Statement

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the total length of electrification of the broad-gauge network as on date, division, zone and State-wise particularly in Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu; (b) the names of States/UTs and Railway Zones that have achieved 100 percent electrification and those yet to achieve the same, division, zone and State/UT-wise; (c) the pace of electrification achieved during the Financial Years 2023-24 and 2024-25 in terms of route-kilometer electrified per year and the targets for Financial Year 2025-26, division, zone and State/UT-wise particularly for Pali Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan; 17.12.2025 130 (d) whether electrification works in the North-Eastern States have been completed or are still ongoing; (e) if so, the updated progress and expected completion timelines; (f) the details of the latest official source/official report on electrification e.g. Railway Board/Central Organization for Railway Electrification, zone-wise; (g) whether the Government has evaluated the potential reduction in carbon emissions and diesel consumption upon full electrification of Tamil Nadu's railway network and if so, the details thereof including the estimated annual savings in fuel and emissions; and (h) whether any steps have been taken to enhance train speed and haulage capacity in Tamil Nadu's fully electrified sections to optimise the benefits of electrification and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) to (h): Electrification of railway network on Indian Railways (IR) has been taken up in mission mode. So far, about 99.2% of Broad Gauge (BG) network has been electrified. The electrification in remaining network has been taken up. Electrification carried out during 2014-25 and before 2014 is as under: Period Route Kilometer Before 2014 (about 60 years) 21,801 2014-25 46,900 17.12.2025 131 Indian Railways’ achievement in railway electrification stand out globally. According to the latest report of International Union of Railways (UIC) of June, 2025, railway electrification in important railway systems is as under: Country Railway Electrification United Kingdom 39% France 60% Spain 67% Russia 52% Japan 64% China 82% Switzerland 100% Railway Electrification achieved during Financial Year 2023-24 and 2024- 25 is 7,188 and 2,701 Route kilometer (RKM) respectively. Existing BG network in Pali Lok Sabha Constituency in Rajasthan, have been 100% electrified. Further, all new line/multi-tracking projects are being sanctioned and constructed with electrification. Zone wise status of electrification is as under: SN ZONE % Electrified 1 Central Railway 100% 2 East Coast Railway 100% 3 East Central Railway 100% 4 Eastern Railway 100% 5 Konkan Railway 100% 6 Kolkata Metro 100% 7 North Central Railway 100% 8 North Eastern Railway 100% 9 Northern Railway 100% 10 South Central Railway 100% 11 South East Central Railway 100% 12 South Eastern Railway 100% 13 West Central Railway 100% 14 Western Railway 100% 15 North Western Railway 98% 17.12.2025 132 16 Southern Railway 98% 17 Northeast Frontier Railway 95% 18 South Western Railway 95% State/UT wise status of electrification including Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Tamil Nadu is as under: SN STATE % Electrified SN STATE % Electrified 1 Andhra Pradesh 100% 16 Mizoram 100% 2 Arunachal Pradesh 100% 17 Nagaland 100% 3 Bihar 100% 18 Odisha 100% 4 Chandigarh 100% 19 Puducherry 100% 5 Chhattisgarh 100% 20 Punjab 100% 6 Delhi 100% 21 Telangana 100% 7 Gujarat 100% 22 Tripura 100% 8 Haryana 100% 23 Uttar Pradesh 100% 9 Himachal Pradesh 100% 24 Uttarakhand 100% 10 Jammu & Kashmir 100% 25 West Bengal 100% 11 Jharkhand 100% 26 Rajasthan 99% 12 Kerala 100% 27 Tamil Nadu 97% 13 Madhya Pradesh 100% 28 Karnataka 96% 14 Maharashtra 100% 29 Assam 92% 15 Meghalaya 100% 30 Goa 91% Existing BG network in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram states of North eastern region have been 100% electrified. Further, all new line/multi-tracking projects are being sanctioned and constructed with electrification. Assam has been 92% electrified and electrification in remaining network has been taken up. The latest details of Railway Electrification are available on Indian Railways’ website at following link: https://indianrailways.gov.in/railway board/uploads/directorate/ele_engg/2025/Status%20of%20Railway%C2%A0El ectrification%20as%20on%C2%A030_11_2025.pdf 17.12.2025 133 The completion of Electrification project(s) depends on various factors like forest clearances by officials of forest department, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law & order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc. All these factors affect the completion time of the project(s). State wise data of fuel consumption and carbon emissions is not maintained. Indian Railways has witnessed reduction in fuel consumption for traction purpose by 136 crore ltrs. during 2023-24 as compared to 2018-19. Reduction in CO2 emissions in transportation by railways as compared to transportation by road is as under (Ref:- NITI Aayog Report titled “Fast Tracking Freight In India, June 2021) Mode of Transportation CO2 emission for transportation of 1 tonne for 1 km Road 101 gm Rail 11.5 gm (about 89% less) Indian Railways is committed to sustainable operation through near total Railway Electrification combined with use of renewable energy sources, a combination of solar, wind and other renewable sources based on strategic power procurement planning, thus contributing to carbon footprint reduction. In order to improve efficiency of freight including average speed of freight trains and haulage capacity over IR including Tamil Nadu, following measures, among others, have been adopted: I. Ensuring increased availability of rakes/wagons against demand. 17.12.2025 134 II. Increasing the loadability for carrying additional traffic per wagon. Length of freight trains has also been increased to increase throughput per train. III. For increasing network capacity – multitracking on busy sections, RORs, bypasses are being taken up on busy junctions. IV. Use of Information Technology in freight operations to improve monitoring and utilization of assets. V. Induction of higher horsepower locomotives. VI. Induction of higher capacity and high-speed wagons. VII. Improvement in maintenance practices of wagons and locomotives resulting in increased availability of loco and rolling stock for traffic use. VIII. Improvement in track and signaling to carry higher volume of traffic. IX. Training staff and officers to adopt the new technology and management practices. The following measures are being taken by Indian Railways to upgrade railway tracks: I. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, wider and heavier Pre-stressed Concrete Sleepers (PSC) with elastic fastening, fan-shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers and Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges are being used while carrying out primary track renewals. 17.12.2025 135 II. The Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings are being used in turnout renewal works. III. Supply of 130m/260m long rail panels have been increased to avoid welding of joints, thereby improving safety. IV. Thick Web Switch Expansion Joints are being used in place of earlier Conventional/Improved SEJs. V. Adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e. Flash Butt Welding. VI. Adoption of mechanized system for track maintenance using high output plain tampers and points & crossing tampers for improved maintainability & reliability of track. VII. Deployment of state-of-the-art modern machines including Rail Grinding Machines to further improve asset reliability. VIII. Mechanization of track laying activities through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. IX. