कथन

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the total number of AC local services currently running on the Western, Central and Harbour lines of the Mumbai suburban network as on January 2026; (b) the percentage growth in daily ridership of AC locals during the last two years and the revenue contributed by this segment; (c) whether the Government is considering any further rationalisation of single- journey ticket fares to migrating more commuters from road to rail and if so, 11.02.2026 406 the details thereof; (d) the status of the proposal to introduce 'semi-AC' rakes with a mix of air- conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches to suit diverse commuter needs; and (e) the measures taken/being taken by the Government to improve the reliability and punctuality of AC local services during the monsoon season in the MMR region? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) to (e): To cater the needs of commuters, as on 01-02-2026, total 3,230 EMU local services (including AC services) are operated by Western Railway and Central Railway. Western Railway operates 1410 services which include 121 Air Conditioned services. Central Railway operates 1820 services (including 94 AC EMUs) of which 614 services (including 14 AC EMUs) are operated on the Harbour line. Ridership and Fare: The percentage increase in the number of passengers who travelled by AC-EMU trains in the suburban section of Central and Western Railway in 2024-25 is 30.44% w.r.t. 2023-24. Single journey basic fare of AC ordinary services running on suburban 11.02.2026 407 sections have already been decreased substantially by around 50% w.e.f. 05.05.2022. Capacity Augmentation works for Mumbai Sub-urban area: Presently, about 120 originating Mail/Express trains and about 3200 sub urban trains are handled daily in Mumbai area. To increase capacity and improve safety, several steps have been taken by Indian Railways as under: To increase train handling capacity at various stations in Mumbai area, following works have been completed/taken up/planned at various stations: SN Location Details 1 Bandra Terminus 3 Pit Lines have been completed 2 Mumbai Central Platform extension for 24 LHB coaches 3 Jogeshwari 2 additional Platforms 4 Dadar 1 additional platform 5 Vasai road 6 Platforms, 3 pit lines and 5 stabling lines 6 Panvel-Kalamboli 5 platforms, 4 pit lines and 2 sick lines 7 Kalyan 6 platforms and 4 pit lines 8 Lokmanya Tilak (T) 4 platforms and 2 pit lines 9 Parel 6 platforms, 5 pit lines, 6 stabling lines 10 Virar 25 stabling lines 11 Dahanu road 11 stabling lines 12 Mira road 25 stabling lines In addition to above, Platform extension work at 34 stations to 11.02.2026 408 accommodate 15 car EMUs have been taken up. To improve the capacity of rail network in Mumbai suburban area, Mumbai Urban Transport Project (MUTP)-II costing ₹8,087 crore, MUTP-III costing ₹10,947 crore and MUTP-IIIA costing ₹33,690 crore have been sanctioned. These projects include following works in Mumbai Suburban Area: SN Name of Project Cost (in Cr.) 1 CSMT-Kurla 5th & 6th line (MUTP-II) (17.5 km) 891 2 Mumbai