This is how Train Stoppages are supposed to be decided - FACTLY
Sai Krishna Muthyanolla
March 9, 2016
Every year, the Ministry of Railways receives numerous requests from State Governments, Members of Parliament etc for addition of new stoppages to existing trains. Here is the process, at least in theory, that the Railways is supposed to follow when deciding on new stoppages.
Every year, the Ministry of Railways receives numerous requests from State Governments, Members of Parliament etc for addition of new stoppages to existing trains. But how does the Railways decide whether a new stop has to be provisioned? At least in theory, the Railways has a policy based on which a decision on new stoppage is taken.
New Stoppage should recover cost
The Ministry of Railways came up with a new stoppage policy in 2005. This policy was built upon earlier such policies made in 1987,1991 and 1992. Based on the new policy, the following must be considered before any new stoppage is planned or an existing stoppage is to be withdrawn for mail, express and superfast trains.
The costs have to be calculated based on the existing fares for various classes.
Other Criteria to be considered
In addition to the above, the following criteria should be also considered before deciding on any new stoppage or withdrawal of an existing stoppage.
New stoppage to be approved along with withdrawal of an existing stoppage
The Railways in 2006 realized that there is going to be no end to the demand for additional stoppages for express and superfast trains. It also realized that extra stoppages will have adverse impact on the operational utilization and line capacity. Hence it proposed that all Zones proposing new stops should also propose an existing stop for withdrawal where the patronization of the train is least.
Whether all of this is happening when a decision on new stoppage is being taken is anybody’s guess.
Featured Image: [Railway Station], [CC BY 3.0]