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates for enhancing safety at LC gates. X. Use of advanced Phased Array technology of testing of rail and welds. XI. Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive health assessment to ascertain optimal maintenance requirements. 17.12.2025 136 XII. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs. रेल कौशल िवकास योजना *250. ®ी इमरान मसूद: ³या रेल मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) केÆþ सरकार Ĭारा शुł कì गई रेल कौशल िवकास योजना के अंतगªत उ°र ÿदेश म¤ ÿिश±ण केÆþŌ कì सं´या का Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) सहारनपुर म¤ उĉ योजना के अंतगªत िकतने युवाओं को तकनीकì ÿिश±ण ÿदान करके आÂमिनभªर बनाया गया है; और (ग) रेल कौशल िवकास योजना के अंतगªत उ°र ÿदेश म¤ युवाओं के िलए अिखल भारतीय Öतर पर अÐपकािलक ÿिश±ण कायªøम िकन-िकन ÖथानŌ पर आयोिजत िकए गए ह§? रेल मंýी; सूचना और ÿसारण मंýी; तथा इले³ůॉिनकì और सूचना ÿौīोिगकì मंýी (®ी अिÔवनी वैÕणव): (क) से (ग): भारतीय रेल ने ÿिश±ण के िलए एक Óयापक पाåरिÖथितकì तंý िवकिसत िकया है जो मु´य łप से कमªचाåरयŌ के िलए िडज़ाइन िकया गया है, जो उनके कåरयर के िविभÆन चरणŌ म¤ ÿभावी कौशल िवकास, पुनः कौशल िवकास और कौशल संवधªन के िलए संरिचत ÿिश±ण ÿदान करता है। इसम¤ सहयोग देने के िलए भारतीय रेल ने सभी ±ेýीय रेलŌ और उÂपादन इकाइयŌ म¤ ÿिश±ण क¤þŌ का एक Óयापक नेटवकª Öथािपत िकया है। एक जोन के अंतगªत भी ये ÿिश±ण क¤þ मंडलŌ या कारखानŌ म¤ िविभÆन ÖथानŌ पर फैले हòए ह§। साथ ही, युवाओं म¤ रोजगार ±मता बढ़ाने और उīिमता को बढ़ावा देने के उĥेÔय से, रेलवे ने रेल कौशल िवकास योजना शुł कì है, जो 16 तकनीकì िशÐपŌ को समािहत करने वाला अिखल 17.12.2025 137 भारतीय ÿवेश Öतर का कौशल िवकास कायªøम है। यह योजना िसतंबर 2021 म¤ शुł कì गई थी, िजसका उĥेÔय ÿिशि±त अËयिथªयŌ को वेतनभोगी रोजगार या Öवरोजगार के िलए सशĉ बनाना है। रेल कौशल िवकास योजना के तहत देश भर म¤ फैली ±ेýीय रेलŌ और उÂपादन इकाइयŌ के 98 ÿिश±ण क¤þŌ म¤ ÿिश±ुओं को िनःशुÐक ÿिश±ण ÿदान िकया जाता है। देश के िकसी भी भाग के अËयथê इस ÿिश±ण म¤ भाग ले सकते ह§। इनम¤ से िनÌनिलिखत 14 ÿिश±ण क¤þ उ°र ÿदेश म¤ िÖथत ह§: ø. सं. शहर ÿिश±ण क¤þ का नाम 1 लखनऊ पयªवे±क ÿिश±ण क¤þ, यांिýक रेलइंजन कारखाना 2 वाराणसी तकनीकì ÿिश±ण क¤þ, बनारस रेलइंजन कारखाना 3 इºजतनगर मंडल ÿिश±ण केÆþ/सवारी एवं माल िडÊबा कारखाना 4 गोरखपुर िवīुत ÿिश±ण क¤þ 5 झांसी आधारभूत ÿिश±ण क¤þ, माल िडÊबा कारखाना 6 बरेली आधारभूत ÿिश±ण क¤þ, यांिýक कारखाना 7 वाराणसी बहò-िवषयक मंडलीय ÿिश±ण संÖथान 8 गािजयाबाद सवारी एवं माल िडÊबा ÿिश±ण क¤þ 9 झांसी पयªवे±क ÿिश±ण क¤þ, झांसी 10 गोरखपुर कारखाना ÿिश±ण क¤þ/यांिýक कारखाना 11 लखनऊ मंडल ÿिश±ण केÆþ/सवारी एवं माल िडÊबा कारखाना 12 लालगंज तकनीकì ÿिश±ण क¤þ, आधुिनक सवारी िडÊबा कारखाना 13 गािजयाबाद िसगनल एवं दूरसंचार ÿिश±ण क¤þ 14 चंदौली िवīुत कषªण ÿिश±ण क¤þ इस योजना के आरंभ से ही, देश भर के 31,839 युवाओं को रेल कौशल िवकास योजना के अंतगªत िनिदªĶ रेल ÿिश±ण क¤þŌ म¤ अÐपकािलक तकनीकì कौशल ÿिश±ण ÿदान िकया गया है। इनम¤ से, 5,862 युवा उ°र ÿदेश के ह§, िजनम¤ से 64 सहारनपुर िजले के ह§। NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS AND PROJECTS IN THE COUNTRY *251. SHRI SUNIL DATTATREY TATKARE: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: 17.12.2025 138 (a) the current number and details of nuclear power plants in the country along with gross capacity and the maximum dependable power generation or maximum continuous capacity; (b) the number and details of the nuclear power plants under construction and initiatives taken to promote research and development of Nuclear Small Modular Reactors (SMRs); (c) the details of private partnerships, if any, under the Nuclear Energy Mission; (d) the details of partnerships with foreign countries, if any, under the Nuclear Energy Mission along with the role of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in expanding nuclear power capacity in the Country; and (e) the details of collaboration between NTPC and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL)? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): (a): Presently, there are 24 nuclear power plants (excluding RAPS-1, which is under extended shutdown) in commercial operation in the country with a total capacity of 8,780 MW. Of these, four reactors with a total capacity of 760 MW are presently in project mode for Renovation and Modernisation 17.12.2025 139 (R&M)/Refurbishment. The remaining 20 reactors with a total capacity 8020 MW are in operation. The details are given in Statement-I. (b): There are eight nuclear power reactors with a total capacity of 6600 MW at various stages of construction/ commissioning and ten reactors (7000 MW) are under pre-project activities. The details are given in Statement-II. Under the Nuclear Energy Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025– 26, a total budgetary provision of ₹20,000 crore has been made for the research, design, development, and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). This allocation is aimed at supporting India’s objective of developing and operationalizing at least five indigenously designed SMRs by 2033. BARC has initiated design and development works on SMRs namely, (i) 200 MWe Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-200), (ii) 55 MWe Small Modular Reactor (SMR-55), and (iii) Up to 5 MWth High temperature gas cooled reactor meant for hydrogen generation. (c): The Nuclear Energy Mission (NEM) envisages reaching a capacity of 100 GW by 2047 from present installed capacity of 8.78 GW (excluding RAPS-1, 100 MW). Of this, PSUs of DAE are expected to contribute about 58-60 GW and the balance is expected to be set-up by Public and Private sector companies. (d): NPCIL is already setting up four reactors with a capacity of 4 GW in cooperation with Russian federation. As a part of its road map to reach about 54 GW by 2047, NPCIL plans setting up of another 17.6 GW capacity with foreign cooperation. NTPC is the largest power company in the country which also has 17.12.2025 140 plans to set up nuclear power plants. In this context, NTPC has entered into a JV with NPCIL named, Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI). (e): The Government on September 11, 2024 accorded approval to the Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI), a Joint Venture (JV) of NPCIL (with 51% stake) and NTPC (with 49% stake) Limited, to take up nuclear power generation and associated activities in the country. The Government has also approved implementation of Mahi Banswara 1 to 4 (4X700 MW) project by ASHVINI. STATEMENT-I Details of Operational Nuclear Power Plants In the Country ‘*’ RAPS-1 (100 MW) is under extended shutdown. ‘$’ TAPS-1, TAPS-2, MAPS-1, KGS-1 in project mode for Renovation and Modernisation (R&M)/Refurbishment State Location Unit Capacity (MW) Maharashtra Tarapur TAPS-1$ 160 TAPS-2$ 160 TAPS-3 540 TAPS-4 540 Rajasthan Rawatbhata RAPS-1* 100 RAPS-2 200 RAPS-3 220 RAPS-4 220 RAPS-5 220 RAPS-6 220 RAPS-7 700 Tamilnadu Kalpakkam MAPS-1$ 220 MAPS-2 220 Kudankulam KKNPP-1 1000 KKNPP-2 1000 Uttar Pradesh Narora NAPS-1 220 NAPS-2 220 Gujarat Kakrapar KAPS-1 220 KAPS-2 220 KAPS-3 700 KAPS-4 700 Karnataka Kaiga KGS-1$ 220 KGS-2 220 KGS-3 220 KGS-4 220 17.12.2025 141 STATEMENT-II Details of under construction Nuclear Power Plants in the Country State Location Project Capacity (MW) Projects Under Construction/Commissioning Rajasthan Rawatbhata RAPP-8 1 X 700 Tamilnadu Kudankulam KKNPP-3&4 2 X 1000 KKNPP-5&6 2 X 1000 Haryana Gorakhpur GHAVP-1&2 2 X 700 Tamilnadu Kalpakkam PFBR – Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor 1 X 500 Projects Under Pre-project Activities Karnataka Kaiga Kaiga-5&6 2 X 700 Haryana Gorakhpur GHAVP– 3&4 2 X 700 Madhya Pradesh Chutka Chutka-1&2 2 X 700 Rajasthan Mahi Banswara Mahi Banswara-1&2* 2 X 700 Mahi Banswara-3&4* 2 X 700 * Mahi Banswara-1&2 and Mahi Banswara-3&4 being implemented by ASHVINI, a Joint Venture of NPCIL and NTPC EXPLORATION OF COAL BED METHANE *252. SHRI Y. S. AVINASH REDDY: Will the Minister of COAL be pleased to state: (a) whether it is true that with the fifth-largest reserves of coal globally India holds significant prospects for exploration and production of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in over twelve States; (b) if so, the steps being taken by the Government to harness coal bed methane in the country; and (c) the future of the industry after the introduction of exploration and development of unconventional hydrocarbons under the 2018 framework of the Coal Bed Methane Policy, 1997? 