Transport India

Use of Natural Rubber Modified Bitumen in Road Construction

2012-02-01T03:47:00.000-08:00

The Union Government has formulated a strategy for use of natural rubber in roads as recommended by experts. The use of natural rubber modified bitumen has been specified by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for binder courses and wearing courses laid on National Highways. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) has tested the technology for use of modified bitumen including natural rubber modified bitumen in construction and maintenance of roads under Ministry’s sponsored research scheme. Accordingly to the findings of the study, natural rubber modified bitumen improves the durability of roads by reducing susceptibility towards temperature variations and improving the desirable properties of bitumen thereby giving overall better performance.

As per the policy of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways , the modified bitumen can be used for the entire surfacing of the National Highways.

INDIAN RAILWAYS’ VISION 2020

2012-01-30T22:22:00.000-08:00

Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 & White Paper presented unprecedented thrust on safety issues

INTRODUCTION OF HISTORIC NON-STOP ‘DURONTO’ TRAINS REVENUE EARNINGS DURING APRIL-NOVEMBER 2009 MORE THAN RS. 55 THOUSAND CRORE, AN INCREASE OF 8.74 PER CENT

IMPLEMENTATION OF DFC PROJECTS TAKES OFF WITH THE SIGNING OF PRELIMINARY SERVICES LOAN AGREEMENTS

AIR-CONDITIONED ‘YUVA’ TRAINS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH

‘ONLY LADIES’ MATRABHUMI LOCAL SPECIALS

PERISHABLE CARGO CENTRES UNDER KISAN VISION PROJECT

AUTO HUBS TO COME UP TO ATTRACT AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC

‘IZZAT’ SCHEME FOR POOR TRAVELLERS LAUNCHED

JANTA MEALS AND JANAHAAR CAFETERIA INTRODUCED

EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING

DREAM OF KASHMIR VALLEY PEOPLE FULFILLED

FOUNDATION FOR FIRST EVER MULTI-FUNCTIONAL COMPLEX LAID

IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEM SANCTIONED

NEW CONVENIENT SYSTEM FOR MEDIA TO AVAIL FARE CONCESSION & FARE CONCESSION EXTENDED FOR RAJDHANI/SHATABDI TRAINS

FREE MONTHLY PASS FACILITY EXTENDED TO MADRASA STUDNETS

RAILWAYS SPORT PERSONS MAKE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

The year 2009 has been significant for the Railways in achieving goals and targets with regard to the following:

REVENUE GENERATION

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during 1st April – 30th November 2009 were Rs. 55586.69 crore compared to Rs. 51117.55 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.74 per cent. The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 34394.97 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2008 to Rs. 37337.46 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2009, an increase of 8.56 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during first eight months of the financial year 2009-10 were Rs. 15597.44 crore compared to Rs. 14440.92 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.01 per cent. Indian Railways have carried 574.38 million tonnes of revenue earning freight traffic during April-November 2009. The freight carried shows an increase of 7.44 per cent over the same period last year. The parcel earnings from April to September 2009 has been Rs. 613.08 crore, registering a growth of 18 per cent as compared to the earnings of last year. The revenue generation through disposal of scrap from January 2009 to November 2009 was Rs. 2512 crore.

INDIAN RAILWAYS’ VISION 2020 & WHITE PAPER

Indian Railways’ Vision 2020 document presented in the Parliament by the Railway Minister aims at massive addition to its route network, segregation of passenger and freight services into separate double-line corridors, raising the speeds of passenger trains from the current 130 kmph to 160-200 kmph on some routes, zero accidents and equipment failures. The vision 2020 also envisages the implementation of atleast four high-speed rail projects to provide bullet train services at 250-350 kmph.

A White Paper indicating the Railway’s present organizational, operational and financial status based on its performance in the last five years was also presented in the Parliament. White Paper will help understand the health of the Indian Railways better so that plans for corrective and constructive action for the future can be drawn.

UNPRECEDENTED THRUST ON SAFETY ISSUES

Unprecedented thrust on safety related issues was given during the year, particularly to enhance Safety at Level Crossings, Interlocking and Manning, provision of Limited Height Subways, Normal Height Subways, Road Under Bridges (RUBs), Road Over Bridges (ROBs), Expenditure on Road Safety Works, Catch Sidings etc, Safety aspects of Signals and their back-up power supply, Enquiry of Fire related Accidents, Monitoring of working of Loco Pilots, etc. As on March 31, 2009, there are total 1337 ROBs/RUBs works at various stage of planning and execution. During 2009-10, 40 ROB/RUB have been completed till November 2009 under various schemes. Indian Railways maintained 34,220 level crossings out of which 17244 had gatekeepers and 16,976 crossings were unmanned. In 2008-09, about 259 unmanned level crossings were provided with gatekeepers. And during 2009-10, total 132 unmanned gates have been provided with gatekeepers till November 2009. Comprehensive Disaster Management Plan of Indian Railways has been prepared with the approval of the Board and has been sent to National Disaster Management Authority. Railways are one of the few Ministries who have prepared their Disaster Management Plan as per the provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005. In the current calendar year 2009, during January to 14th December, 2009, 154 consequential train accidents took place as against 159 during the corresponding period of the previous year.

IMPLEMENTATION OF DEDICATED FREIGHT PROJECTS

Progress has been made in the implementation of Western and Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) projects in the current year. Japanese ODA assistance for Western DFC project was sanctioned for the first loan of Rs. 130 crore for engagement of Engineering Services Consultancy services for phase-1 (Rewari-Vadodara section). Request for Proposal (RFP) for engaging Engineering Services Consultancy for Phase-I of Western DFC has also been issued by DFCCIL in October, 2009. For the remaining portion of Western DFC i.e. Phase-II, (Mumbai to Vadodra and Revari to Dadri) preparatory survey has been commenced by JICA consultants in November 2009. In case of Eastern Dedicated Freigh Corridor, Asian Development Bank (ADB) sanctioned a Project Preparation Grant of 1.5 million US Dollars for Khurja-Ludhiana section and ADB appointed consultants started feasibility studies in the section in July 2009 and final report is expected by February 2010. For the proposed World Bank funded Khurja-Mughalsarai section of Eastern DFC, important achievements include appointment of General Consultant for Khurja-Kanpur section by DFCCIL.

NEW CONVENIENT SYSTEM FOR ACCREDITED MEDIA PERSONS TO AVAIL CONCESSIONAL TRAIN FARE; FARE CONCESSION EXTENDED FOR RAJDHANI/SHATABDI TRAINS

As a follow up to the announcement made by the Minister of Railways Kumari Mamata Banerjee in her Railway Budget 2009-10 speech, for the convenience of accredited media persons, the Ministry of Railways has decided to replace the existing system of Coupon Books for accredited press correspondents by more convenient Photo Identity Card based system for availing concessional train fare. Photo identification card will be issued by Railways to accredited press correspondents instead of coupons books. Accredited press correspondent will be eligible for 50 per cent concession in the basic fares all classes of Mail/Express trains & all other charges are to be collected in full; and 50 per cent in the all inclusive fares of all classes of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains. This concession will not be admissible in Garib Rath trains. The new system of concession based on Photo Identity card and the increased concession on Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains will be effective from 15th October 2009.

AIR-CONDITIONED ‘YUVA’ TRAINS FOR UNEMPLOYED YOUTH

The first ever ‘Yuva Trains’ which are targeted mainly for the unemployed youths of the country has been introduced between Howrah-Delhi on 30th December 2009. These ‘Yuva’ trains are being introduced to ensure that the youth of low income groups can travel at low rates between major cities. The ‘Yuva Train’ fares will be applicable to unemployed persons also between the age group of 15 to 45 years. Initially, 60 per cent of the total number of coaches will be earmarked for ‘Yuva’ category. The remaining will be earmarked for general passengers (non-Yuva). If successful, these ‘Yuva trains’ will be extended to other areas of the country. The total chargeable fare for Yuva passengers inclusive of all other charges like Reservation Fee, Superfast Train Charge and Development Charge would not exceed Rs.299/- up to a distance of 1500 kms and Rs. 399/- for distance beyond 1500 up to 2500 kms.

‘ONLY LADIES’ SPECIAL EMU TRAIN SERVICES

As announced in the Railway Budget 2009-10, the Ministry of Railways introduced ‘Only Ladies’ Matrabhumi EMU train services in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata suburban on the pattern of Mumbai suburban as working women face considerable difficulties in traveling for work. These services will run for the convenience of women passengers during office hours.

SUPER FAST PARCEL EXPRESS TRAINS

With a view to attract high value and transit sensitive non-bulk parcel traffic, Indian Railways introduced faster parcel services/premium parcel express trains named “Tejshree Parcel Sewa” between Delhi-Howrah-Delhi, Delhi-Ahmedabad/Vapi-Howrah as a pilot project. This is envisaged as a time-tabled service from dedicated terminals with guaranteed transit time.

DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE FREIGHT TERMINALS

With a view to increase Railways market share of automobile traffic and to facilitate aggregation and distribution centres for automobile traffic, a scheme is under finalization for development of automobile hubs near rail heads through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Railways Minister laid the foundation stone for one such auto hub at Shalimar in West Bengal in November 2009.

A policy is under finalization to facilitate rapid development of a network of freight terminals with private investment to provide efficient and cost effective logistics services to end users including door to door services. Freight terminals can be green field facilities developed by private parties on private land or brown field facilities i.e. existing private sidings/container terminals on private a land which can be permitted to be converted to private freight terminals under the provisions of the proposed policy.

PERISHABLE CARGO CENTRES UNDER KISAN VISION PROJECT

With a view to encourage creation of facilities of setting up cold storage and temperature controlled perishable cargo centres through Public Private Partnership mode, a Task Force of representatives from the concerned ministries, Container corporation of India Ltd. (CONCOR), Central Warehousing Corporation Ltd. (CWC) and cold chain operators, has been constituted to draw up a road map for implementation of the project and identify few locations for pilot project for development of perishable cargo centres. The Pilot Project will be implemented through PSUs engaged in logistics. Foundation stone for the first pilot project under the Kisan Vision Project has been laid by the Minister of Railways at Singur in November 2009.

375 STATIONS TO BE DEVELOPED AS ‘ADARSH’ STATIONS

Ministry of Railways has decided that 17 more railway stations may be added to the existing list of 358 Adarsh Stations. With this, the number of stations selected as ‘Adarsh Stations’ goes upto 375. Railways will develop Adarsh Stations with basic facilities such as drinking water, adequate toilets, catering services, waiting rooms and dormitories especially for lady passengers, better signage and other basic facilities are universally available. Necessary work has already been commenced at various stations.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-FUNCIONAL COMPLEXES

Multi-functional Complexes are being developed at 50 railway stations of serving places of pilgrimage, industry and tourist interest in different parts of the country this year. Multi-functional Complexes in station premises to provide rail users facilities like shopping, food stalls and restaurants, book stalls, PCO/STD/ISD/Fax booths, medicine & variety stores, budget hotels, underground parking etc. Responsibility for development of these facilities will be entrusted to IRCON and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) and Zonal Railways. The foundation stone for such first ever Multi-functional complex was laid by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, at Siliguri in October 2009.

