"A pilot project of (self-printable) e-ticket is proposed to be started on selected pairs of Shatabdi Express trains. It will enable passengers to get their reservations booked through Internet and occupy their reserved seats on the basis of a computer-generated slip," the minister said in a written reply in parliament.

Tickets can currently be booked on the Internet and these are delivered through courier to passengers. The new system will do away with the delivery process.

The minister assured the pilot project will have adequate safeguards to protect the interests of the railways and passengers, who would be required to carry an identity card.

"The computer reservation system software will have additional safeguards inbuilt. Refund safeguards have also been stipulated in the scheme," he said.

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Walkie-talkie for engine drivers, guards

Indian Railways is providing engine drivers and guards of trains with walkie-talkies to enable them establish emergency communications in case of accidents or any other unforeseen situations, Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said in a written reply in parliament.

In addition, he said "to enable communications between drivers/guards and the nearest station master, 25 watt very high frequency (VHF) sets have been provided at all stations on double and multiple lines broad gauge sections."

These are being extended to other areas according to local needs.

The railways propose to enhance safety operations through a mobile train radio communication system on different routes, the minister said.

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319 model stations planned

A total of 319 stations over Indian Railways have been selected as model stations up to October "for providing upgraded passenger amenities, depending upon the category of stations," Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said in a written reply in parliament.

So far 58 stations have been developed as model stations.

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Connectivity to Hajira Port

As part of the National Rail Vikas Yojana, a link connecting the Hajira Port to the hinderland is proposed, Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said in a written reply in parliament.

"The proposed connection to Hajira Port is a part of National Rail Vikas Yojana.
As per the techno-economic feasibility survey, the new line is proposed to be parallel to the existing KRIBHCO siding. At present, the project development is in progress," the minister said.

The construction work would be taken up on completion of the project development, agreement of strategic partners in financial participation and sanction of the project, he added.
 
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Vacancies in safety categories

Indian Railways had 78,638 vacancies in the safety categories in Group C and D as on Sep 1 this year as against the sanctioned strength of 630,706, Minister of State for Railway R. Velu said in a written reply in parliament.
 
"The vacancies constitute 12.47 percent of the sanctioned strength in these categories," he said.

The railways have been directed to fill these vacancies either through open recruitment or internal promotions among serving staff by 2006, the minister added.

--Indo-Asian News Service