17.12.2025 142 THE MINISTER OF COAL; AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY): (a): India, with the fifth-largest proven coal resources in the world, holds significant prospects for Coal Bed Methane (CBM) exploration and production. The country’s prognosticated CBM resources are estimated at about 92 TCF (Trillion Cubic Feet), and these resources are spread across 12 states in India (West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh). At present, fifteen (15) CBM blocks are active for the extraction of CBM across India. (b): The Government has undertaken various initiatives to promote unconventional hydrocarbon sources, including CBM, which inter alia include: 1. Policy Reforms: The CBM Policy, 1997, was introduced to promote CBM development, under which an MoU was signed between the Ministry of Coal (MoC) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to work jointly. As per the policy, MoPNG became the administrative ministry, and the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH) was designated as the nodal agency. In consultation with the Ministry of Coal, CBM blocks were identified and offered in coal-bearing areas. In 2018, the Government of India notified a Policy Framework for Exploration and Exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons in existing acreages under existing Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), Coal Bed Methane (CBM) contracts, and nomination fields. 17.12.2025 143 Additionally, in 2018, the Government of India notified the consolidated terms and conditions for granting exploration and exploitation rights to Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries for coal-bearing areas for which they possess a mining lease for coal. 2. CBM Bidding Rounds: The Government has conducted six competitive CBM bidding rounds to date, in which 40 blocks have been awarded. As of now, 15 CBM blocks are active under exploration, development, or production phases. Further, the Government of India launched the Special CBM Bid Round (SCBM)–2025 under the ambit of the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) on 15 April 2025. SCBM–2025 offers three Coal Bed Methane (CBM) blocks covering an area of 520 sq. km. 3. Infrastructure Strengthening: The CBM blocks are being connected to the National Gas Grid (Urja Ganga Pipeline), which has resolved long-standing offtake issues by enabling seamless transportation of CBM gas across various sectors. With these efforts, around 1,210 wells have been drilled in CBM blocks for CBM development, and the country is currently achieving a CBM production level of around 2.27 MMSCMD. (c): The introduction of the 2018 “Policy Framework for Exploration and Exploitation of Unconventional Hydrocarbons” has expanded the scope of activities permissible under existing CBM contracts by allowing operators to explore and extract shale gas within their CBM leasehold areas. This policy reform is expected to strengthen the future prospects of the industry by 17.12.2025 144 facilitating the development of additional unconventional hydrocarbon resources. The Government of India (GoI) is in pursuit of establishing CBM resources in unexplored coal-bearing areas by taking up an exploration drive to further enhance the CBM acreages. Additionally, GoI is looking for alternatives by analysing the potentialility of CBM production in abandoned or de-coaled mines, which may not be suitable for coal mining. Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries are actively looking for coal- bearing areas under their leasehold to award for CBM exploration and production. As per GoI policy 2018, wherein CIL and its subsidiaries were granted CBM rights in their leasehold areas, Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), a subsidiary of CIL, has awarded one CBM block (area-24 Sq.km) in Jharia for CBM exploration and production. KEY MINERALS IDENTIFIED BY GSI IN MEGHALAYA *253. DR. RICKY A. J. SYNGKON: Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state: (a) whether the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has completed mineral mapping of Meghalaya State and if so, the details thereof along with the key mineral resources identified; and (b) the details of the measures taken by the Government to promote sustainable and scientific mining practices in the State? 17.12.2025 145 THE MINISTER OF COAL; AND MINISTER OF MINES (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY): (a): Geological Survey of India (GSI) has completed Geological Mapping on 1:50,000 (50K) scale in the entire State of Meghalaya. Besides, GSI has also completed Geochemical Mapping and Geophysical Mapping on 1:50K of Meghalaya except a few inaccessible parts. GSI has identified huge limestone resource potential in parts of Jaintia, Khasi and Garo-hills districts. Since MMDR Amendment Act, 2015, a total of 6626.50 million tonnes of Limestone resource have been established in the State of Meghalaya. The details are provided in Statement. (b): The Ministry of Mines has instituted Sustainable Development Framework (SDF) for taking up mining activity in the country, including in the State of Meghalaya, encompassing inclusive growth, without adversely affecting the social, economic and environmental well-being, at present and also in future generations. Adequate provisions have been incorporated under Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 2017 mandating every lease holder to implement sustainable mining. Provisions have also been incorporated mandating the submission of digital aerial images (Drone/ Satellite imageries) which provide highly accurate aerial imagery and 3D mapping of lease areas. Further, Star Rating of mines has been implemented through Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), a Subordinate office of the Ministry of Mines, which has a two-tier system providing self-evaluation templates to be filled in by the mine operator followed by validation by IBM through field inspection. A star rating from 17.12.2025 146 0 to 5 is awarded every year to each lessee based on their performance during the previous year. STATEMENT Resource of Limestone established by GSI in the State of Meghalaya since MMDR Amendment Act 2015 Sl. No. District Field Season Block Resource (in Million Tonne) 1 Jaintia Hills 2015-16 Um-Maju Block, Litang Valley 69.43 2 Jaintia Hills 2015-16 Shyrwang Block 247.87 3 Jaintia Hills 2015-16 Jalaphet Block 61.66 4 East Jaintia Hills 2016-17 West of Ishamati Block 71.78 5 East Jaintia Hills 2016-17 North of Larket Block 247.45 6 East Jaintia Hills 2016-17 Shongrim-Molasngi Block 182.01 7 East Jaintia Hills 2016-17 Tongseng-Shongrim Block 202.60 8 East Jaintia Hills 2016-17 Mynthing Block 97.64 9 East Jaintia Hills 2017-18 Samasi-Pala Block 363.18 10 East Jaintia Hills 2017-18 East of Laphet area 607.65 11 East Jaintia Hills 2017-18 South of Akshe Block 559.35 12 East Jaintia Hills 2017-18 Umkyrpong area 496.82 13 East Jaintia Hills 2018-19 Akshe Block 516.70 14 East Jaintia Hills 2018-19 South East of Akshe Block 706.80 15 East Jaintia Hills 2018-19 North Pala Block 522.34 16 East Jaintia Hills 2019-20 Khaidong Shnongrim Block 385.21 17 East Jaintia Hills 2019-20 Lamarsiang Block 228.36 18 East Jaintia Hills 2019-20 South-West of Mynthlu Block 170.74 19 East Jaintia Hills 2023-24 Khunti Block 888.91 IMPLEMENTATION OF PM-SGMBY IN KARNATAKA *254. SHRI YADUVEER WADIYAR: Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state: 17.12.2025 147 (a) the progress made in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY) in Karnataka with particular focus on urban centers like Mysuru and rural outreach in Kodagu district; (b) the financial and technical support provided to households, MSMEs and public institutions under the programme during the current year; and (c) the details of impact of these efforts on reducing electricity bills, promoting clean energy adoption and achieving energy security goals at the State level? THE MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION; AND MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI): (a) to (c): The Government of India had launched PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) in February, 2024, aiming to achieve rooftop solar (RTS) installations in one crore households in the residential sector, across the country including the urban and rural areas of Karnataka, by FY 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore. PMSG: MBY is a demand driven scheme for installation of rooftop solar (RTS) systems, wherein all residential consumers in the country having grid connected electricity connection of the local DISCOM can avail the benefits of the scheme by applying on the National Portal of the scheme. The Central Financial Assistance (CFA) available for residential sector under the scheme is as follows: -  For individual households, the CFA is Rs. 30,000/- per kWp for the first 2 kWp and Rs. 18,000/- per kWp for the additional one kWp. The 17.12.2025 148 subsidy is capped at 3 kWp rooftop solar plant capacity for individual household.  For Group Housing Societies/ Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RWA) the CFA is Rs. 18,000/- per kWp with rooftop solar plant capacity limit of 500 kWp.  In case of special category states/UTs including Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, States in the North East Region, UTs of A&N and Lakshadweep, the CFA is 10% higher. Further, to ensure the cost-effectiveness of RTS systems for beneficiaries, apart from Central Financial Assistance collateral free loan @ interest rate of 5.75% (Repo rate plus 0.50 bps) is available for installation of RTS systems. In addition, to promote adoption of the PMSG: MBY for rural households or the economically weaker sections, Ministry has issued guidelines for installation of RTS systems under Utility Led Aggregation (ULA)/RESCO model. As on 11.12.2025, a total of 19,59,062 RTS systems with an aggregated 7254.44 MW RTS capacity have been installed across the country, benefitting 24,51,329 households. A total of 7,71,580 beneficiaries has been reported by DISCOMs to receive zero electricity bill after installation of RTS systems under the scheme during any month/billing period. In the state of Karnataka, a total of 14,533 RTS systems have been installed benefitting 22,896 households in the state as on 11.12.2025. In the Mysuru district of Karnataka, a total of 1,139 RTS systems have been installed, 17.12.2025 149 benefiting 1,591 households. Similarly, in the Kodagu district of Karnataka, 140 RTS systems have been installed. While adequate Central support has been provided, the State Government of Karnataka needs to further improve and strengthen planning, coordination and implementation of PM Surya Ghar Scheme. Improved execution is essential to ensure effective last-mile delivery and timely utilisation of funds. This will enable the households in the State to fully realise the intended benefits of clean energy, additional income and reliable power supply. WATER LOGGING DUE TO RUBS IN TIRUPATI LOK SABHA CONSTITUENCY *255. SHRI MADDILA GURUMOORTHY: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that the existing Road Under Bridges (RUBs), especially in Tirupati Lok Sabha Constituency are leading to frequent water logging even during light to moderate rainfall, making them hazardous for pedestrians, vehicles and animals; (b) if so, the details of the specific locations where such engineering failures have been reported; (c) the immediate measures taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to mitigate water stagnation in these existing RUBs, including drainage redesign/pump installation; 17.12.2025 150 (d) whether the Government has conducted a technical audit/review of the design flaws causing this issue and if so, the details thereof; (e) the steps incorporated/being incorporated in the planning and execution of new RUBs to avoid such water logging issues in the future and whether any accountability has been fixed for flawed designs and if so, the details thereof; and (f) whether coordination with local municipal bodies is ensured for integrated drainage planning in and around RUB projects and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) to (f): Sanctioning of works of Road over Bridge (ROB)/Road under Bridge (RUB) in lieu of Level crossings (LCs) is a continuous and dynamic process of Indian Railway. Such works are prioritised and taken up on the basis of its impact on safety in train operations, mobility of trains & impact for road users and feasibility etc. Nos. of ROBs/ RUBs constructed on Indian Railways during the period 2004-14 vis a vis 2014-25 (Oct’25) is as under: Period ROBs/ RUBs constructed 2004-14 4,148 Nos. 2014-25 (Oct’25) 13,653 Nos. As on 01.11.2025, 4689 Nos. ROBs/ RUBs are sanctioned at the cost of ₹1,11,583 Cr on Indian Railways including 316 Nos. Road Over Bridge 17.12.2025 151 (ROB)/Road Under Bridge (RUB) at a cost of ₹ 11,686 crore in the State of Andhra Pradesh, which are at various stages of planning and execution. 06 Nos. ROBs/RUBs works are sanctioned at a cost of ₹ 208 crore in Tirupati Lok Sabha Constituency. 43 Nos. RUBs exist in Tirupati Lok Sabha Constituency. During heavy rains, problem of water logging has been reported for short duration during last monsoon season in three RUBs (RUB Nos. 85A at Km 63/100-200, 90A at km 64/300-400 and 95A at km 69/900-70/0 on Gudur Junction-Renigunta junction section), which are addressed promptly by provision of heavy duty pumping arrangement. Further, stationary watchman, warning signs and gate barriers have been provided. Railways are working with municipal bodies and other local bodies for integrated drainage solutions at subway locations. Further, Railways have taken several remedial measures to mitigate the problem of water logging in subways as under: I. Adequate drainage arrangement is made as integral part of planning of new Road Under Bridge (RUB)/Subways. II. In existing RUBs/subways remedial measures like water flow diversion to nearby bridge and nallahs/drains, provision of cover shed on approach roads, provision of hump at entry to Road under Bridge (RUB), provision of cross drains, sealing of joints etc. are made as per feasibility, suitability and site requirements. 17.12.2025 152 III. Pumping arrangement is also been made for identified RUBs, to drain out water expeditiously in case of emergency and provision to stop road traffic in exceptional/unusual rainfall situation for safety of road users. Based on detailed survey of RUB/Subways, as on 01.04.2025, 2670 locations were identified by zonal railways prone to water logging out of total 14,745 RUB/Subways already constructed. Railways have taken up the work of permanent remedial measures on these RUB/Subways and with consistent efforts, 1351 RUBs/Subways have been provided with necessary infrastructure to prevent water logging and maintain its functionality in future. Balance RUB/Subways have also been provided by temporary solution i.e. dewatering arrangements. Moreover round the clock manning of vulnerable RUBs where there is possibility of flooding are also being done by deputing RUB Mitra/Stationery Railway Watchman. The objective of all this exercise is to keep RUBs/Subways functional throughout the year. ROBS /FOBS IN HASSAN DISTRICT IN KARNATAKA *256. SHRI SHREYAS M. PATEL: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the number of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) currently existing in Hassan district, Karnataka, station-wise; 17.12.2025 153 (b) the details of ROBs and FOBs sanctioned for the district during the last five years including sanctioned cost, present status and timelines for their completion; (c) whether any new proposals for construction/upgradation of ROBs/FOBs in Hassan district have been received by the Government and if so, the details thereof; (d) the details of funds allocated, released and utilised for ROB/FOB works in the district during the last five years; and (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to improve passenger and road safety through additional ROB/FOB infrastructure in the region? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) to (e): Sanctioning and execution of works of Road Over Bridges/ Road Under Bridges (ROBs/RUBs) is a continuous and ongoing process on Indian Railways. Such works are prioritized and taken up on the basis of their impact on safety and mobility in train operations and impact on road users. Nos. of ROBs/ RUBs constructed on Indian Railways during the period 2004-14 vis a vis 2014-25 (Oct’25) is as under: Period ROBs/ RUBs constructed 2004-14 4,148 Nos. 2014-25 (Oct’25) 13,653 Nos. 17.12.2025 154 As on 01.11.2025, 4689 Nos. ROBs/ RUBs are sanctioned at the cost of ₹1,11,583 Cr on Indian Railways including 127 Nos. Road Over Bridge (ROB)/Road Under Bridge (RUB) at a cost of ₹ 3,920 crore in the State of Karnataka, which are at various stages of planning and execution. Since 2014, 09 Nos. ROBs & 04 Nos. FOBs have been constructed in Hassan District. Details of ongoing works of ROBs & FOBs in Hassan district are as under: SN Name of Work ROB/FOB Cost (₹ in crore) Remarks 1. LC No. 3 (Near Hassan) on Hassan-Saklespur section. ROB 101.790 2 lane ROB commissioned in Nov 2023. Work for the balance 2 lane work (LHS carriageway) has also been taken up. 2. LC No.112 at Km. 133/300- 400 between Koravangala - Bageshpura stations on Mysuru-Arsikere section. ROB 24.079 Land acquisition process has been taken up under special railway project. 3. LC No.78 at Km.87/800-900 between Hole Narsipur- Mavinkere station of Mysuru – Hassan section. ROB 32.400 Fabrication work of superstructure in Railway portion has been completed. Foundation work in approach portion has been taken up. Simultaneously, land acquisition has also been taken up. 4. LC No. 131 on Hassan- Arsikere Section ROB 44.867 Land acquisition process has been taken up under special railway project. 5 LC No. 68 at Km. 74/000-100 on Mysuru - Arsikere Section ROB 15.935 Land acquisition process has been taken up under special railway project. 6. 3m wide FOB at km 104/100 on Hassan- Arsikere section to eliminate unauthorized crossing. FOB 1.712 Substructure work has been completed. The work for Girder Fabrication has been taken up. 17.12.2025 155 7. Provision of 12 metre wide FOB at Hassan under Amrit Bharat scheme. FOB 6.960 Foundation work have been taken up. 8. Provision of 12 metre wide FOB at Arsikere under Amrit Bharat scheme. FOB 6.890 Foundation work have been taken up. Budget allocation in the recent years has increased significantly. Budget allocation for infrastructure projects and safety works, falling fully/partly in the State of Karnataka is as under: Period Outlay 2009-14 ₹835 crore/year 2025-26 ₹7,564 crore (more than 9 times) As on 01.04.2025, 25 projects (15 new lines, 10 doubling) of 3,264 km length, costing ₹ 42,517 crore falling fully/partly in Karnataka are sanctioned. The summary is as under: Category No of sanctioned Projects Total Length (in km) Length Commissioned Upto Mar'25 (km) Exp upto Mar'25 (₹ in cr.) New Line 15 2,034 421 8,794 Doubling/ Multitracking 10 1,230 973 12,516 Total 25 3,264 1,394 21,310 Details of some of the recently completed projects falling fully/partly in Karnataka are as under: S. No Project Cost (₹in Crores) 1 Kottur-Harihar new line (65 km) 468 2 Hassan-Bangalore new line (167 km) 1,290 3 Bidar-Gulbarga new line (110 km) 1,543 4 Shivani-Hosadurga Road doubling (10 km) 50 17.12.2025 156 5 Shivani-Birur doubling (29 km) 143 6 Hosadurga-Chikjajur doubling (29 km) 260 7 Ramanagram-Mysore patch doubling (94 km) 998 8 Yelahanka – Chennasadra doubling (13 km) 108 9 Yeshwantpur-Yelahanka doubling (12 km) 95 10 Netrawati-Mangalore Central doubling (2 km) 28 11 Kankanadi-Panambur doubling (19 km) 350 12 Arsikere-Tumkur doubling (96 km) 758 13 Yelahanka-Penukonda doubling (123 km) 1,104 14 Daund-Gulbarga doubling (225 km) 3,182 15 Hubli-Chikjajur doubling (190 km) 1,850 Some of the projects falling fully/partly in Karnataka which have been taken up are as under: S No. Project Cost (₹ in Crores) 1 Hospet-Hubli-Londa-Vasco-de-Gama doubling (312 km) 4,153 2 Hotgi-Gadag doubling (284 km) 2,459 3 Ginigera - Raichur new line (165 km) 3,401 4 Gadag - Wadi new line (257 km) 2,842 5 Bagalkot – Kudachi new line (142 km) 1,649 6 Tumkur – Rayadurga new line (207 km) 2,496 7 Tumkur – Davangere new line (182 km) 2,142 8 Kadur – Chikmagalur – Belur new line (68 km) 825 9 Baiyyapanahalli – Hosur doubling (48 km) 336 10 Yeshwanthpur – Channasandra doubling (22 km) 314 11 Ballari –Chikjajur doubling (185 km) 3,079 In last three years i.e. 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 and current financial year 2025-26, 65 surveys (25 new line and 40 doubling) covering a total length of 7,239 km has been sanctioned falling fully/partly in the State of Karnataka. Details of some major projects which are delayed due to land acquisition are as under:- S No. Project Total Land required (in ha) Land acquired (in ha) Balance Land to be acquired (in ha) 1 Shimoga – Rannebennur new line (96 km) 559 226 333 2 Belgaum – Dharwad new line (73 km) 581 0 581 17.12.2025 157 3 Shimoga – Harihar new line (79 km) 488 0 488 4 Whitefield-Kolar new line (53 km) 337 0 337 5 Hassan-Belur new line (32 km) 206 0 206 Summary of the status of land acquisition in Karnataka is as under: Total Land required for Projects in Karnataka 9,020 ha Land Acquired 5,679 ha (63%) Balance Land to be acquired 3,341 ha (37%) Government of India is geared up to execute projects, however success depends upon the support of Government of Karnataka. Sanction of any railway project depend upon many parameters/factors which include the following:  Anticipated traffic projections and remunerativeness of the proposed route  First and last mile connectivity provided by the project  Connection of missing links and providing additional route  Augmentation of congested/saturated lines  Demands raised by State Governments/Central Ministries/Public representatives  Railway’s own operational requirements  Socio-economic considerations  Overall availability of funds 17.12.2025 158 Completion of Railway project/s depends on various factors which include the following:  Land acquisition by State Government  Forest clearance  Shifting of infringing utilities  Statutory clearances from various authorities  Geological and topographical conditions of area  Law and order situation in the area of project site  Number of working months in a year for particular project site etc. All these factors affect the completion time and cost of the project/s. SATELLITE-BASED WEATHER & DISASTER FORECASTING SYSTEMS *257. SHRI RAJMOHAN UNNITHAN: Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government plans to expand satellite-linked early warning systems and flood-forecasting networks for coastal districts and if so, the details thereof, district-wise particularly Kasaragod district of Kerala; (b) the initiatives taken by the Government to upgrade India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting stations and Doppler radar coverage in North Kerala; and (c) the timeline for commissioning new systems and the projected benefits for disaster-prone coastal communities? 