PROVISION OF QUALITY FOOD IN TRAINS

Instruction has been issued to Zonal Railways and Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) in May 2009 for improvement in quality of food in mobile catering units over Indian Railways. Janata meals priced at Rs. 10/- have been revamped on Indian Railways, to meet the catering requirement of common passengers. On an average 1.1 lakh Janata meals are sold every day on Indian Railways through refreshment rooms, food plazas and other catering stalls, etc. To meet the catering requirement of common people, Railways have plans to open Janahaar cafeteria exclusively to sell economy meals and Janta Meals at reasonable rates. Six Janahaar Cafeteria have been commissioned at Howrah, Bangalore, Secunderabad, Chennai, Lucknow and Gorakhpur railway station and five more will be set up shortly at Sealdah, Patna, Kharagpur, New Jalpaiguri and Mysore. Catering services of the similar level of Rajdhani/Shatabdi Express are being provided in newly introduced ‘Duronto’ Trains. All sleeper class passengers of Duronto Trains are also being provided meals on-board. In addition,

IMPROVEMENT AND MODERNISATION OF SIGNALLING SYSTEM

In order to increase efficiency and enhance safety in train operations, Electrical/Electronic Interlocking system in replacement of over-aged mechanical/multi cabin signaling system, has been provided at 339 stations during year 2009 (January to November). To improve reliability and visibility of signals, out dated filament type signals have been replaced with long life, highly durable LED signals at 853 stations. A total number of 578 stations have been provided with Data Logger for predictive maintenance and intensive supervision of Signalling system. Auto Block Signalling to increase line capacity has been provided on 209 Route kms. On Board Train Protection System (TPWS) has been commissioned on Chennai Central- Gummidipundi suburban section (50 RKMs) of Southern Railway as a pilot project. This system prevents ‘Signal Passing At Danger’ cases and enforces implementations of speed restriction. Second pilot project of Train Protection Warning System on main line (Delhi-Agra section of Northern/North Central Railway) is under way. Automatic clearance of Block Section has been provided at 448 sections through use of axle counters. This will reduce dependence on human element & enhance safety. A total A total of 439 numbers of level crossing gates have been interlocked with signals to enhance safety. Track Circuiting for enhancing safety by reducing human dependence, has been provided at 1387 locations in various station sections.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS

During Financial Year 2009-10, about 2500 Route km of Optic Fibre Cable OFC cable laid upto November 2009 by RailTel Corporation of Indian Limited. A total of around 37,000 Route Kms of OFC has so far been laid on Indian Railway system alongside railway track for improving communications. Works for laying 9,000 Kms of OFC further are under progress. Mobile Train Radio Communication system for communication among Train Driver, Guard, Station Master, Control Office and field maintenance staff during run of the train has been commissioned at about 700 Route Kms on Howrah –Dhanbad, Guwahati-New Bongaigaon and Mathura-Jhansi sections. Works are under progress for another 2700 Kms. Walkie-Talkie VHF communication between Guard, Driver & Stations has been provided.

SETTING UP OF NEW ANCILLARY UNITS FOR DIESEL AND ELECTRIC LOCOS

The foundation stone was laid by the Minister of Railways for setting up of two factories for manufacturing electric and diesel engine components and also inaugurated the Project for Distribution of ‘Carbon Credit’ saving CFLs at Dankuni in West Bengal in December 2009. The factories will manufacture components and sub-assemblies for Electric locomotives for the Chittaranjan Production Units and the Diesel Locomotive Works. Other new production units to be set up by Indian Railways are; Rail Coach Factory at Rae Bareilly, Coach factory at Kanchrapara, Diesel Locomotive Factory at Marhowra, Electric Locomotive Factory at Madhepura and Rail Wheel Factory at Chhapra.

‘IZZAT’ MONTHLY SEASON TICKET SCHEME LAUNCHED

As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee, while presenting Railway Budget 2009-10 in the Parliament, the Ministry of Railways introduced a new scheme of uniformly priced Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) at Rs. 25/- inclusive of all surcharges which will be issued upto a distance of 100 Kilometers to persons working in unorganised sector with monthly income not exceeding Rs. 1500/-. This new scheme is called “Izzat”. These ‘Izzat’ MSTs are being issued for journeys with effect from 01.08.2009.

EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DEVELOPING BUSINESS MODELS AND INNOVATIVE FUNDING

An Expert Committee under the chairmanship of Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary General, FICCI for developing business models and innovative funding techniques through Public Private Partnership (PPP) instruments has been constituted. The committee has held several meetings and made recommendations which are at various stages of implementation. A five member Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Shri Sam Pitroda, on the usage of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the Railways has been constituted,

RAILWAYS LAUNCH HISTORIC NON-STOP ‘DURONTO’ TRAINS

Indian Railways added one more feather to its cap when it launched its new class of passenger carrying ‘Duronto’ trains in September 2009. So far seven ‘Duronto’ trains have already been introduced on various major sectors in the country. ‘Duronto’ is a non-stop superfast passenger carrying train in the history of the Railways and heralds a new era of rail travel in the country ensuring better speed, comfort and security for passengers Outer colour scheme design of ‘Duronto’ coaches is distinct. The fare of ‘Duronto’ trains includes the cost of meals.

In addition, 35 new passenger carrying trains were introduced, one Yuva train was introduced, 17 trains were extended and frequency of 8 trains was increased.

TRANSPORTATION OF DRINKING WATER & FODDER FREE OF COST TO DRAUGHT AFFECTED AREAS.

With a view to facilitate better availability of basic commodities like water and fodder to drought affected areas in the country, Ministry of Railways has decided as a special case to permit the transportation of drinking water and fodder by rail, free of charge, to the notified drought affected districts of twelve states at “no cost” to the affected States. These States are Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. These instructions have come into force with effect from 01.12.2009 and remain valid upto 31.01.2010.

DREAM OF KASHMIR VALLEY PEOPLE FULFILLED

The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the newly constructed 18 km long rail line between Anantnag and Quazigund, the last stretch of the railway line in the Kashmir Valley in October 2009. Earlier in October 2008 and February 2009, the railway lines from Anantnag to Mazhom (66 km) and Mazhom to Baramulla (35 km) were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. The entire 119 km long rail line from Baramulla to Quazigund in the valley has now become operational covering important stations like Sopore, Hamre, Pattan, Mazhom, Budgam, Srinagar, Pampore, Kakapora, Awantipura, Panjgam, Bijbiara, Anantnag and Sadura in both the directions.

FIRST EVER RAIL LINK WITH SIKKIM

Sikkim will have the first ever rail connectivity with the laying of foundation stone of the new broad gauge railway line between Sikkim’s small township of Rangpo and West Bengal’s border town of Sivok. This 52.7 km long new broad guauge Rangpo-Sivok line will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1339.48 crore and has been declared as a ‘National Project’ for which 25 per cent of the fund would be provided by Ministry of Railways through their gross budgetary support and balance 75 per cent as an additionality by Ministry of Finance. The survey for further extension of this line from Rangpo upto Sikkim’s capital Gangtok (69 km) has also been completed recently and survey report is under examination in the Ministry of Railways.

IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED SECURITY SYSTEM ON RAILWAYS

Railways have taken several measures to strengthen security activities. An amount of approximately Rs. 344 crore has been sanctioned for implementation of Integrated Security System to strengthen surveillance mechanism at 195 sensitive stations of the country. Besides this, Rs.67 crore have already been distributed amongst the Zonal Railways for procurement of modern security gadgets. 12 Commando Companies of RPSF have been raised for special duties. The Minister has also announced raising of one ‘Mahila Commando Company’. RPF will also set up its own commando training centre at Canning in West Bengal. Thirty two RPF personnel have been awarded this year for their commendable acts. For the first time President Police Medal for gallantry has been awarded to RPF for showing exemplary bravely during terrorist attack on 26/11/2008 at CST, Mumbai.

INTRODCUTION OF MOBILE BRIDGE INSPECTION UNITS

The Indian Railways as part of its high-tech operations has introduced Mobile Bridge Inspection Units (MBIU) for inspection and maintenance of railway bridges to ensure more safety. Cranes provided in these Mobile Bridge Inspection Units have been imported from Germany. Carrier vehicles and power units for these MBIU have been provided by Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Railways. Approximate cost of each MBIU is about eight crore. Two MBIU have recently been introduced on Indian Railways, one in Northern Railway and the other in Central Railway.

RAILWAYS BAG FOUR ENERGY CONSERVATION AWARDS

The Ministry of Railways has achieved another milestone when three of its Zonal Railways bagged four of the National Energy Conservation Awards in 2009. In Railway sector, Western Railway headquartered at Mumbai (Maharashtra) bagged the first prize, North Eastern Railway headquartered at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) got the second prize and West Central Railway headquartered at Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) received the Certificate of Merit. In Office Building sector, West Central Railway again bagged the first prize for its General Manager Office Building.

IRCTC LAUNCHES TOLL FREE 24X7 HELPLINE

Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC), a public sector undertaking of the Ministry of Railways, has launched a centralised Toll Free telephone No. 1800-111-139 for the convenience of railway users to suggest/grievances relating to catering services on Indian Railways. The facility is available 24x7 on this number and railway passengers can register their complaints/suggestions regarding food and catering services. Wherever possible, action is taken on real time basis for redressal of their grievances.

“139 – Rail Sampark”, the authorized enquiry for Indian Railway has recently introduced the facility of Railway enquiry through SMS which is a premium service. The users can obtain information regarding PNR status, fare, seat availability and arrival/departure by sending SMS in the specified syntax to 139.

ENHANCED FARE CONCESSIONS FOR STUDENTS, AMATEUR ARTISTS & POLICE MEDALISTS

As announced by the Minister of Railways, Kumari Mamata Banerjee in the Railway Budget 2009-10, the Ministry of Railways has decided to extend the facility of free Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) in 2nd class in the trains to students attending Madrasa, High Madrasa and Senior Madrasa for commuting daily between the stations serving their place of residence and Madrasa. It has also decided that 60 per cent concession in the fares of Metro Rail Kolkata will be granted to both boy and girl students studying in schools/Madrasas/recognized vocational institutions upto classes academically equivalent to class XII. In addition, the Ministry of Railways has decided that amateur artists (theatrical, concert, musical, dancing and magician troups & students-artists of the National School of Drama, New Delhi when traveling alone or in group) who are presently eligible for 50 per cent concession in First Class and 75 per cent concession in Second and Sleeper Classes basic Mail/Express fares will now also be entitled to 50 per cent concession in AC Chair Car, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes in Mail/Express trains and 50 per cent concession will also be granted in the all inclusive fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains in AC Chair, AC 3-tier and AC 2-tier classes. It has also decided to enhance the concession for Police Personnel of 60 years and above who have received President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service from 30 per cent to 50 percent for men and 60 per cent for women in the basic fares of Mail/Express trains of all classes and in the all-inclusive fares of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Jan Shatabdi trains.

INTRODUCTION OF E-PROCUREMENT SYSTEM

E- Procurement System (EPS) is aimed at attaining total transparency in public procurement system of Indian Railways. The E-Procurement Application for Indian Railways (www.ireps.gov.in) has been successfully rolled out by CRIS for 13 Zonal Railways/Production Units. Till now Railways have uploaded over 44192 e-tenders and about 39485 e-tenders have been opened as on December 14, 2009.