Central-Borivali 6th line (MUTP-II) (30 km) 919 3 Extension of Harbour line from Goregaon-Borivali (MUTP- IIIA) (7 km) 826 4 Borivali-Virar 5th & 6th line (MUTP-IIIA) (26 km) 2,184 5 Virar-Dahanu Road 3rd & 4th line (MUTP-III) (64 km) 3,587 6 Panvel-Karjat Suburban Corridor (MUTP-III) (29.6 km) 2,782 7 Airoli-Kalwa (elevated) Suburban Corridor link (MUTP-III) (3.3 km) 476 8 Kalyan-Asangaon 4th line (MUTP-IIIA) (32 km) 1,759 9 Kalyan-Badlapur 3rd & 4th line (MUTP-IIIA) (14 km) 1,510 10 Kalyan-Kasara 3rd line (67 km) 793 11 Naigaon-Juichandra double chord line (6 km) 176 12 Nilaje-Kopar double chord line (5 km) 338 13 Kalyan Yard remodeling work 866 14 3rd and 4th line Badlapur - Karjat (32.5 km) 1324 15 4th line Asangaon - Kasara (35 km) 794 11.02.2026 409 To enhance passenger carrying capacity, 238 rakes of 12 cars each with doors have been sanctioned under MUTP-III & IIIA at a cost of ₹19,293 crore. The process for procurement of these rakes has been taken up. Besides, operation of AC EMU service is an ongoing process subject to operational feasibility, resource availability, traffic justification etc. In preparation of the upcoming monsoon, Zonal Railways take proactive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. In addition to routine drives, pre-monsoon drives are also launched wherein special emphasis is given to avoid water ingress in EMU/MEMU coaches. Accordingly, following measures are taken into consideration.  Cleaning of drains/culverts to ensure free flow of rain water.  Joint inspection of points and tracks circuits with special attention to avoid track circuit failures due to water logging.  Trimming of tree branches hanging near Railway tracks and overhead equipments to avoid obstruction and damage.  Co-ordination with other agencies to take corrective measures to prevent water logging on tracks and railway premises.  Ensure timely running of locals and avoid stranding of rakes. 11.02.2026 410 कमªचाåरयŌ के िलए सुर±ा उपाय 1905. डॉ. संिबत पाýा: ³या कोयला मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक: (क) कोयला मंýालय के अधीन सरकारी ±ेý के उपøमŌ (पीएसयू) म¤ कायªरत कमªचाåरयŌ के कÐयाण के िलए लागू सुर±ा उपायŌ का Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) ³या मंýालय ने इन उपøमŌ म¤ कायªरत किमªयŌ के िलए राÕůीय और अंतराªÕůीय सुर±ा मानकŌ के अनुपालन को सुिनिIJत करने हेतु कोई तंý िवकिसत िकया है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) हाल ही म¤ घोिषत ®म सुधारŌ के अंतगªत क¤þ सरकार Ĭारा जारी चार ®म संिहताओं के सफल कायाªÆवयन को सुिनिIJत करने हेतु मंýालय Ĭारा ³या उपाय िकए जा रहे ह§; और (घ) ³या इन उपøमŌ म¤ कायªरत किमªयŌ के कÐयाण और सुर±ा के िलए Öथािपत िशकायत िनवारण ÿणाली कì Óयापक समी±ा करने का कोई ÿÖताव िवचाराधीन है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है? कोयला मंýी; तथा खान मंýी (®ी जी. िकशन रेड्डी): (क) और (ख): सरकार ने Óयावसाियक सुर±ा, ÖवाÖÃय और कायª िÖथित (ओएसएच एंड डÊÐयूसी) संिहता, 2020 को अिधिनयिमत िकया है, जो िदनांक 21.11.2025 को लागू हòई। यह संिहता खान ®िमकŌ सिहत ®िमकŌ के ÖवाÖÃय, सुर±ा और कÐयाण कì र±ा के िलए कायª दशाओं और कायªÖथल के वातावरण को िविनयिमत करती है। इसके अलावा, कोयला खानŌ म¤ आधुिनकìकरण, मशीनीकरण, आपातकालीन ÿितिøया और िनकासी आवÔयकताओं को िविनिदªÕट करने के िलए कोयला खान िविनयम, 2017 के तहत कोयला ±ेý-िविशĶ सुर±ा िविनयमŌ को लागू िकया गया है। कोयला पीएसयू म¤ कायª करने वाले कािमªकŌ के 11.02.2026 411 िलए राÕůीय और अंतराªÕůीय सुर±ा मानकŌ का अनुपालन सुिनिIJत करने हेतु उपयुĉ कायªतंý मौजूद है, िजसम¤ िनÌनिलिखत शािमल ह§: 1. खतरे कì पहचान और जोिखम मूÐयांकन आधाåरत सुर±ा ÿबंधन योजना को अपनाना। 