17.12.2025 159 THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): (a): The Government has established an organized institutional mechanism based on various technologies, including satellites for observing, monitoring, forecasting, and issuing early-warning alerts for major natural events such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, and extreme weather across the country, including coastal districts. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) serves as the nodal Ministry responsible for coordinating these efforts. In this regard, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) works round the clock in coordination with other MoES institutions such as the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida, and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad. The Government, through the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has formulated a comprehensive roadmap to expand satellite-linked early warning systems and flood-forecasting networks in collaboration with CWC (Central Water Commission). The expansion is designed to cover all coastal districts of the country through upgrading the current capabilities and addressing 17.12.2025 160 the challenges associated with climate extremes and sea-level rise. In recent years, the capability of satellite-based monitoring has increased manifold. Currently, the INSAT-3DS satellite with six imager channel is providing pictures at a 30-minute interval. The infra-red, water vapour, and visible imageries at a very high resolution up to 1 km along winds (atmospheric motion vectors) and related products provided scope for improved monitoring of the weather development. Currently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) utilizes INSAT-3DR and the recently launched INSAT-3DS satellites. These satellites provide imaging at a temporal resolution (refresh rate) of 15 minutes and spatial resolutions ranging from 1 km to 4 km. While this supports district-level forecasting, the Government is now working on the INSAT-4th Generation satellites to achieve block-level precision. The upcoming Advanced Meteorological Imager on INSAT-4G will offer a faster refresh rate of 5–10 minutes, allowing for the real-time tracking of rapidly developing weather events (such as flash floods) within specific districts. Satellite plays a very important role in detecting severe weather phenomenon through the seasons, such as (i) Fog, (ii) cyclones, (iii) thunderstorms, (iv) duststorms, (v) Heavy Rainfall, etc. Round-the-clock data is being received from INSAT-3DR/3DS geostationary and Oceansat-III Low-Earth orbiting satellites at Satellite Meteorology Division of IMD. Data are being sent to forecasters, Government agencies such as NCMRWF, IITM Pune, IMD 17.12.2025 161 website, etc. Apart from this, the data is also being regularly sent to GTS (Global Telecommunication System) and updated on the website. Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti is mandated to issue short-range flood forecasts with a lead time of up to 24 hours to concerned State Governments at identified locations. Timely flood forecasts are being issued when a certain threshold limit is reached. Further, the CWC is providing a Seven-day advisory flood forecast on its web portal https://aff.indiawater.gov.in/ for the same 350 stations through rainfall-based mathematical modeling. CWC takes immense steps and adopts various dissemination mechanisms to get maximum reach to the flood warnings produced, so that mitigation measures can be adopted by State Governments, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the public. The flood forecasts formulated by CWC are disseminated to all stakeholders through the Flood Forecasting Website (https://ffs.indiawater.gov.in/)/https://aff.india-water.gov.in/. FloodWatch India 2.0App/E-mail/Whatsapp/Facebook(CWCOfficial.FF)/X(Twitter- CWCOfficial_FF) , 'CWC Flood updates' (Youtube Channel), CAP Alert through NDMA Sachet portal. A total of 6274 CAP alerts were issued throughout the country and disseminated to stakeholders during Monsoon 2025. Recent improvement in the various components of the early warning system for various extreme weather events has definitely helped in reducing the loss of lives significantly. For example, around 7000 people had lost their lives 17.12.2025 162 in 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, while it has been reduced to less than 100 over the entire region from impact of tropical cyclones during recent years. Accurate forecast of 1 cyclone saves around 1100 crore rupees in terms of expenditure towards payment of ex-gratia to kins of dead, cost towards evacuation, and savings to various sectors, e.g., Power, Marine, Aviation, Railways, etc. As a result of these new initiatives, the overall skill of forecasting these severe weather events has improved by 30-40% over the last 10 years, from 2014 to 2024, resulting in a significant reduction in lives lost over the years. Suitable colour code is used to highlight the impact of the severe weather expected and signal disaster management about the course of action to be taken regarding an impending severe weather event. IMDs' Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) provides localized risk assessments for vulnerable populations in advance of extreme events, such as cyclones. IMD uses various digital platforms like Common Alert Protocol (CAP), Application Programming Interface (API), Website, Mobile Apps, social media etc. for timely sharing and dissemination of various data and warnings and bulletins across various user groups and directly to public. IMD has launched seven of its services (Current Weather, Nowcast, City Forecast, Rainfall Information, Tourism Forecast, Warnings, and Cyclone) with the 'UMANG' Mobile App for use by the public. Moreover, IMD developed a mobile App, 'MAUSAM' for weather forecasting, 'Meghdoot' for Agromet advisory dissemination, and 'Damini' for lightning alerts. A total of 9342 crore SMS have 17.12.2025 163 been sent since August 2021, and during the recent cyclone "MonTha", a total of 77.64 crore SMS were sent to people. (b) and (c): A number of steps have been undertaken by the Government to prevent or minimise the loss of life and property from major natural events such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, heatwaves, thunderstorms, etc. For improving the detection and prediction of these events at a more granular and temporal scale, there has been a quantum jump in the weather observational and modeling systems. To provide computational support for such high-resolution models and to enable them to run regularly in real-time, the computing facilities (Arunika and Arka) have also been substantially increased to integrate voluminous data and run mesoscale, regional, and global models at higher resolutions. Further, recently, a new Central Sector Scheme, "Mission Mausam", was launched by the MoES to make Bharat a "weather-ready and climate-smart" nation. Various steps have been taken to ensure effective dissemination of warnings to vulnerable populations. The recently launched Bharat Forecasting System (BharatFS) has been developed primarily to improve short- and medium-range weather predictions. IMD consistently issues timely alerts and forecasts to the public and concerned stakeholders across the country, including North Kerala. Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Kochi (by IMD) and Thiruvananthapuram (by ISRO) is already operational in Kerala. The region of North Kerala is also currently under the surveillance of the Doppler Weather Radar at Mangaluru in South Karnataka. 