UPGRADATION OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES, MODIFICATION IN COACHES AND USE OF CNG AND BIO-FUEL

Through indigenous efforts, the Horse Power of EMD diesel locos has been increased from 4000 to 4500 which will permit them to haul heavier loads at higher speeds. It is planned to further upgrade the EMD locos to 5000+ Horse Power. Manufacture of latest technology EMD locomotives has been stepped up to 150 locos in 2009-10. Trials have also been completed and one power car of DMU has been converted to run on dual fuel mode using CNG and further proliferation is in progress. Design for Toilet facilities in DMUs has been finalized by the RDSO. ICF will turn out all the DEMU rakes during the current year with toilets. Railways has placed orders for procurement of bio-diesel. Successful laboratory tests have been carried out by using 10% blend of bio-diesel on Trains. Introduction of these alternative fuels are environment –friendly and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Bullet proof cabs have been provided for the first time on diesel locomotives working in Lumding – Badarpur section to thwart the threat to running staff in sensitive areas.

EXPORT OF DIESEL LOCOMOTIVES

To promote the export of Diesel Locomotives and securing a niche in the International market, a most modern, new type 3000 HP, Cape Gauge diesel locomotive manufactured by Diesel Locomotive Works (DLW), Varanasi, a production unit of Indian Railways, has been dispatched to Mozambique. This is the first ever 3000 HP locomotive built in DLW for cape gauge.

REVAMPING OF RAILWAY RECRUITMENT BOARDS

The Ministry of Railways took several steps to revamp Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). It has been decided to hold the examination for a particular post on the same date simultaneously by all RRBs It has now been decided that the exam of all RRBs throughout the country. The question paper of RRB exam will be printed in addition to Hindi, Urdu and English, in local languages listed in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India, falling within the jurisdiction of that RRB. For this purpose first official language(s) of the State(s) in which all the divisions/Units of that RRB are located, is taken as the local language(s). It has also been decided to waive the examination fees for women, minorities and economically backward sections of society, having annual family income of less than Rs. 50,000/-. Special recruitment drives and special promotion drives were carried out for wiping out backlog vacancies of SCs and STs.

INNOVATIVE STEPS TAKEN FOR BETTER MEDICAL CARE

Ministry of Railways has decided to open Medical and Nursing Colleges on Railway land with existing Railway Hospital under PPP which will have seats for wards of railway employees. To start with, five places have been identified i.e. Kanchrapara, Kharagpur, Kolkata, Chennai & Guwahati. This will also help to meet shortage of Doctors & Nurses. To augment the medical services, introduction of Senior Residency and DNB programmes (Post Graduate Teaching) have been introduced in Railway hospitals. For procuring quality drug for our railway beneficiaries a new “Drug Procurement Policy” have been introduced. Tele medicine has been started in 18 centres and many more are in process. Hospital Information Management System is being started in Jagjivan Ram Hospital, Western Railway, Mumbai as a pilot project and will be extended to all the hospitals of Indian Railways. To provide medical facilities to retired railway employees membership for Retired Employees Liberalized Health Scheme-97 has been reopened till 31.03.2010 for those retired employees who could not join this scheme earlier.

INTRODUCTION OF LUXURY TOURIST TRAIN

Keeping in consonance with its commitment towards promotion of tourism, the Indian Railways in association with Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) has launched one more luxury tourist train, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, on a tourist circuit covering major destinations of Rajasthan besides Agra and Delhi. This is the fourth train in the series and second in association with RTDC, Two more such trains, one in association with IRCTC, called ‘Maharaja Express’ and one with Government of Punjab are in the pipeline.

PHASE-II ‘SCIENCE EXPRESS' & RED RIBBON EXPRESS

The Phase-III of the 'Science Express' which was inaugurated in October 2009 at Gandhinagar will travel to 55 locations, mostly not covered earlier, covering about 18,000 kms in seven months of its journey throughout the country. It is covering the entire length and breadth of the country. The second phase of Red Ribbon Express (RRE), which is a 10-coach exhibition train for creating awareness about HIV/AIDS in the far flung areas, was flagged off on the World AIDS Day.

Delhi govt to chalk out plan to extend Mono Rail services

2012-01-27T22:22:00.000-08:00

The Delhi government has decided to chalk out a plan to extend Mono Rail services in more localities in Trans Yamuna area to provide better public transport.Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit said this on Friday while inaugurating a community centre at Ghonda.

She said, there are many localities in trans-Yamuna area where it is difficult to extend Delhi Metro services and even to ply low floor buses. She said the government has already given its in-principal approval for commissioning of a Mono Rail route connecting Shastri Park to Trilok Puri.

Ms Dikshit said the new small taxis being developed by certain manufacturers will be first introduced in trans-Yamuna area to facilitate availability of public transport in localities situated around narrow lanes and bazaars as it is not possible and feasible to extend Delhi Metro services at every doorstep.

Improving Road Transport

2012-01-25T22:56:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is primarily responsible for development and maintenance of National Highways (NHs) in the country. NHs comprises only 1.7% total road network and carry about 40% of the road traffic. At present, total length of NHs in the country is 71,772 km. About 22 per cent of the total length of National Highways (NHs) is single lane/intermediate lane, about 53 per cent is two lane standard and the balance 25 per cent is four lane standard or more. The development and maintenance works are being implemented on agency basis. The State Governments (State PWDs), Border Roads Organization (BRO) and National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are the implementing agencies. The Government has embarked on a major programme - National Highways Development Programme (NHDP) for development of NHs being implemented mainly by NHAI. In 2011-12, the achievement under various phases of the NHDP upto November, 2011 has been about 1036 km. During 2011-12, NHDP projects have been awarded for a total length of about 4083 km up to November, 2011.

Besides NHDP, the Ministry has approved special programme for development and improvement of road connectivity in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North-East region (SARDP-NE), Special Programme for 2-laning and development of NHs.

Improvement of Road Connectivity In Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Affected Areas

Government has approved a scheme for development of about 1,125 km of National Highways and 4,352 km of state roads in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas as a special project estimated to cost about Rs. 7,300 crore. During the calendar year 2011, works in a length of 1127 km costing Rs 1593 crore have been awarded upto November, 2011.

Government has also approved a scheme for development of 600 km of state roads in Vijayawada-Ranchi route in Odisha at a cost of Rs. 1200 crore. During the calendar year 2011, works in a length of 198 km costing Rs 337 crore have been awarded upto November, 2011.

Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North-East region (SARDP-NE)

The scheme has been envisaged to be taken up under three parts as under - Phase ‘A’ of SARDP-NE approved by the Government envisages improvement of about 4,099 km length of roads (2041 km of NH and 2058 km of state roads) and is expected to be completed by March, 2017.

· Length sanctioned & awarded during the calendar year up to November, 2011 - 91 km.

· Length completed during the calendar year up to November, 2011 - 10 km.

· Work in progress as on 30th November, 2011 is 1608 km.

Phase ‘B’ of SARDP-NE, covering 3723 km (1285 km NHs and 2438 km of state roads) has been approved for DPR preparation only and so far, DPRs for about 450 km have been completed.

Special Package for Arunachal Pradesh involves development of about 2319 km length of road (1,472 km of NHs & 847 km of State/General Staff/Strategic Roads). Projects on 776 km are to be taken up on BOT (Annuity) mode and the balance 1,543 km is to be developed on EPC basis. The entire Arunachal package is targeted for completion by June, 2015.

· Length sanctioned & awarded during the calendar year and work in progress as on 30th November, 2011 - 311 km

Special Programme For 2-Laning Of Entire Balance NH Network

Ministry has taken initiatives to develop 6,700 km of single lane/intermediate lane National Highways to minimum 2 lane standards on corridor concept. A length of 3800 km is proposed to be funded from a World Bank loan of US $ 2.96 millions and the balance length is proposed to be taken up through budgetary resources. During the calendar year 2011, works in a length of 699 km costing Rs 1,675 crore have been awarded.

Consultancy studies for preparation of Feasibility study / DPRs for the entire length of 3800 km to be funded out of World Bank assistance are in progress and targeted to be completed by March, 2012.

Development of NHs through annual plans for NHs entrusted with state PWDs which are not covered under any approved Programme such as NHDP, SARDP-NE etc. The Physical progress of non-NHDP sections of NHs during 2011-12 (up to October, 2011) is:

*S No*	*Category*	*Achievement*
1	Improvement to low grade (kms)	3.50
2	Widening to 2 lanes (kms)	392.40
3	Strengthening (kms)	342.91
4	Improvement of riding quality (kms)	1364.42
5	Widening to 4 lanes (kms)	33.07
6	Bypasses (Nos)	2
7	Bridges / ROBs (Nos)	53

PMRP for Jammu & Kashmir

The Prime Minister announced a Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) for J&K during in his visit to the state in November 2004. There are total seven works amounting to Rs. 3300 Cr. (approx.) under PMRP, namely construction of Mughal Road, Widening of Domel-Katra road (NH-1C), Double- laning of Batote-Kishtwar-Sinthanpass-Anantnag Road (NH-1B, upgrading Srinagar-Uri Road (NH-1A), construction of Khanabal-Pahalgam Road, Construction of Narbal-Tangmarg Road and double laning of Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Road (NH-1D). Till now, around Rs. 2300 Cr expenditure has already been incurred. Besides Rs. 243 Cr. has been allocated for J&K for the works being executed on National Highways through BRO. Rs. 121 Cr has also allocated for the works on the State & ODR roads under CRF & ISC/EI.

Launch Of National Register And Release Of National Transport Portal

In order to introduce information technology as a part of e-Governance Programme in the Road Transport Sector and to ensure uniformity and inter-operability throughout the country, the Government sanctioned a project for creation of National Register and State Registers of driving licenses and registration certificate of motor vehicles at an estimated cost of Rs 148 crores. The Ministry also developed standardized software in consultation with National Informatics Centre (NIC) and made it available to all the States free-of-cost. The software covered both back-end automation of Road Transport Offices (RTOs) and front-end computerization to enable issuance of documents such as, driving license, registration certificates, etc. in a smart card mode. At present, VAHAN (for registration certificate) and SARATHI (for driving license) operation in 33 States / UTs and 100% computerization has been achieved in 31 States / UTs. Out of 975 RTOs, 942 RTOs have been computerized. Customization of standard software as per State requirement of the State is complete for all 35 States / UTs and the software is running at least at pilot site in each State / UT. 100% connectivity has been achieved in 31 States / UTs and 890 RTOs connected. The release of National Register and launch of the National Transport Portal took place in July, 2011. The State Register will act as a repository at the State level providing information to State Transport Department, RTO, automobile dealers, Police Department and other Government to citizen services. Data from the State Registers will flow to the National Register. This will enable users to avail the services on “Anywhere Service” basis. In addition, National Register will provide information to the Ministry, RTOs, inter-State check posts, Police Departments, etc.

New National Permit Scheme

In order to facilitate inter-State seamless movement of goods carriages, a new National Permit System has been implemented in all States / UTs. As per the new arrangement, national permit can be granted by the Home State on payment of Rs 1,000/- as home State authorization fee and Rs 15,000/- per annum per truck towards consolidated fee authorizing the permit holder to operate throughout the country. The new national permit system has also been implemented electronically through a web portal developed by NIC.

Under the new National Permit Scheme, the consolidated fee collected by the Central Government through State Bank of India is distributed among the States / UTs on a pro-rata basis as per agreed formula.

