15 Citizen Ideas that Shaped the Rail Budget 2016-17
Citizen participation plays a vital role in a vibrant democracy. Continuing its efforts to encourage citizen participation in governance, MyGov, in association with Ministry of Railways, invited ideas to be incorporated in the rail budget for the second consecutive year. The discussion received numerous innovative ideas. Some of the ideas were reflected in the budget proposal presented by the Railway Minister Shri. Suresh Prabhu on Thursday, 25th February 2016. MyGov appreciates the contribution of all the citizens who participated in this discussion.
Suggestion 1: International technological solutions
“We should adopt new international technologies like China” – Venkati, Vizag(AP)
Government Budget Proposal
“In line with international best practices, we will rely on technological solutions for project management and monitoring”.
Suggestion 2: Reduction in tools weight
“Minimize or eliminate over load of tool kits of gang men”—Jana Basha Shaik, Hyderabad
Government Budget Proposal
“We will also reduce the weight of the tools carried by the gang men while patrolling on foot through value engineering.”
Suggestion 3: Fully unreserved coaches
“A train with fully unreserved coaches should be introduced” – Sundararaj Sigamani, Tamil Nadu
Government Budget Proposal
“We propose to introduce the Antyodaya Express, a long-distance, fully unreserved, superfast train service, for the common man to be operated on dense routes.”
Suggestion 4: Startup collaboration
“Railways can involve startup firms to promote travel by Railways to the various tourist spots”- Sriram Venkatanarasimhan, Tamil Nadu
Government Budget Proposal
“We are setting aside a sum of Rs. 50 crore for providing innovation grants to employees, startups and growth oriented small businesses to support internal and external innovation.”
Suggestion 5: Radio networks inside trains
“All India Radio RCA jack will be provided to every berth”- Rahul Morje, Mumbai
Government Budget Proposal
“We propose to invite FM Radio stations for providing train borne entertainment by installing PA systems in trains”
Suggestion 6: Training for railway staff
“Try to have special training courses for Railway staff” – Piyush Gupta, Meerut
Government Budget Proposal
“Training in yoga will be imparted to our staff, especially from RPF.”
Suggestion 7: Storage facilities at freight terminals for farmers
“I think the Government should focus on Freight and logistics. This will help our farmers in storing and moving heavy commodities from their farms to the cities” – Anil Shringi, Mumbai
Government Budget Proposal
“Encourage development of cold storage facilities on vacant land near freight terminals. Local farmers and fisherman would be given preferential usage of the facility.”
Suggestion 8: Travel insurance
“Provide insurance system for the traveller, such that he can be safeguardedand given another travel option” – Dharmesh Purohit, Gujarat
Government Budget Proposal
“To minimize the financial loss to passengers from such events, we are working with insurance companies to offer optional travel insurance for rail journeys at the time of booking.”
Suggestion 9: Local cuisine in trains
“’Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat’ special trains be introduced. History, culture, rich heritage of India be depicted. Most popular food and cuisine of different states be served to the tourists and visitors”- Rajkaran Singh Bhatti, Chandigarh
Government Budget Proposal
“Local cuisine of choice will be made available to passengers.”
Suggestion 10: Plantations on tracks for revenue generation
“Indian Railways has more than 1,00,000 acres of land (approx.) which needs to be properly utilised for generating income. Land can be diverted towards plantations/income generating green cover enhancing activities”- Rajkaran Singh Bhatti, Chandigarh
Government Budget Proposal
“Indian Railways has huge tracts of land available adjacent to its rail network. We will lease out this space to promote horticulture and tree plantation.”
Suggestion 11: Mobile application for grievance redressal
“Make a railway application, at least for complaints” – Amit Gupta
Government Budget Proposal
“A mobile application to redress Railway related complaints is also being developed.”
Suggestion 12: Tourist circuit trains
“A fully air-conditioned service (preferably a daily express throughout the year or at least on the Suvidha pattern during peak/summer/winter seasons) having no stops en-route on the lines of a Shatabdi Express or Bharat Darshan or State Tirth Yatra Train or Hindu Circuit Train or Charter Train (spiritual tour with all inclusive package – confirmed rail reservation” – K Balasubramanian, Chennai
Government Budget Proposal
“We will be partnering with the State Governments for operating tourist circuit trains and explore the possibility of a revenue sharing model.”