17.12.2025 164 IMD has also brought out a web-based "Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India" prepared for the thirteen most hazardous meteorological events, which cause extensive damage and economic, human, and animal losses. The same can be accessed at https://imdpune.gov.in/hazardatlas/abouthazard.html. The Climate Hazard & Vulnerability Atlas of India has helped State Government authorities and disaster‑management agencies identify hotspot districts and plan appropriate preventive and adaptive measures to tackle extreme weather events. India Meteorological Department (IMD), in coordination with other centres in the MoES, has developed an end-to-end GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS), which has been working as the front end of the early warning systems for the timely detection and monitoring of all-weather hazards across the country, including the States regularly affected by cyclones and other natural disasters. It is supported with specific severe weather modules to provide timely impact-based early warnings for extreme weather events like cyclones, heavy rainfall, etc., which devastate human lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. The system utilizes historical data, including extreme events, as well as real-time surface and upper-air meteorological observations available for the Indian region and its neighbouring areas. It also includes RADAR observations, available every 10 minutes, and satellite products every 15 minutes. It also uses numerical weather prediction products from a suite of models run in the MoES institutions. These include hyperlocal, regional, and global models. 17.12.2025 165 Further, IMD plays a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property through its advanced observational network and forecasting systems, enabling timely preparedness and response in close collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The entire system is integrated with modern telecommunication technologies to ensure the timely and effective dissemination of information. This coordinated approach ensures that accurate and timely weather information reaches authorities and the public, enhancing disaster risk reduction efforts across the country, including disaster-prone coastal communities. Currently, 47 DWRs are in operation across India, with 87% of the total area of the country coming under radar coverage, including North Kerala. In the coming years, DWRs will be installed as per the requirement to cover the remaining gap areas in the country, provide redundancy, and replacement of old radars in the DWR network under Mission Mausam of MoES. The Ministry is continuously working to strengthen observational capabilities and R&D infrastructure to achieve greater accuracy in weather forecasting. Further, the IMD has expanded its infrastructure for observations, data exchange, monitoring & analysis, forecasting, and warning services in the country, including disaster-prone coastal communities. DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERCONDUCTING QUBIT CHIPS *258. SHRIMATI LOVELY ANAND: Will the Minister of SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state: 17.12.2025 166 (a) whether the Government has initiated collaborative programmes with semiconductor R&D labs and quantum startups to develop superconducting qubit chips, silicon spin qubits and photonic quantum circuits in the country and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether any projects or outreach have been extended to institutions in Bihar and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether semi-cryogenic or dilution refrigeration labs have been commissioned with Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) or Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) to test sub-50 mK operational environments and if so, the details thereof; (d) the number of Indian patents or preprints filed in quantum error correction, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptography; and (e) whether a national quantum cloud infrastructure is being built and if any access is being provided to startups and MSMEs including those in Bihar for algorithm prototyping and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE DEPARTMENT OF SPACE (DR. JITENDRA SINGH): 17.12.2025 167 (a) to (e): Department of Science and Technology is implementing the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with an outlay of ₹6003.65 crore over a period of eight years. Under the Mission, four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) were established engaged in Technology Development, Human Resource Development, Entrepreneurship Development & Industry Collaboration, and International Collaborations. One of these T-Hubs is established in Quantum Computing at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Under this Hub, the following six Technical Groups are pursuing collaborative research programmes with semiconductor R&D laboratories, academic institutions, and quantum start-ups to advance superconducting qubit chips, silicon spin qubits, and photonic quantum circuits: S. No. Technical Group/Lead Institution Lead Institution Technology Domain 1. Design and Demonstration of a Highly Scalable Quantum Computer using Semiconducting Qubits IIT Delhi Semiconducting Qubits 2. Programmable photonic quantum computing using qubits encoded in different degrees of freedom of a photon IISc. Bengaluru Photonic Qubits 3. Photonics quantum processor development IISc. Bengaluru Integrated Photonic Quantum Processor 4. Quantum Computing with Neutral Atoms, Trapped Ions and Related Hybrid Systems Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru Neutral Atom Qubits 5. Development of a 50-qubit quantum information processor with electron spins in silicon IIT Bombay Spin Qubits 6. Quantum computers with super- conducting qubits Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai Superconducting Qubits In addition, three quantum start-ups are also being supported under the Mission in the area of Quantum Computing, including: 17.12.2025 168 I. QpiAI India Pvt. Ltd. – Development of a 64-qubit full-stack quantum computer using superconducting qubits. II. Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd. – Indigenous development of cryogenic flexible high-density I/O cables for quantum computers. III. Prenishq Pvt. Ltd. – High-precision diode laser systems for photonics-intensive quantum technologies. Four T-Hubs comprise of 14 Technical Groups and 17 Project Teams, bringing together 152 researchers from 43 institutions across 17 States and 2 Union Territories, including Bihar. Indian Institute of Technology Patna is a Member Institute in the Technical Group on-Quantum Computing with Neutral Atoms, Trapped Ions and Related Hybrid Systems- under the Quantum Computing T- Hub at IISc Bengaluru. One of the Technical Groups established in the area of superconducting qubits under the National Quantum Mission has initiated the establishment of dilution-refrigeration laboratories at TIFR Mumbai, IISc Bengaluru and TIFR Hyderabad. Procurement and installation activities are in progress, and these facilities are designed to support quantum-hardware testing in the 10–50 mK regime required for superconducting-qubit research. These efforts form an integral part of the Mission’s strategy to strengthen national capabilities in quantum-device prototyping, validation and pilot-scale experimentation. The Government, through the NQM, is actively supporting research and innovation in quantum error correction, quantum key distribution (QKD), and post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Two startups supported by DST—QuNu 17.12.2025 169 Labs and QpiAI—have made significant advancements in quantum technologies. QuNu Labs has developed a distinctive quantum security platform named Qshield. QpiAI has developed a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer called QpiAI Indus, which integrates advanced quantum processors and next-generation quantum–High Performance Computing (HPC) software platforms. Patents and preprints arising from these efforts are reflected within the broader national portfolio of quantum technologies. The Mission strengthens mechanisms for documenting and showcasing such outcomes as part of India’s growing quantum ecosystem. Under NQM, a national quantum-computing ecosystem is supported through the establishment of a Quantum Computing Fabrication Facility at IISc Bengaluru to support indigenous development of quantum-computing chips. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has developed an indigenous quantum simulator (QSim) and a unified quantum-computing platform (Qniverse), integrated with high-performance computing systems, which provide researchers, students, start-ups and MSMEs with access to quantum-algorithm prototyping across multiple hardware backends. These facilities are accessible nationwide, including to start-ups and MSMEs based in Bihar. हåरयाणा के खरकरम जी गांव म¤ रेलवे का हाÐट *259. ®ी सतपाल āĺचारी: 17.12.2025 170 ³या रेल मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) ³या सोनीपत-जéद रेल लाइन पर खरकरम जी गांव म¤ रेलवे हाÐट उपलÊध कराने का कोई ÿÖताव सरकार के िवचाराधीन है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) ³या Öथानीय जनÿितिनिधयŌ और úामीणŌ ने इस संबंध म¤ िलिखत मांग¤ और सव¥±ण åरपोटª ÿÖतुत कì ह§ और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) ³या सरकार ने उĉ Öथान पर यािýयŌ कì सं´या, भू-तकनीकì िÖथितयŌ और Óयवहायªता के संबंध म¤ कोई सव¥±ण कराया है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; और (घ) ³या सरकार का िवचार उĉ ±ेý के Öथानीय िनवािसयŌ को बेहतर पåरवहन सुिवधाएं ÿदान करने के िलए उĉ ÿÖताव को शीŅ Öवीकृित ÿदान करने और शीŅ ही िनमाªण कायª शुł कराने का है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है? रेल मंýी; सूचना और ÿसारण मंýी; तथा इले³ůॉिनकì और सूचना ÿौīोिगकì मंýी (®ी अिÔवनी वैÕणव): (क) से (घ): खरक रामजी गांव सोनीपत-जéद रेल लाइन पर दो नज़दीकì रेलवे ÖटेशनŌ- लिलत खेड़ा हाÐट (एलटीकेआर) और पांडु िपंडारा हाÐट (पीपीडीई) Ĭारा सेिवत है, जहां वतªमान म¤ दोनŌ ÖटेशनŌ पर तीन (03) जोड़ी रेलगािङयŌ का ठहराव है। Öटेशन खोलने कì ÿिøया यािýयŌ कì सं´या, लागत, आवतê Óयय, पåरचालिनक Óयवहायªता और िनकटतम ÖटेशनŌ कì दूरी आिद जैसे कई कारकŌ पर िनभªर करती है। संसद सदÖयŌ, िनवाªिचत ÿितिनिधयŌ, संगठनŌ/रेल उपयोगकताªओं आिद से रेलवे बोडª, ±ेýीय रेलŌ, मंडल कायाªलयŌ आिद सिहत िविभÆन ÖतरŌ पर, अÆय बातŌ के साथ- साथ, हाÐट Öटेशन खोलने के िलए औपचाåरक और अनौपचाåरक, दोनŌ ÿकार के ÿÖताव/ अनुरोध/सुझाव/अËयावेदन ÿाĮ होते ह§। चूंिक ऐसे ÿÖताव/अनुरोध/सुझाव/अËयावेदन ÿाĮ होना एक सतत और गितशील ÿिøया है, इनकì जांच कì जाती है और समय-समय पर 17.12.2025 171 Óयवहायª एवं उिचत पाए जाने पर कारªवाई कì जाती है तथा इन अËयावेदनŌ का कोई क¤þीकृत सार- संúह नहé रखा जाता है। OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY POTENTIAL IN KARNATAKA *260. CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA: Will the Minister of NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY be pleased to state: (a) whether any feasibility surveys or wind resource assessments have been conducted along the Karnataka coast, particularly in Dakshina Kannada district since 2020 to evaluate offshore wind potential and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; (b) whether any projects have been sanctioned or private developers shortlisted for setting up offshore wind farms off Dakshina Kannada district and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether any funds have been allocated for environment and geophysical impact studies, seabed bathymetry mapping and associated transmission infrastructure in the district and if so, the details of quantum of funds and utilization status thereof; and (d) whether there is a strategic plan for designating Dakshina Kannada district as a regional hub for offshore wind energy generation aligned with national targets towards the year 2032 and if so, the details of roadmap thereof? THE MINISTER OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION; AND MINISTER OF NEW AND RENEWABLE ENERGY (SHRI PRALHAD JOSHI): 17.12.2025 172 (a) to (d): National Institute of Wind Energy, an autonomous organisation under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has carried out the offshore wind power resource assessments to evaluate offshore wind potential in the country including the coast of Karnataka. Based on meso-scale study, potential offshore wind zones off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu have been identified. As per preliminary studies, it has been estimated that about 70 Giga Watt (GW) offshore wind power potential exists off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The offshore wind potential estimated based on meso-scale data indicates annual mean wind speeds of around 4.0–5.3 metre /second (m/s) at 150 metre above sea level (masl) along the Karnataka coast and around 4 m/s at 150 masl along Dakshina Kannada coast, which are below commercially viable levels (i.e. 7.5 m/s at 150 masl). The offshore wind implementation efforts are therefore concentrated on higher wind potential zones such as Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. ________ 17.12.2025 173 (ii) Unstarred Question Nos. 2761 to 2990 Öमाटª िहल टाउन 2761. ®ी िýवेÆþ िसंह रावत: ³या योजना मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) ³या सरकार इस तÃय से अवगत है िक िवकास, रोजगार के अवसरŌ और बुिनयादी सुिवधाओं के अभाव के कारण उ°राखंड के पवªतीय िजलŌ से लगातार पलायन हो रहा है और यिद हाँ, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) ³या सरकार ने हाल ही म¤ पवªतीय ±ेýŌ म¤ आधुिनक सुिवधाओं वाले नए शहर या “Öमाटª िहल टाउन” िवकिसत करने कì िकसी योजना को मंजूरी दी है और यिद हाँ, तो इसके ÿमुख घटकŌ और ÿÖतािवत ÖथानŌ सिहत तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) ³या पलायन को ÿभावी ढंग से रोकने के िलए इन नए शहरŌ म¤ ÖवाÖÃय, िश±ा, सड़क, पåरवहन, िडिजटल कनेि³टिवटी, पयªटन और Öथानीय रोजगार सृजन के िलए िवशेष ÿावधान िकए जा रहे ह§; और (घ) राºय सरकार के सहयोग से इन नए शहरŌ के िवकास के िलए िव°ीय आवंटन, कायाªÆवयन समय-सीमा और िनगरानी तंý के संबंध म¤ िकए गए ÿावधानŌ का Êयौरा ³या है? सांि´यकì और कायªøम कायाªÆवयन मंýालय के राºय मंýी; योजना मंýालय के राºय मंýी; तथा संÖकृित मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (राव इÆþजीत िसंह): (क): उ°राखÁड सरकार ने úामीण ±ेýŌ म¤ होने वाले तनावपूणª पलायन के मूल कारणŌ का अÅययन करने और तदनुसार पलायन को रोकने के िलए िसफाåरश¤ देने हेतु वषª 2017 म¤ úाÌय िवकास एवं पलायन रोकथाम आयोग कì Öथापना कì थी। आयोग कì åरपोटª के आधार पर उ°राखÁड राºय सरकार का úाÌय िवकास िवभाग 474 बाĻ-पलायन ÿभािवत गांवŌ के िलए मु´यमंýी पलायन रोकथाम योजना कायाªिÆवत कर रहा है। यह कायªøम ÿभािवत ±ेýŌ म¤ पलायन को रोकने और पलायन से वापसी को बढ़ावा देने के उĥेÔय से िविभÆन आजीिवका पहलŌ पर Åयान क¤िþत करता 17.12.2025 174 है। इसके अलावा, क¤þ सरकार के Öतर पर कनेि³टिवटी, अवसंरचना और रोजगार ±मता म¤ सुधार लाकर úामीण आबादी कì सामािजक-आिथªक िÖथित को बेहतर बनाने के िलए ÿधानमंýी úाम सडक योजना (पीएमजीएसवाई), ÿधानमंýी रोज़गार सृजन कायªøम (पीएमईजीपी), महाÂमा गांधी राÕůीय úामीण रोज़गार गारंटी Öकìम (एमजीएनआरईजीएस), दीनदयाल अंÂयोदय योजना – राÕůीय úामीण आजीिवका िमशन (डीएवाई-एनआरएलएम), दीन दयाल उपाÅयाय úामीण कौशÐय योजना (डीडीयू- जीकेवाई), úामीण Öवरोज़गार और ÿिश±ण संÖथान (आरएसईटीआई), दीनदयाल अंÂयोदय योजना – राÕůीय शहरी आजीिवका िमशन (डीएवाई-एनयूएलएम), पीएम Öůीट व¤डसª आÂमिनभªर िनिध (पीएम Öविनिध), Öट§ड-अप इंिडया Öकìम, Öटाटª अप इंिडया, ÿधानमंýी मुþा योजना (पीएमएमवाई) आिद जैसी कई योजनाएं कायाªिÆवत कì जा रही ह§। (ख) से (घ): नीित आयोग के तहत ऐसी कोई योजना कायाªिÆवत नहé कì जा रही है और न ही िवचाराधीन है। CHALLENGES IN SIGNING PPAS FOR RENEWABLE PROJECTS 2762. SHRI SHRIRANG APPA CHANDU BARNE:

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In debate Viksit Bharat Gurantee for Rojgar and Ajevika Mission (Gramin):VB-G RAM G Bill