The new National Permit System is being implemented successfully by all States / UTs and has been welcomed by the transporters and States as a significant step towards improvement in road transport system in the country.

E-Procurement & E-Tendering

In order to improve transparency and accountability, Ministry has switched to e-procurement and e-tendering for all types of projects including BOT since July, 2011. In e-tendering mode, 101 tenders have been floated by NHAI till 30-11-2011 of which, 21 tenders of BOT, 55 tenders are for tolling on Reverse Auction and others of varied nature.

Facebook

Public grievances redressal system of Ministry made interactive with the help of user-friendly social networking site, viz, Face Book (available at http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Highways-Authority-of-India/1865851480 28027). Between January and November, 2011, more than 4 lacs persons have visited this site and about 3000 have registered themselves. Officers are regularly replying to the public queries directly on the Facebook wall. Concessionaires of BOT projects have been advised to provide link to their sites on NHAI Facebook wall - for quick response to road-users.

Rail Neer – Safest Drinking Water at Cheapest Price

2012-01-25T22:52:00.000-08:00

In addition to its passenger-services oriented business like setting up of Food Plazas on Railway premises, Rail Tour Packages and internet ticketing, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), is providing clean, safe and hygienic water to railway passengers. IRCTC, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is manufacturing Rail Neer brand of Packaged Drinking Water at these locations i.e. Nangloi (Delhi), Danapur (Bihar) and Palur (near Chennai) with cumulative production capacity of 3.80 lakh bottles (1 litre capacity) per day. The aim of IRCTC is to supply safest drinking water at cheapest price with the usage of minimum resources so as to conserve environment.

The first ever Rail Neer plant at Nangloi in Delhi was inaugurated on May 6, 2003 to provide safe packaged drinking water to Indian Railway passengers with capacity to produce 66,000 bottles per day which has been enhanced to 1,02,000 bottles per day in April 2009. This plant is based on state-of-the-art technology for water purification and packaging. This is a completely automatic plant and there is no manual handling of product water at any stage. Till now plant has produced 20,14,39,896 bottles.

The Rail Neer is manufactured as per BIS standard. Rather Rail Neer standard are better than what is prescribed in BIS standard. 24X7 model in-house laboratory is there at Plant to conform to BIS standard and water samples from each batch are preserved for six months to check the shelf life. As far as outside lab testing is concerned, monthly, half yearly, and yearly and two yearly samples are sent to highly repute approved laboratories for pesticides, chemical, micro-biological and Radio Active testing. No sample of Rail Neer has ever failed in outside lab testing.

The one litre bottle of Rail Neer is sold at Rs. 12/- (per bottle of one litre) on all Railway stations and trains.. By selling Rail Neer brand, IRCTC has provided high quality pure drinking water at fair price to Railway passengers and public visiting the stations. The competitor brands are thus forced to keep up the quality and keep prices under check. Rail Neer is supplied to all Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains originating from Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and all Duronto trains originating from Delhi, Patna, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai and Bangalore. Further Rail Neer is supplied to important Mail/Express trains originating from the above stations. A total of 180 Railway stations are declared mandatory for sale of Rail Neer.

IRCTC is operating three Neer plants. One plant is at Danapur (Bihar) having same capacity as Nangloi i.e. 1.02 lakh bottles per day. The plant is working since 2004. Latest plant is at Palur (Chennai), which was commissioned in July 2011. This plant has capacity of 1.8 lakh bottles per day and is equipped with latest models of Bottle Blowing machines. For the first time, automatic hot flue labeling machine and shrink packing of bottles has been introduced by IRCTC. These two machines give higher productivity and better quality.

The construction of a fourth plant at of IRCTC Ambernath (Mumbai) will be taken up at full swing. The plant layout is similar to one at Palur and similar machinery and equipment will be provided. The plant will have installed capacity of two lakh bottles per day or 17000 cartons per day and is likely to be commissioned in 2013-14. This plant will meet the requirement of the Western part of the country.

IRCTC will continue expansion since average Rail traveler prefers Rail Neer over the other local brands. Demand for Rail Neer at railway has increased steadily and there is a huge gap between the existing production capacity of the plants and the demand. To bridge the gaps there is a need for setting up of more plants across the country so as to strength the supply chain and logistic of Rail Neer supply at railway stations and trains in all Railway Zones.

CTC is also looking to set up two new plants at Hyderabad and Nagpur by forming a Joint Venture company under PPP mode. To meet the requirement in Delhi area, one more plant is planned to be set up in Delhi NCR area. In this plant different pack sizes like 250/500 ml bottles and 20 litre jars may be taken up.

President Medals announced for RPF/RPSF officers/personnel

2012-01-25T22:50:00.000-08:00

The awards include Police Medal for gallantry given to S/Shri S.S. Ramachandra, Constables/South Western Railway and Mohan Lal Khichi, Sub Inspector/North Central Railway in recognition of exemplary and courageous acts in helping passengers risking of their own lives; 02 President Police Medals for Distinguished Service given to Shri D.N.Chaturvedi, Assistant Commandant, 10 BN/RPSF and 15 Indian Police Medal (IPM) for Meritorious Service.

The recipients of IPM are as under:

SL No	DESIGNATION	NAME S/Shri	RAILWAY
1	CSC	S. K. Parhi	SECR
2	DSC	Darshan Kumar	SECR
3	Sr. DSC	A.N. Sinha	SCR
4	IPF	K. Rajagopala Reddy	SCR
5	IPF	Supriya Bhattacharjee	NFR
6	SIPF	Debasish Dutta	ER
7	SIPF	S. C. Rajbhar	WR
8	SIPF	S.V. Shete	WR
9	IPF	Umakant Tiwari	NCR
10	IPF	Vijay Nath Singh	NR
11	ASI	Ramavtar Singh	NR
12	ASI	D. Chailha	1BN
13	Dvr-I	D.N. Singh	2BN
14	HC	S. S. Rathore	3 BN
15	BB	Shamsher Ahmad	3 BN

Indian Ports Capacity Rises to 1160 Million Metric Tonnes

2012-01-25T22:47:00.001-08:00

As India charts its voyage as the port of call for world trade, ports and terminals see the dire need to meet the growing demand in both infrastructure and capacity for vessels crisscrossing between the West and the East. About 95 per cent of our overseas cargo by volume and 75 per cent by value are carried by sea. The major ports thus play a key role in facilitating external trade. Development of India’s Port and Shipping industry is therefore critical to sustaining current levels and achieving higher levels of growth in the years to come.

The capacity of Indian ports stood at 1 billion metric tonnes per annum in the month of January, last year. The capacity has risen to 1160 million metric tonnes as on 31.12.2011.

The recently concluded “India Maritime Week” in New Delhi provided the perfect platform for policy makers, decision makers and industry captains working across diverse spheres to share a common cause of development of the maritime sector. The Conference deliberated on a number of issues ranging from equipment for handling huge loads and capacities, leverage technologies, enterprise resource planning to the international port perspective, the inland dimension, trends and changes in global freight flows etc.

The India Maritime Week, 2012 that concluded this week, brought together national and global leaders, experts, policymakers, investors and all stakeholders in the field of maritime activity.

Railway Revenue Earnings up by 8.50 Per Cent During the Period 1st – 10th January 2012

2012-01-23T03:55:00.001-08:00

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during the period from 1st to 10th January 2012 were Rs. 2738.66 crore compared to Rs. 2524.04 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 8.50 per cent.

The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 1781.17 crore during the period from 1st to 10th January 2011 to Rs. 1884.67 crore during 1st January – 10th January 2012, showing an increase of 5.81 per cent. The total passenger revenue earnings during the period 1st to 10th January 2012 were Rs. 737.35 crore compared to Rs. 656.58 crore during the same period last year, reflecting an increase of 12.30 per cent. The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 84.26 crore during this period compared to Rs. 62.83 crore during the same period last year, showing an increase of 34.11per cent.

The total approximate numbers of passengers booked during the period 1st to 10th January 2012 were 232.16 million compared to 220.44 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 5.32 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the numbers of passengers booked during 1st to 10th January, 2012 were 134.05 million and 98.11 million compared to 131.39 million and 89.05 million during the same period last year, registering an increase of 2.02 per cent and 10.17 per cent respectively.

Move to prevent misuse of Reserved Train Tickets and reduce cases of travelling on transferred tickets

2012-01-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

In a move to prevent misuse of Reserved Train Tickets and reduce cases of travelling on transferred tickets, Ministry of Railways has decided that anyone of the passengers/the passenger booked on the ticket issued from computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS counters) and Internet (i-ticket) undertaking journey in AC-3 tier, AC-2 tier, 1st AC, AC Chair Car and Executive Classes will have to carry one of the nine prescribed proofs of identity (in original) during the journey. The passengers of these AC classes would be required to produce the Identity Card in original as and when required failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket will be treated as without ticket and charged accordingly. However, the Identity Card (in original or its photocopy) will not be required at the time of purchase reserved AC tickets from PRS counters or i-ticket. These instructions are valid for all categories of trains, with the above mentioned classes of travel.

These fresh instructions are in addition to the existing instructions under which the passengers with Tatkal tickets and e-tickets are already required to carry original proof of identity during the course of Railway journey. In case of Tatkal tickets, self attested photocopy of the Identity Card is required at the time of purchase from the PRS counters or Identity Card details (Number etc.) are to be entered at the time of purchase from internet.
These instructions will come into effect from 15th February, 2012.

A message on this count will be indicated on the ticket issued in the above said classes through computerized PRS/I-ticket.

Center for Railway Information System (CRIS), an organization under Ministry of Railways, has been asked to make necessary provisions in the software.

The list of valid proofs of identity are as under:-

Ø Voter Photo Identity Card issued by Election Commission of India.

Ø Passport.

Ø PAN Card issued by Income Tax Department.

Ø Driving License issued by RTO.

Ø Photo Identity card having serial number issued by Central/State Government.

Ø Student Identity Card with Photograph issued by recognized School/College for their students.

Ø Nationalized Bank Passbook with Photograph.

Ø Credit Cards issued by Banks with laminated photograph.

Ø Unique Identification Card “Aadhaar”.

Complaint and Suggestion Boxes at Airports

2012-01-16T04:24:00.001-08:00

The Airports Authority of India has placed complaint/suggestion boxes at airports. Number of complaints received during each of the last three years including current year are 1569 (2008); 2503 (2009); 2220 (2010) and 2751 (2011). The complaints are addressed at the Airports by the concerned Public Grievance Officers/Airport Directors/Airport-In-Charges and the Public Grievance Officer (GM Level) at Corporate Headquarter monitors the process. Following actions are taken:

(i) Minor complaints are addressed on the spot.

(ii) Other service related complaints are forwarded to concerned process owner for necessary action. (iii) Public Grievance Officer (PGO) is informed by the concerned process owner about the action taken on the complaints.

(iv) Public Grievance Officer (PGO) evaluates the action taken by the concerned department and if he feels satisfied then the complaint is disposed of after sending a reply to the compliant.

(v) Complaints/suggestion related to infrastructure are evaluated and considered for suitable improvements.

(vi) Complaints related to other agencies like Airlines, Immigration, Customs etc. are referred to the concerned Heads of the agencies at the Airports for necessary action and reply to the complaints.