Suggestion 13: RORO Train services
“More number of RORO Train Services must be available to more cities.This will reduce the CO2 emission and increase the revenue”- Sooraj T, Kerala
Government Budget Proposal
“A full-fledged market study is being undertaken and detailed supply and demand scenarios, service level and infrastructure requirements will be assessed so that an action plan to re-capture that traffic through either containerization or new delivery models e.g., Roll-on Roll-off (RORO), will be developed and implemented”
Suggestion 14: Toilets for loco-pilots
“Railways should take steps to provide toilets in train engines as well” – Apurva Rai, Noida
Government Budget Proposal
“We will also provide toilets and air-conditioning in cabs for our loco pilots.”
Suggestion 15: On board entertainment
“On board entertainment facilities should be available” – Saurabh Sinha, Delhi
Government Budget Proposal
“Railways will offer on-board services such as entertainment, Wi-Fi, etc. through one service provider for ensuring accountability and improved customer satisfaction.”
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If the railways set aside 1 paisa for every kilometer from every ticket sold then it can bring in Crores of Rupees every month for the development and modernisation of Indian Railways. This amount set aside will be recurring source of money and as we move up the same can be increased to bring in more revenue for development. The source of fund is liability free and can transform and modernise Indian Railways. Even the state governments can adopt the same for the State Transport System
Really good step towards development of our country through railways to serve people by providing services from rail way implementation required as earliest…..
Sir,
i want to know that why dustbin facility is not provided in sleeper coaches & general coaches while most of the population travels with these classes. Is dustbin is so costly ? or only a person who travels in AC COACHES may enjoy facility of dustbin.
amit kumar Pacherwal
delhi
3. Already long queues are there, the new system will swell more.
4. Time waste to buy ticket, in that time they may lose some trains.
5. Govt have to open more counters and recruit more employees, will cost more money to the exchequer.
6. Govt’s revenue will raise nil, but loss will be more as many people will travel without ticket fearing of missing the train and ticket checkers can not catch all people.
7. The govt should de grade that officer who gave this ‘Faltu’ idea.
Objection Your Honour!
Indian Railways has decided that the unreserved return journey ticket will not be issued upto 200 km. This will be effected from 1st of March onwards. This is the worst decision took by the Govt. see the effects..
1. Passengers of suburban trains have to stand in long serpentine queue again
2. In chennai Central, Park, Mambalam, Tambaram, Perungalathur passengers will suffer a lot. Like in other cities.
ACCORDING TO ME,SITE OF INDIA GOVERMENT MUST BE MADE LITTLE ATTRACTIVE AND GOOD LOOKING.HOPE OUR GOVERMENT WILL WORK ON IT.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SINCERE EFFERTS.
Good many best suggestion considered , hope to see implemented:)
+1 Suggestion 16:
A nation wide Rail Magazine and/or Newspaper with regional editions can provide information, entertainment, local business advertisements and promote tourism while earning advertising revenue. #IRInnovation #IRFinance #IRTourism
Government Budget Proposal:
To keep boredom at bay onboard, Mr.Prabhu proposes a partnership with FM Radio stations and introduce Indian Railways bi-lingual magazine Rail Bandhu to all reserved classes of travellers in Mail/Express trains.
Kudos to the Hon.Railway Minister and the Min.of Railways for showcasing the full and true potential of participative governance.A job well started, is a job half done. Hats off to the MyGov team.
Long route train must have library, leisure boggy etc., which can be availed to user with nominal charges.
In pantry car where they serve the worst food, must be handed over to KFC, SUBWAY OR MCDONALD.
Tea n coffee machine be installed with attendant
IN RAILWAY THERE MUST BE ONE BRTS TYPE FACILITY EXIST LIKE AS IF ONE STATION COME ON PLATFORM THEN THAT STATION NAME MUST ANNOUNCE ON EVERY COACH SO THAT REASON PASSANGER KNOW WHICH STATION COME ALSO SOME TIME SOME PASSANGER DEEPLY SLEEP SO THAT NEVER KNOW THEIR STATION COME ALSO SOME NEW PASSANGER NEVER RIDE TRAIN BEFORE THAT RIDING SO IF ANNOUNCE SYSTEM EXIST THEN PASSENGER FEEL HAPPY.