Feb 16, 2006.

It is also contemplated to introduce 150 kmph trains between Delhi-Patna-Howrah and Delhi-Chennai section, he said.

Tickets: Velu said Railways have revised the charge on rail cancellation. The clerkage charge levied on cancellation of unreserved, reservation against cancellation and wait-listed tickets has been increased by Rs 10 for all classes, except for second class unreserved tickets where no increase was made.

Besides, he said the minimum flat cancellation charge onreserved tickets were also increased for all classes rangingfrom Rs 10 to 30, depending upon the class.

Delhi-Hanoi: RITES, which was Commissioned by the Ministry of External Affairs as a first step for Delhi-Hanoi Rail Link, has completed its study, Velu said.

He said RITES has suggested construction, in India, of a rail link between Jiribam-Imphal-Moreh at a cost of Rs 2,941.08 crores.

In Myanmar, it suggested construction of a new rail link between Tamu (Moreh)-Kalay-Segeyi at a cost of Rs 1,339.02 crore and rehabilitation of existing line from Segeyi-Chaungu Myohaung at a cost of Rs 283.959 crore.

The link will provide substantial benefit to bilateral trade between India and Myanmar, he said.

To another question, Velu said RITES has submitted its feasibility study report on the proposed Dedicated RailFreight Corridors on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes, the cost of which is estimated at Rs 21,140 crores.

The projects have been considered by the expanded Board and sent to the Union Cabinet for approval, he said.