IMO Sets Emission Norms for Shipping

2012-01-11T00:43:00.000-08:00

International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made the following regulations mandatory for the international Shipping:

1. Sulphur limit in the fuel oil is reduced to 3.5% from 4.5% applicable from 1st January, 2012.

2. Sulphur limit in the fuel oil is reduced to 1% from 1.5% in Emission Control Area (ECA) – applicable since 1st July, 2010.

The proposed regulation by International Maritime Organization sets a required ‘Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI)’ value to apply in four phases from 1st January, 2013 to 1st January, 2025.

Government has approved ratification of MARPOL* Annex VI so as to avail the waiver of the requirements of compliance with the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). Parties to the MARPOL Annex VI have the option to waive the EEDI requirement on their ships for a maximum of 4.0 to 6.5 years after the entry into force.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has already been advised the requirement of the IMO regarding maximum limit of sulphur in fuel oil for ships.

Sustainable Urban Transport Project in the Country

2012-01-09T21:58:00.001-08:00

In order to develop people-centric, sustainable and environmentally friendly modes of urban transport in the country, the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) is working on Sustainable Urban Transport Project (SUTP) project. The project is being implemented with the assistance of Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and World Bank.Demonstration Projects have already commenced in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune (Maharashtra), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Naya Raipur (Chattisgarh) and Mysore (Karnataka)

The rapid urbanization and consequent increase in vehicular usage has created traffic congestion, increased air pollution, more traffic accidents, more hazards and impedances for pedestrians, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Responding to the perils of motorized urbanization required a change in focus as outlined in the National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP). To achieve this, the GOI has applied to the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) to implement GEF’s Sustainable Transport Project in India. SUTP in India is to be implemented through two initiatives, namely,

• Institutional strengthening and capacity building at the national level; and

• Implementation of Demonstration projects. This initiative is envisaged to identify, prepare and implement a package of green transport demonstration projects in various cities in India.

The total GEF grant proposed for the project is US$ 25.575 million, which will be complemented with a grant of US$ 150 million from GOI, State Governments, and Implementing Agencies (IA) along with US$ 200 million co-financing from the World Bank.

Maruti unveils SUV XA Alpha

2012-01-08T00:13:00.000-08:00

The 11th Auto Expo kicked off on Thursday with the country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki unveiling its compact SUV XA Alpha as the company aims to enter into newer segments.

"India is on course to become one of the top automobile economies of the world, powered by the middle class and continued government support. Customers will become more and more sophisticated.

"The choice of automobile will be dictated more and more by the way of life of customers. We will launch new products and create new categories to their choice," Maruti Suzuki Managing Director and CEO Shinzo Nakanishi said in New Delhi on Thursday.

He said the company will expand the range of its popular K-series engine, and continue to offer diesel vehicles, apart from launching new products.

The concept XA Alpha showcases the unified R&D of Suzuki Motor Corp and Maruti Suzuki India.

About 5 Maruti engineers were involved in the project to develop the new concept alongwith the engineers of Suzuki, which took about 10 months.

Nakanishi further said the SUV segment accounts for 14 percent of the total automobile market in India and since the company does not have presence in the segment, it needs one to retain its leadership position.

Commenting on the Indian market, he said, "The slowdown is short-term and temporary and Maruti network and capacity are designed for long term."

He, however, added that the company does not see good sales growth in the rest of the ongoing fiscal. The latest edition of Auto Expo will witness as many as 50 global brands showcasing their products.

The event will witness the unveiling of 24 cars by domestic companies and eight by global players, besides eight two-wheelers by homegrown firms. The event will be open to the public from 7th to 11th January.

The latest edition of Auto Expo will witness as many as 50 global brands showcasing their products. The event will witness the unveiling of 24 cars by domestic companies and eight by global players, besides eight two-wheelers by homegrown firms. The event, which will be open to the public from 7th to 11th January, will see Netherlands-based commercial vehicles maker Paccar, UK motorcycle brand Triumph and US off-road vehicle and bike-maker Polaris Industries showcasing their products here for the first time.

The latest edition of the exhibition will be spread across 1.15 lakh square metres of space, compared to 1.25 lakh square metres in 2010. However, over 100 exhibitors from across the globe have been denied permission to participate at the forthcoming 11th Auto Expo due to space limitations at Pragati Maidan.

The organisers have decided to restrict the number of people present inside the venue to one lakh daily, including 30,000 people from the exhibitors' side, a move that could cost the Delhi Auto Expo its tag of being the world's second-largest auto show in terms of footfalls.

Out of these, about 60 exhibitors are from overseas countries, while the rest are domestic companies. The show will see participation by 1,500 representatives from 24 nations, including the US, China, Thailand and Turkey.

The organisers had explored the idea of shifting the venue elsewhere in the NCR, to Greater Noida, in particular, but abandoned the plan due to lack of good connectivity. With over two million visitors at the 2010 Auto Expo, the organisers had claimed India's auto show was the world's second-largest after the Shanghai auto show.

Green Urban Transport

2012-01-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

The Ministry of Urban Development with assistance from Global Environment Facility (GEF), The World Bank and UNDP, has launched a novel Rs.1400 Cr. Green urban transport project called Sustainable Urban Transport Project (SUTP). Under the project green urban transport will be introduced in selected cities to overcome the pollution and other hazards of existing urban transport including traffic congestion impedances for pedestrians. Four such demonstration projects have already been commenced in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune (Maharashtra), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Naya Raipur (Chattisgarh) and Mysore (Karnataka).

Launching the project here today, Union Minister of Urban Development, Shri Jaipal Reddy said that there is urgent need to shift from personalised transport to public transport, the project has been initiated with this objective only. He said that the Government has given very high priority to improved urban transport since the launching of JNNRUM. More than 12,000 buses have been sanctioned for select 60 cities under the mission for the improvement of public transport, efforts for capacity building for the better public transport are also being made. He said that independent transport authority should be set up in each major city for the better governance and planning of public transport. He said that sustainable urban transport project aims at long term strategy to empower planners, decision makers and other professionals by building their capacity, in planning and implementation of Green Urban Transport Project.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Saugata Roy, Minister of State for Urban Development, appreciated the concept of SUTP and expressed hope that it would go a long way in bringing about a paradigm shift in promoting Green Transport in the country.

The SUTP has been developed with technical assistance from World Bank and UNDP who are also contributing in its implementation by way of loan and grant, together with co-funding from Government of India, the States and the Cities involved. This is the first time that such multiple international funding agencies have come together for a transport project in India.

Under the project Unified Matripolitan Transport Authority will be developed in the cities besides public transport help line, traffic information management control centre, BRT junction operation, bike sharing scheme and some other innovative transport modes.

Urban Transport Sector

2012-01-02T21:49:00.000-08:00

As per a study got conducted by the Ministry of Urban Development through M/s Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. Ltd. in selected cities, daily trips are anticipated to double from 2286 lakh to 4819 lakh during the next 24 years.

The transport sector emission is reported from road transport, aviation, railways and shipping. In 2007, road transport sector alone emitted about 142 million tones of CO2 equivalent.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is empowered to lay down under Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), 1989, Emission norms (for new vehicles) and Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms (for in-use vehicles) in respect of various categories of Motor Vehicles plying on different fuel such as Gasoline, Diesel, CNG, LPG etc. It gradually tightens the Mass emission norms for new motor vehicles as per the road map recommended by Auto Fuel Policy and the PUC norms for in-use vehicles to check vehicular pollution. At present, Bharat Stage-IV Emission norms, in respect of 4-wheeled vehicles, have been implemented in National Capital Region (NCR), Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad including Secunderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Surat, Kanpur and Agra w.e.f. 1st April, 2010 and in Sholapur and Lucknow w.e.f. 1st June, 2010. Moreover, Bharat Stage III emission norms, in respect of 2,3 & 4-wheeled vehicles, have been implemented in rest of the country w.e.f. 1st October, 2010.

Further, National Action Plan on Climate change (NAPCC) was released on 30th June, 2008. The National Action Plan outlines eight Missions. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat is amongst the 8 Missions that addresses policy and technological measures for emission saving in the transport sector. The Central Government is also investing in public transport systems like metro rail, Bus Rapid Transit System and Buses for urban transport so as to reduce Green House Gases emission.

Maruti Suzuki sales decline 7.1 pc in Dec

2012-01-02T21:14:00.000-08:00

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India's sales declined for the seventh consecutive month with the firm reporting 7.1 percent fall in December last year to 92,161 units. The company had sold 99,225 units in the same month in the previous year, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement on Monday.

The national capital-based company recorded sales of 77,475 units in the domestic market last month, down 13.4 percent from 89,469 units in December, 2010. MSI's exports, however, jumped by 50.5 percent in December, 2011, to 14,686 units from 9,756 units in the year-ago period, the company added.

Total passenger vehicles car sales declined by 8.4 percent to 69,329 units last month from 75,652 units in the same month of 2010, it added. Sales of the company's mini-segment cars, including the M800, A-Star, Alto and WagonR, declined by 15.6 percent to 38,593 units from 45,733 units in December, 2010.

In the compact segment (comprising the Estilo, Swift and Ritz models), MSI witnessed a marginal increase in sales to 20,653 units from 20,557 units in the same month a year ago.

Sales of MSI's DZiRE model, grew by 6.8 percent to 9,189 units from 8,601 units in the corresponding period a year ago. In addition, MSI's mid-sized sedan SX4's sales increased by 10.8 percent to 843 units from 761 units in the year-ago month. Luxury sedan Kizashi witnessed sales of 51 units.

Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement Signed with the USA

2011-12-29T23:41:00.000-08:00

Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA)

India has signed Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with United States on 18th July, 2011. This agreement provides for mutual certification of aeronautical products. It recognizes the mutual benefit of improved procedures for the reciprocal acceptance of airworthiness approvals and environmental testing, and the development of reciprocal recognition procedures for approval and monitoring of flight simulation training devices, aircraft maintenance facilities, maintenance personnel, flight crew members and flight operations. An Implementation Procedure for Airworthiness (IPA) was also signed in November, 2011.

India-US Aviation Summit

An India-US Aviation Summit was held in New Delhi from the 16th to the 18th of November 2011 in cooperation with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and U.S Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The summit continued with the commitment of the United States and India to advance cooperation in the aviation sector. It focused on technical, policy and commercial elements in the sector, including infrastructure development, air traffic management, air traffic control, aviation security, general aviation and airspace utilization throughout India.

Amendments of Air Services Agreements (ASAs) with foreign countries

Keeping in view the recent developments in the Civil Aviation Sector and with a view to modernize and update the existing Air Services Agreements (ASAs) with foreign countries as per the ICAO templates, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has signed ASAs with Indonesia and Brazil and ASAs initialed with Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Mozambique, Uganda, Trinidad and Tobago.

European Union Emission Trading System

An international meeting of ICAO council and other Non-EU member states was held in New Delhi on 29th – 30th September to discuss the inclusion of aviation in the European Union Emission Trading System (EU-ETS). Discussions included legal objection to EUETs, Policy objections, the role of ICAO-the way forward and discussions on next steps.

27 countries including India participated: Argentine Republic, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and United States of America. It was attended by over 70 delegates.

