05-03-2013, 04:50 PM
INDIAN RAILWAYS
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KNOW ABOUT INDIAN RAILWAYS
Indian Railways, a historical legacy, are a vital force in our economy. The first railway on
Indian sub-continent ran from Bombay to Thane on 16th April 1853. Fourteen railway
carriages carried about 400 guests from Bombay to Thane covering a distance of 21 miles
(34 Kilometers). Since then there has been no looking back. Today, it covers 6,909
stations over a total route length of more than 63,028 kilometres. The track kilometers in
broad gauge (1676 mm) are 86, 526 kms, meter gauge (1000 mm) are 18, 529 kms and
narrow gauge (762/610 mm) are 3,651 kms. Of the total route of 63,028 kms, 16,001 kms
are electrified. The railways have 8000 locomotives, 50,000 coaching vehicles, 222,147
freight wagons, 6853 stations, 300 yards, 2300 goodsheds, 700 repair shops, and 1.54
million work force. Indian Railways runs around 11,000 trains everyday, of which 7,000
are passenger trains. Presently, 9 pairs of Rajdhani and 13 pairs of Shatabdi Express
Trains run on the rail tracks of India.
It is interesting to note that though the railways were introduced to facilitate the
commercial interest of the British, it played an important role in unifying the country.
Railways are ideally suited for long distance travel and movement of bulk commodities.
Regarded better than road transport in terms of energy efficiency, land use, environment
impact and safety it is always in forefront during national emergency.
Indian railways, the largest rail network in Asia and the world's second largest under one
management are also credited with having a multi gauge and multi traction system.
The Indian Railways have been a great integrating force for more than 150 years. It has
helped the economic life of the country and helped in accelerating the development of
industry and agriculture. Indian Railways is known to be the largest railway network in
Asia.
The Indian Railways network binds the social, cultural and economical fabric of the
country and covers the whole of country ranging from north to south and east to west
removing the distance barrier for its people. The railway network of India has brought
together the whole of country hence creating a feeling of unity among Indians.
Organization Overview
The Ministry of Railways under Government of India controls Indian Railways. The
Ministry is headed by Union Minister who is generally supported by a Minster of State.
The Railway Board consisting of six members and a chairman reports to this top
hierarchy. The railway zones are headed by their respective General Mangers who in turn
report to the Railway Board.
The Ministry of Railways has following nine undertakings:
1. Rail India Technical & Economic Services Limited (RITES)
2. Indian Railway Construction (IRCON) International Limited
3. Indian Railway Finance Corporation Limited (IRFC)
4. Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR)
5. Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL)
6. Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC)
7. Railtel Corporation of India Ltd. (Rail Tel)
8. Mumbai Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (MRVNL)
9. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL)
Indian Railways have their research and development wing in the form of Research,
Designs and Standard Organization (RDSO). RDSO functions as the technical advisor
and consultant to the Ministry, Zonal Railways and Production Units.
Railway Budget
Since 1924-25, railway finances have been separated from General Revenue. Indian
railways have their own funds in the form of Railway Budget presented to the Parliament
annually. This budget is presented to the Parliament by the Union Railway Minster two
days prior to the General Budget, usually around 26th February. It has to be passed by a
simple majority in the Lok Sabha before it gets final acceptance. Indian Railways are
subject to the same audit control as other government revenues and expenditure.
Passenger Traffic
The passenger traffic has risen from leaps and bounds from 1284 million in 1950-51 to
Freight Traffic
The revenue fright traffic has also grown immensely from 73.2 million tones in 1950-51
to 557.39 million tones. Indian railways carry huge variety of goods such as mineral ores,
fertilizers, petrochemicals, agricultural produce and others. It has been made possible
with measures such as line capacity augmentation on certain critical sectors and
modernization of signaling system and increase in roller bearing equipped wagons. Indian
Railways make huge revenue and most of its profits are from the freight sector and uses
these profits to augment the loss-making passenger sector.