A Joint Declaration was negotiated and adopted at New Delhi on 30th September, 2011 opposing the scheme.India thereafter took the lead to co-present a Working Paper (WP), in ICAO Council which included the Joint Declaration. This was adopted in the 194th Council Session of ICAO meeting held on 2nd November, 2011.

India-ICAN conference, 2011

The President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil inaugurated the 4th ICAO Civil Aviation Negotiations (ICAN) Conference held in Mumbai from 17-22 October, 2011. ICAN has been conceptualized by ICAO as ‘One-Stop-Shop’ for bilateral negotiation process.

A special Africa session was also held on the inaugural day which included participants from the African Union, ICAO, Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Conference was attended by 64 states and 04 Regional Bodies. During the conference, more than 370 bilateral meetings were held between air services negotiators from states in all regions of the world which led to the signing of over 120 agreements and arrangements. India met with 37 countries and signed MoUs/agreed minutes with 22 countries.

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA):-

v In the Flying Calendar Year Jan – Dec 2011, approximately 17000 hours have been completed and a total number of 80 CPL holders graduated in the current year.

v DA 42 Aircraft and one DA 42 Simulator have been inducted for multi engine training.

v 125 aspiring cadets have been selected to undergo training for the next year at IGRUA.

v Considering the need for skilled manpower by the growing civil aviation industry in the country a proposal for upgradating IGRUA to a national Aviation University, is being considered.

v A proposal for the Airports Authority of India to take over Fursatganj Airfield, with a view to extend the runaway and convert it into a Civil Airport, along with a Cargo Hub and Maintenance Repair Organization Center, is under consideration.

v To supplement the demand for skilled technical manpower is proposed to start an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer training school at IGRUA.

Railway Safety:- Commission of Railway Safety performs its duty under rules framed under Indian Railways Act, 1989. In year 2011 (from Jan to Nov) CRS inquired into the 04 cases of collision, 07 cases of derailment, 06 cases of level crossing and 07 cases of unusual incidents. Besides that 473.959 KM new railway lines has been inspected by the CRS.

Air India Limited: -

v Air India has extended the offer of discounted fares in full fare economy class to para-military forces. Earlier similiar discounts was provided to Armed forces personnel and their family members.

v Air India has also decided to honour the children who are recipients of National Bravery Award 2010 by offering free tickets for their travel on domestic network along-with their parents/Guardians.

v Air Chief Marshal Fali H. Major (retd.) was appointed as non-official part –time Director on the Board of Air India Charters Limited for a period of 3 years with effect from 10th May 2011.

Helicopters Operations: -

The main objectives of PHHL are to provide helicopter support services to meet the requirement of oil sector, conduct operations in hilly and remote terrain, connecting inaccessible areas and providing charters for promotion of travel and tourism. Besides the above, the company has recently added the objectives of setting up of Heliports, helipads, Training Institute and Safety Institute. PHHL has emerged as one of Asia’s largest helicopter operators having a well-balanced own operational fleet of 42 helicopters at present.

v The paid up share capital of the Company has been increased from Rs. 113.766 crores to Rs. 245.616 crores.

v In 2010-11 the company achieved record revenue hours of 32175 as compared to 29890 in 2009-10.

v Highest ever operating revenue of Rs. 423.96 in 2010-11 as compared to Rs. 384.04 crores in 2009-10 has been achieved.

v As on 31.03.2011 the Company had operation & maintenance contract of 01 Dauphin N3 helicopter of Government of Gujarat, 2 Dhruv helicopters owned by ONGC and 4 Dhruv helicopters owned by BSF (MHA). Further, the company has signed in December 2010 another contract with HAL for operation & maintenance of 4 more Dhruv helicopters of BSF. The Company has provided one Dhruv helicopter taken on lease from HAL to Government of Maharashtra for Anti-Naxal activities at Gadcharoli, Maharashtra.

v At present 16 Dauphin N & N3 helicopters are on contract with ONGC out of which 2 Dauphins are stationed overnight at the main platforms in addition to a dedicated Night Ambulance to meet any emergency evacuation.

Important Policy Decisions Taken during the year 2011

v The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in the meeting held on 29.03.2011 approved a proposal of AAI for a one-time grant-in-aid of Rs. 378.00 crore for final operational phase of a GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) project over Indian Air Space subject to certain conditions.

v A seminar on operation of Seaplanes in India was organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA and PHHL on 22.04.2011.

v A New Transfer Policy has been implemented by Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The new regional offices of BCAS will now be opened at Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and Amritsar and will be manned by the BCAS officers.

v In order to streamline and facilitate the Public service delivery systems of Ministry of Civil Aviation and its organizations it has been decided to constitute a Task Force to consider modalities of introduction of a “Single Window Public Service Delivery System”

v Ministry of Civil Aviation is the nodal Ministry for arranging to Haj Air Charter Flights to carry Haj pilgrims selected by Haj Committee of India. For the Haj Operation 2011, Ministry has selected two airlines viz. Saudi Arabia Airlines and NAS Air through competitive bid system from eligible airlines. A total of 875 flights were operated to carry 1,25,000 Haj pilgrims from 21 embarkation points in India. The whole Haj operation was completed on scheduled with almost 99% flights operated on day by schedule.

v The Bay of Bengal Arabian Sea India Ocean Safety Monitoring Agency (BOBASMA) has been endorsed as a competent Air Space Safety Monitoring Agency by the Regional Air Space Safety Monitoring Advisory Group, ICAO. The Enroute Monitoring Agency is presently monitoring PBN compliance and assessing the level of safety in horizontal plane.

v The Air Traffic Management (ATM) Contingency Plan for Indian Flight Information Regions (FIRs) have been updated to included revised route structure for safe and orderly flow of international traffic through upper Indian Air Space in case of disruption of Air Traffic Services.

v Installation of Air Traffic Services (ATS) automation system has been completed at Mangalore

v On the airports side the revised charges for handling Non Scheduled Operators (NSOs) at airports which were not within the ambit of Airports Economic Regulatory Authority, has been implemented with immediate effect.

v With regard to major airports, the Airports Authority of India (Major Airports) Development Fee Rules, 2011 have been notified on 02.08.2011 in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (ii) of section 22A read with clause (ee) of sub-section (2) of section 41 of the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994 (55 of 1994)

v With regard to perceived security threats from the surrounding areas of IGI Airport including the hospitality area (Aerocity), a Committee has been constituted by BCAS consisting of representatives from CISF, MCA, MHA, R&AW, ARC, Delhi Police and AAI under the Chairmanship of Jt. Commissioner of Security (CA).

v Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) dated 11th August 2011 regarding Flight and Duty Time Limitations and Rest Requirements of Flight crew engaged in scheduled/non-scheduled air transport operations and general aviation aeroplanes operations has been issued. The CAR is based on the report of the Committee formed by the Government to review the flight duty and time limitations of flight crew.

v Minimum Safety Requirements for Helicopter Landing Areas used on Regular basis has been issued and which lays down the minimum safety requirements for helicopter operating to/from helicopter landing areas within the Indian Territory outside and licensed aerodrome/heliports and procedures to be followed by Helicopter operations for such operations.

v Digital Automatic Terminal Information Service (DATIS) has been installed at Dehradun, Udaipur, Bhuntar airports, permitting automatic broadcast of Airport information to the Airlines/Pilots.

v AAI has installed an Instrument Landing System at Agra (Defence Airfield) commissioning flight check has been successfully completed.

v ILS has been commissioned at Delhi for runway 09.

v Guidelines in the form of air traffic management circular have been issued on mandatory rest of relief for Air Traffic Control Operators (ATCOs). This will help in reducing stress and fatigue of ATCOs and improving overall safety levels.

NHAI to Raise Rs. 10000 Crores Through Public Issue of Tax Free Secured Redeemable Bonds

2011-12-25T22:47:00.000-08:00

Dr. C.P. Joshi, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways has announced here today that National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), an autonomous body under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways is going to raise upto Rs. 10,000 crores through Public Issue of Tax Free Secured Redeemable Non Convertible Bonds. He said that 29 PPP projects have been awarded by NHAI till November 30, 2001, out of which 27 on BOT (Toll) – (20 on premium and 7 on grant) in addition two projects on BPT (Annuity). About 21000 kms of roads to be awarded by NHAI in next 3 financial years as per Work Plan considered for revised financial projections. He also said that about 4200 km length of roads have been awarded by NHAI up to November, 2011 against a target of 7300 km for financial year 2012. Peak cumulative outstanding debt is expected to be Rs. 57000 crores in 2016-17 as per the revised financial projections for the implementation of NHDP. The proposed tax free bonds of Rs. 1000 crores will be one part of the market borrowings, he added.

The issue opens on 28th December, 2011 and is expected to remain open for 14 days (minimum 3 days). The issue will be of Rs. 5000 crores with a green shoe option to retain additional Rs. 5000 crores. The coupon rates will be 8.2% for 10 years and 8.3 % for 15 years. To benefit retail investors, 30% of the Bonds issue has been reserved for them. NHAI intends to deploy the Issue proceeds towards financing of the various projects being implemented by it under the NHDP and other NH projects as approved by Government of India.

NHAI is entrusted with management of a network of 70,934 km of National Highways in India. It has been authorized by the CBDT notification to raise funds upto 10,000 Crore through public issue of Tax Free Secured Redeemable Non Convertible Bonds of face value of Rs. 1,000 each in the nature of Debentures having tax benefits under the Section 10(15)(iv)(h) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, as amended, in one or more tranches in the Financial Year 2011-12.. For this purpose, it has filed the Draft Shelf Prospectus dated November 23, 2011, Shelf Prospectus dated December 13, 2011, Addendum to the Shelf Prospectus dated December 22, 2011 and Prospectus Tranche -1 dated December 22, 2011 (referred as the “Prospectus”) with the designated stock exchange, BSE Limited (“BSE”). The Prospectus has been filed with the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (“NSE”) and Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) also. The Issue size under Tranche-1 aggregates to ` 5,000 crores with an option to retain over-subscription upto Rs. 10,000 crores.

These Bonds are being issued in two series viz. Tranche 1 Series 1 and Tranche 1 Series 2 having a tenure of 10 years and 15 years respectively. The coupon rate for the Tranche 1 Series 1 and Tranche 1 Series 2 would be 8.20% per annum and 8.30% per annum respectively. The interest is payable annually on October 1st of each year.

The Tranche 1 Bonds proposed to be issued have been rated as ‘CRISIL AAA/Stable’ by CRISIL, `CARE AAA` by CARE and ‘FITCH AAA (IND) with stable outlook’ by FITCH. The rating of the Bonds issued by CRISIL and CARE indicate highest degree of safety regarding timely servicing of financial obligations. Such instruments carry lowest credit risk. The rating of the Bonds by FITCH indicates highest rating assigned in its national rating scale. This rating is assigned to the "best" credit risk relative to all other issuers or issues in the country. The Bonds offered through this Issue are proposed to be listed on the BSE and the NSE.

The Issue shall remain open from December 28, 2011 to January 11, 2012 with an option to close earlier or extend up to a maximum period of 30 days at the discretion of the Board of NHAI subject to necessary approvals, by intimating through an advertisement issued in a leading national daily. However, the Issue shall remain open for a minimum of 3 days. The funds raised through this Issue will be used for part financing of the various projects being implemented by NHAI. SBI Capital Markets Limited and A.K. Capital Services Limited are the Lead Managers to the Issue. Additionally, ICICI Securities Limited and Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited are also involved for marketing of the Issue.

Year End Review of Ministry of Road Transport And Highways

2011-12-22T22:04:00.000-08:00

ROADS WING

1. Improvement of road connectivity in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas: The Union Government has approved a scheme for development of about 1,125 km of National Highways and 4,352 km of state Roads in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas as a special project estimated to cost about Rs. 7,300 crore.

During the year 2011, works in a length of 1127 km costing Rs 1593 crore have been awarded upto November, 2011.

2. Special Programme for 2-laning of entire balance NH network not covered under any approved programmes: - Ministry of Road Transport & highways has taken initiatives to develop 6,700 km of single lane / intermediate lane National Highways to minimum 2 lane standards on corridor concept. A length of 3800 km is proposed to be funded from a World Bank loan of US $ 2.96 millions and the balance length is proposed to be taken up through budgetary resources.

During the year 2011, works in a length of 699 km costing Rs 1675 cr have been awarded. Consultancy studies for preparation of Feasibility study/ DPRs for the entire length of 3800 km to be funded out of World Bank assistance are in progress and targeted to be completed by March, 2012.

3. Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North-East region (SARDP-NE):

The scheme has been envisaged to be taken up under three parts as under:

Phase ‘A’ of SARDP-NE approved by the Government envisages improvement of about 4,099 km length of roads (2041km of NH and 2058 km of state roads). The SARDP-NE Phase A is targeted for completion by March, 2015.

· Length sanctioned & awarded during the calendar year up to November, 2011 – 91 km

· Length completed during the calendar year up to November, 2011 – 10 km

· Work in progress as on 30^th November, 2011 is 1608 km.

Ø Phase ‘B’ of SARDP-NE, covering 3723 km (1285 km NHs and 2438 km of state roads) has been approved for DPR preparation only and so far, DPRs for about 450 km have been completed (up to 30^th November, 2011)

Ø Special Package for Arunachal Pradesh: The Arunachal Pradesh Package for Road & Highways involving development of about 2319 km length of road (1,472 km of NHs & 847 km of State / General Staff / Strategic Roads) has also been approved by the Government. Projects on 776 km are to be taken up on BOT (Annuity) mode and the balance 1,543 km is to be developed on EPC basis. The entire Arunachal package is targeted for completion by June, 2015.

· Length sanctioned & awarded during the calendar year and work in progress as on 30^th November, 2011 – 311 km

4. Development of NHs entrusted with State PWDs which are not covered under any approved programme such as NHDP, SARDP-NE etc.

Physical progress of non-NHDP sections of National Highways during 2011-12:

Sl No	Category	Target*	Achievement*
1	Improvement to low grade (kms)	1.00	3.50
2	Widening to 2 lanes (kms)	450.00	392.40
3	Strengthening (kms)	450.00	342.91
4	Improvement of riding quality (kms)	1200.00	1364.42
5	Widening to 4 lanes (kms)	60.00	33.07
6	Bypasses (Nos)	2	2
7	Bridges / ROBs (Nos)	50	53
* Up to October, 2011

*****

HIGHWAYS WING

Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure (CCI) during the calendar year 2011 has approved 31 Road projects for a length of about 4318 Kms. with Total Project Cost of Rs. 41,109.03 Crores and projects for 4036 Kms. have been awarded. Detail of the projects approved by the CCI during the year 2011 is as follows:

S. N	Name of the Project	State	NH No.	NHDP Phase	Length (in KM)	TPC (in crore)	Approved by CCI in its meeting held on
1	Beawer-Pali-Pindwara (4-laning)	Rajasthan	14	III	244.12	2388	20.04.2011
2	Ahmedabad-Vadodara (6-laning)	Gujarat	8	V	102.3	2125.24	06.04.2011
3	Kota-Teendhar (Jhalawar) (2/4-laning)	Rajasthan	12	III	88.09	530.01	06.04.2011
4	Nagpur-Wainganga Bridge (4-laning)	Maharashtra	6	III	45.43	484.19	20.04.2011
5	Eastern Peripheral Expressway	Haryana/U.P	NE-II		135	2699	20.04.2011
6	Panikolli-Rimuli (4-laning)	Orissa	215	III	166.197	1410	09.06.2011
7	Jabalpur-Lakhanadone (4-laning)	Madhya Pradesh	7	IV-A	80.825	776.76	23.06.2011
8	Chhattisgarh/Orissa Border Aurang (4-laning)	Chhattisgarh	6	IV-A	150.4	1232	21.07.2011
9	Walayar - Vadakkancherry (4-laning)	Kerala	47	II	54	682	21.07.2011
10	Jabalpur-Katni-Rewa (4-laning)	Madhya Pradesh	7	IV-A	225.686	1895.45	04.08.2011
11	Meerut - Bulandshahar (4-laning)	Uttar Pradesh	235	IV-A	66.043	508.57	11.08.2011
12	Gwalior - Shivpuri (4-laning)	Madhya Pradesh	3 & 75	IV-A	125.3	1055	05.09.2011
13	Shivpuri - Dewas (4-laning)	Madhya Pradesh	3	IV-A	320.21	2815	05.09.2011
14	Poonamallee-Walajahpet (6-laning)	Tamil Nadu	4	V	93	930	05.09.2011
15	Kishangarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad (6-laning)	Rajasthan/Gujarat	79A,79, 76, NH-8	V	555.5	5387.3	15.09.2011
16	Hospet-Bellary-Karnataka/AP Border (4-laning)	Karanataka	63	IV-A	95.44	910.08	30.09.2011
17	Lucknow-Sultanpur (4-laning)	Uttar Pradesh	56	IV-A	125.9	1043.51	30.09.2011
18	Birmitrapur - Barkote (4/2-laning)	Orissa	23	IV-A	125.615	778.15	25.10.2011
19	Vijayawada - Machilipatnam (4-laning)	Andhra Pradesh	9	III	64.611	606	25.10.2011
20	Angul - Sambalpur (4-laning)	Orissa	42	IV-A	153	1220.32	16.11.2011
21	Obedullaganj - Betul (4/2-laning)	Madhya Pradesh	69	III	121.36	912	16.11.2011
22	Mah/Kar Border - Sangareddy (4-laning)	Karnataka/ Andhra Pradesh	9	III	145	1266.6	16.11.2011
23	Hospet-Chitradurga (4-laning)	Karnataka	13	III	120.03	1033.65	16.11.2011
24	Agra - Etawah Bypass (6-laning)	Uttar Pradesh	2	V	124.52	1207	16.11.2011
25	Raipur - Bilaspur (4/6-laning)	Chhattisgarh	200	IV-A	126.525	1216.03	16.11.2011
26	Lucknow - Raebarelly (4-laning)	Uttar Pradesh	24-B	IV-A	70	635.9	16.11.2011
27	Cuttack - Angul (4-laning)	Orissa	42	III	112	1123.69	16.11.2011
28	Etawah - Chakeri (Kanpur) (6-laning)	Uttar Pradesh	2	V	160.21	1573	16.11.2011
29	Rampur - Kathgodam (4-laning)	Uttar Pradesh/ Uttarakhand	24	III	93.226	790	16.11.2011
30	Mahulia - Baharagora - Kharagpur (4-laning)	Jharkhand / West Bengal	6	III	127.13	940	24.11.2011
31	Solapur - Mah/Kar Border (4-laning)	Maharashtra	9	III	100.6	934.58	24.11.2011
			Total		4317.268	41109.03

*****

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (NHAI)

1. In order to improve transparency and accountability NHAI has switched to e-procurement and e-tendering for all types of projects including BOT since July, 2011. In e-tendering mode 101 tenders have been floated by NHAI till 30.11.2011 of which 21 tenders are of BOT, 55 tenders are for Tolling on Reverse Auction and others of varied nature.

2. For Planning, Monitoring and Management of National Highways with the help of GIS based Satellite Imagery, specially in difficult areas like Left Wing Extremist (LWE), North-East (NE) and other States, inputs have been received from National Remote Sensing Center (NRSC), 20 National / International firms have been short-listed through a Global Tender. The work is expected to commence shortly.

3. Public grievance redressal system of NHAI made interactive with the help of user friendly social networking site viz. Face Book (available at http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Highways-Authority-of-India/1865851480 28027). Between January, 2011 and November, 2011, more than 4 lacs persons have visited this site and about 3000 have registered themselves. NHAI’s officers are regularly replying to the public queries directly on the Facebook wall of NHAI. Concessionaries of BOT projects have been advised to provide link to their sites on NHAI Facebook wall – for quick response to road users.

4. To upgrade the existing Assets Management System by basing it on web-based Geographical Information System (GIS) for the purposes of planning, construction and operation and maintenance of National Highways. Global tenders have been invited for 15000 Kms of stretches having been identified for this on both BOT and EPC projects to cater to both asset management and project management.

5. All concession agreement documents between the NHAI and concessionaire are now available on NHAI website at http://www.nhai.org/concessionagreementcj.asp. CVs of key personnel’s of the Independent Engineers overseeing the BOT projects are being uploaded in phases on the NHAI website.

6. It has been decided to implement a combined state of the art Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and National Highways Authority of India with the objective to integrate end to end business processes that were traditionally disjointed and share information through a common database. ERP when implemented will enhance the productivity and efficiency of both the organisations. Ground work of Functional Requirement Study has been completed.

7. NHAI has large number of legal cases including with its contractors / concessionaire and vendors. The entire system was handled earlier manually. A web based customized software has been developed by NHAI through which it will be possible to retrieve information on Arbitration, Writ Petitions, Land Acquisition cases, Civil Contract cases, Criminal Cases and Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) cases and tackle these disputes better.

8. In order to track the progress of construction and maintenance of the National Highways, a state of the art system is being developed to capture information / photos / videos directly from the site using tablet / notepad / personal digital assistant (PDA) / mobile phones and its retrieval on desktop / laptop by all concerned on real time basis.

Annual Pre-qualification of Bidders:

· With a view to implement the recommendations of BK Chaturvedi Committee NHAI has adopted Annual Pre-qualification of bidders during the year 2011. It has already completed the process of Annual pre-qualification and pre-qualified about 100 applicants/bidders. These applicants are not required to submit voluminous documents at project specific RFQ. They will only submit the pre-qualification letter issued by NHAI. This Annual pre-qualification is valid upto 31.12.2011. NHAI has again taken up fresh pre-qualification.

Tax Free Bonds

· As per 2011-12 BE, NHAI would raise a sum of total Rs.11900 crore out of which 54EC Bonds contribute Rs.1,900 crore and Tax Free Bonds contribute Rs.10,000 crore. The Government has authorized NHAI to issue, during the financial year 2011-12, tax free, secured, redeemable, non-convertible bonds aggregating to Rs.10,000 crore. The draft shelf prospectus has been filed with BSE, NSE and SEBI. The issue is likely to open in the 3rd week of December 2011.

OUTCOME

Award of contracts

· The pace of award of contracts has been accelerated to achieve the target of 20 kms in a day. As compared to achievement of award in 2009-10 of 3360 km and 5058 km in 2010-11, a total of highway length of 4036 km with total project cost of Rs.36381.49 Cr. have already been awarded till November 2011. The balance is in advance stage of award for meeting the target of 7300 km planned for this year.

Feasibility Studies

· As an advance preparation efforts have been made to keep the shelf of feasibility study available to increase the award of contracts beyond 7300 km. During the period from Jan’ 2011 to Nov’ 2011, Feasibility Studies of 6708 kms have been completed and out of which some are in pipeline for award.

Excellent Response from bidders

· Despite the economic slowdown this year has witnessed a revival of interest among private investors and acceleration in award of projects due to new policy initiatives taken to usher in fair competition & transparency. NHAI has received record premiums in the projects which have been bid out in the current year. In fact in one of the projects, 6-laning of Kisangarh-Udaipur-Ahmedabad section of 560 kms fetched premium of Rs.636 crore (with 5% annual increase). This trend is very encouraging and validates the policy framework for PPP projects that has been established. In 20 projects, higher premium have been offered by the bidders as compared to the approved estimate by CCI. Similarly in 6 projects, VGF grant demanded by the bidders are less as compared to approved estimate by CCI. As a result of this, the net present value (NPV) of savings on account of premium / grant quoted by the bidders as compared to the same projected by NHAI in respect of 26 projects is Rs.21,070 crores.

Land Acquisition

· Despite an adverse climate in the field regarding land acquisition and reluctance on the part of farmers to part away their land on current rate of compensation in the hope of getting better compensation under new Act which is likely to be effective shortly, sufficient progress has been made in the matters of land acquisition for national highways. In the current financial year 7800 hectares of land has been acquired till November, 2011 as compared to a total acquisition of 8533 hectares in 2010-11 and 6244 hectares acquired in 2009-10.

Indian Automotive Industry

2011-12-20T22:20:00.000-08:00

We have come a long way since the Automotive Industry in India was delicensed. Today, this sector is one of the shining examples of what can be achieved in a relatively short span of time with the right kind of support of the Government, combined with the entrepreneurial skills and managerial talent that the Industry has to offer. Today India is the seventh largest vehicle manufacturer, second largest two wheeler manufacturer and the fifth largest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the world. The past ten years have witnessed a six fold increase in the industry turnover and the automotive exports growing by almost twenty times.

The Government and the automotive industry had jointly set a road map, a vision, for the future of the Indian auto industry in the shape of the Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006-16. During the period of downturn from 2007-09, there were many people who believed that it would be extremely difficult to meet the AMP targets. However, the spectacular rebound and growth witnessed by the industry during the last two – three years has belied these apprehensions. During 2010-11, the Indian automotive industry registered a total turnover of USD 73 billion, with exports worth USD 11 billion. Of this, the turnover by the auto component sector stood at USD 30 billion, with exports valued at USD 5 billion. The moderation of growth in the recent past is a transient phenomenon. The coming years shall continue to witness high levels of growth for the Indian automotive industry owing to the fact that most of the primary demand drivers like level of vehicle penetration, growth of the economy, the demographic profile of the country, increasing wages and salaries coupled with the huge investments being made by the government in the infrastructure sector are all very favourable. It has been projected that the Indian auto component industry has the potential reach a turnover level of USD 66.4 billion by 2016 and USD 113 billion by 2020. This translates to a fourfold increase over a period of ten years.

One area of concern is the ever increasing trade deficit in auto components. The import of auto components during 2010-11 was at USD 10 billion which meant that imported components constituted 1/3rd of the total auto component turnover of the country. In 2010-11, India was a net importer of auto components worth USD 5 billion and this deficit has been on the increase since the past 4-5 years. Some of the reasons for the continued sharp increase in imports include capacity constraints of domestic manufacturers, price competitiveness of the imported products, lack of design capabilities with domestic industry etc. This is not a desirable situation as a significantly large portion of value addition and job creation is captured in auto component manufacturing.

The focus of the government is to ensure inclusive and equitable growth which would necessitate large employment generation for the vast numbers of youth, especially from the rural and semi urban areas, who are joining the work force. Since the job creation potential from agriculture and services sectors can only go so far, the vast number of new jobs will need to come from the manufacturing sector. It is therefore not surprising that one of the focus areas for the government is to spur manufacturing in the country so that this sector can contribute at least 25% to the national GDP from the present level of 14%. For this to happen, the automotive industry which today contributes 22% of the manufacturing GDP, will need to play a major role. Therefore, one of the primary objectives for the government is to ensure that the huge future market potential that exists in this sector is met by the indigenous industry and not by way of imports. Clearly, this is an area where the government would like to work more closely with the industry to reverse the trend.

The impressive numbers for the possible future size of the Indian auto component industry represents high potential; however, huge challenges will need to be overcome if the Indian auto component industry is to realize this potential. In order to realize the 2020 vision, the Indian auto component industry will need to build and optimize their capacities, focus on continuous improvement, absorb advance technologies, adopt latest manufacturing processes, build R&D competencies, inculcate and promote organization culture of innovation. In addition, it will need to continually strive to improve quality, cost and delivery standards to global benchmarks. Further, as the industry move towards an era of shortened product life cycles and faster roll out of newer models and variants, it will be imperative for the Indian auto component industry to graduate from the present “build to design” capabilities to developing “product design, testing and validation” capabilities. Also availability of capital at reasonable costs, availability of skilled manpower, stable long term government policies, protection of the interests of the domestic auto industry in the various bilateral free trade negotiations are some of the most critical areas where government support is essential.

The Automotive Industry in India shall continue to grow at a very fast pace in the foreseeable future. This confidence is based on strong sector fundamentals which include extremely low current levels of vehicle penetration in the country, projected high rate of GDP growth for the Indian economy, huge investments being made by the Government in infrastructure along with a very large upwardly mobile middle class population with aspirations for better living standards. These factors will ensure that the demand for personal mobility in India will continue to remain very high. Recent studies project the size of the Indian passenger vehicle segment annually to be close to 9 million units and the two wheeler production to be close to 30 million units by 2020.

The Indian Automobile Industry has traditionally enjoyed the advantage of cost competitiveness mainly on account of the low cost of skilled labour available in India. This, however, cannot be the sole paradigm for sustainable competitive advantage for the Indian automobile manufacturers in the long term. This is especially so in the wake of rising competition form other low cost countries, especially in the Asia-Pacific Region. Sustainable competitive advantage for the Indian Automobile Industry can only come through enhanced investments for scaling up the entire supply chain, adopting newer, cleaner and more efficient manufacturing technologies and processes along with greater commitment to research and developmental activities. In addition, w are faced with a acute shortage of skilled manpower to meet the ever growing requirements of the industry, both in terms of quality and quantity. Further, the development of a strong and vibrant corporate culture facilitating innovation is also essential for effectively responding to ever changing competitive paradigms.

The most important challenge before us would emanate from the need to mitigate the adverse impact of transportation on the environment and the need to lessen the dependence on fossil fuels. Sustainable mobility is therefore the “Mantra” of the resent and the future for this Industry. In order to work towards achieving the objective of sustainable transportation, we will have to redouble our commitment for automotive research and development, adoption of latest vehicles technologies, especially those that relate to advance and efficient internal combustion engines, hybrid and electric fuel technologies, including electric mobility.

The Government has always been keen to support the Automotive Industry and is committed for building and strengthening its partnership with the private sector. The Government has a key role to play in creating an enabling and conducive environment, catalyzing research and development activities supporting the adoption of new technologies and initiatives.

Railway Projects in North-East

2011-12-17T01:57:00.001-08:00

Gauge conversion of Rangiya-Murkongselek (510.33 kms) section is a sanctioned National Project. On this project, land acquisition, earthwork, bridges and track work have been taken up on entire stretch and the works are in various stages of progress. Rangiya –Rangpara North (123.6 kms) section of this project is targeted for completion by March 2012. An expenditure of Rs. 565.27 crore has been incurred upto March, 2011 and outlay of Rs. 283.00 crore has been provided for this project for the year 2011-12.

A dedicated non lapsable fund namely “North Eastern Region Rail Development Fund” (NERRDF) has been created for providing assured fund flows to National Projects of Northeast Region. Besides, efforts are being made for early completion of these projects by close monitoring of progress of the works, follow up with revenue department and forest department for handing over of remaining revenue and forest land, deployment of security forces in the areas affected by law and order problems by coordinating Ministry of Home Affairs, etc.

Railways takes Measures to Ensure Cleanliness in Trains and Stations

2011-12-17T01:56:00.001-08:00

Indian Railways always endeavour to improve upon the standards of cleanliness and hygiene in coaches and stations. For further improving upon the standards of cleanliness in coaches, schemes like Intensive mechanized cleaning, On Board House-Keeping Services (OBHS) and cleaning attention to trains during their stoppage at “Clean Train Stations” etc. have also been launched. Indian Railways have also planned multi-pronged action by synergizing technology, education of users and provision of better mechanized equipments to improve upon the standards of cleanliness at stations.

Regular inspections/checks are carried out at various levels to monitor the standard of cleanliness and upkeep of coaches and stations and punitive action is taken wherever warranted. Besides, special drives are also launched from time to time to intensify the level of cleanliness in coaches and stations and corrective action is taken wherever deficiency is noticed.a

Increase in Freight and Passenger Traffic

2011-12-17T01:55:00.001-08:00

Freight traffic has grown from 833.39 million tonnes in 2008-09 to 921.73 million tonnes in 2010-11 whereas Passenger Traffic during this period has gone up from 6920 million passengers to 7651 million passengers. Track kilometers have gone up from 86937 in 2008-09 to 87087 in 2009-10. Figures for 2010-11 for Track Kilometers are under finalization.

Traffic output is not solely dependent on track kilometer as output also increases due to technological & operational improvements like advanced Signalling system, better load-ability of wagons, punctuality of operation, better wagon turn-round etc.

Railways Revenue Earnings up by 10.22 Per Cent During April- November 2011

2011-12-13T04:40:00.001-08:00

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways on originating basis during 1st April – 30th November 2011 were Rs. 66126.39 crore compared to Rs. 59994.24 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 10.22 per cent.

The total goods earnings have gone up from Rs. 39855.04 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2010 to Rs. 43888.10 crore during 1st April – 30th November 2011, registering an increase of 10.12 per cent.

The total passenger revenue earnings during first eight months of the financial year 2011-12 were Rs. 18742.53 crore compared to Rs. 17089.39 crore during the same period last year, registering an increase of 9.67 per cent.

The revenue earnings from other coaching amounted to Rs. 1860.46 crore during April- November 2011 compared to Rs. 1668.15 crore during the same period last year, an increase of 11.53 per cent.

The total approximate numbers of passengers booked during April- November 2011 were 5518.68 million compared to 5243.97 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 5.24 per cent. In the suburban and non-suburban sectors, the numbers of passengers booked during April- November 2011 were 2777.81 million and 2740.87 million compared to 2675.21 million and 2568.76 million during the same period last year, showing an increase of 3.84 per cent and 6.70 per cent respectively.

Setting up of Major Ports in India

2011-12-09T00:47:00.001-08:00

The Ministry of Shipping has written to all the State Governments of Coastal States to identify and provide land for setting up a new Major Port or a new Ship Building Yard or a Composite Port cum Shipbuilding yard Project. The number of ports to be set up, timelines and the estimated investment will depend on the response received from the coastal states.

Government has asked the Maritime States of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala to offer Land for the proposed ports.

Proposals have been received from Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka which are under examination. Response from other coastal states is awaited.