2. खनन ÿितķानŌ के िलए आईएसओ-45001 कì ÿÂयायन। 3. खनन मशीनरी म¤ आधुिनक सुर±ा िवशेषताओं का समावेश। 4. सुर±ा मापदंडŌ कì िनगरानी के िलए ÿौīोिगकì कारªवाई। (ग): िदनांक 21.11.2025 को ®म संिहता के अिधिनयमन के बाद से, ÿभावी कायाªÆवयन सुिनिIJत करने के िलए िनÌनिलिखत उपाय िकए गए ह§: 1. खानŌ, कायाªलयŌ, कॉलोिनयŌ, ल§प łम और क§टीनŌ म¤ Öट§डी, ह§डिबल, िडÖÈले बोडª, बैनर और सामúी के माÅयम से ®म और रोजगार मंýालय Ĭारा अनुमोिदत जागłकता अिभयान चलाया जा रहा है; 2. कमªचाåरयŌ के बीच जागłकता पैदा करने के िलए िडिजटल Èलेटफॉमª और सोशल मीिडया का Óयापक उपयोग; 3. अिधकतम ŀÔयता सुिनिIJत करने के िलए ÿवेश और िनकास ĬारŌ पर जागłकता बोडª और Öट§डी लगाना; 4. Óहाट्सएप और आंतåरक िडिजटल चैनलŌ के माÅयम से अंúेजी, िहंदी और ±ेýीय भाषाओं म¤ सरलीकृत संि±Į िववरणŌ का ÿसार; तथा 5. िशÉट बदलने वाले घंटŌ के दौरान ®िमकŌ के साथ ±ेý-Öतर के अिधकाåरयŌ Ĭारा बातचीत के माÅयम से अंितम छोर तक पहòंच बनाना। (घ): कोयला पीएसयू के पास एक सुÖथािपत और िøयाशील िशकायत िनवारण तंý है, जो कई ÈलेटफामŎ के माÅयम से काम कर रहा है, िजसका िववरण िनÌनानुसार है: 11.02.2026 412 क¤þीकृत लोक िशकायत िनवारण और िनगरानी ÿणाली (सीपीजीआरएएमएस): कÐयाणकारी सुिवधाओं और सेवा मामलŌ से संबंिधत िशकायत¤ सीपीजीआरएएमएस के माÅयम से दजª कì जाती ह§ और िनधाªåरत समय-सीमा के भीतर संबंिधत ÿभागŌ Ĭारा िनयिमत łप से इनकì िनगरानी और िनपटान िकया जाता है। ई-िनवारण पोटªल: कोल इंिडया िलिमटेड ने िवयोिजत हो चुके कमªचाåरयŌ और उनके आि®तŌ कì िशकायतŌ के िनवारण के िलए ई-िनवारण पोटªल लॉÆच िकया है। यह पोटªल एसएमएस और ईमेल के माÅयम से åरयल टाइम म¤ नजर रखने और िÖथित अīितत करने के साथ एक पारदशê, कुशल और समयबĦ िशकायत िनवारण तंý ÿदान करता है। ईमेल और हाडª कॉपी के माÅयम से अËयावेदन: आिधकाåरक ईमेल या हाडª कॉपी के माÅयम से ÿाĮ अËयावेदन को मौजूदा िनयमŌ और िदशािनद¥शŌ के अनुसार स±म ÿािधकारी Ĭारा िविधवत Öवीकृत, जांचा और िनपटाया जाता है। मौजूदा िशकायत िनवारण तंýŌ कì समय-समय पर समी±ा कì जाती है तािक इनकì ÿभावशीलता, पारदिशªता और जवाबदेही सुिनिIJत कì जा सके। DECLINE IN NUMBER OF TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDERS AND SAFEGUARDING CONSUMER INTERESTS 1906. SHRI DEEPENDER SINGH HOODA: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that the number of telecom service providers in the country has declined significantly to effectively just three major private operators at present; 11.02.2026 413 (b) if so, the reasons identified by the Government for the substantial reduction in the number of telecom companies over the years; (c) whether the Government has taken note of concerns regarding reduced competition in the telecom sector and the possibility of monopolistic or duopolistic market tendencies; (d) whether the Government is taking or proposes to take any measures to promote healthy competition and encourage more players to enter the telecom sector and if so, the details thereof; and (e) whether the Government has taken cognisance of the fact that fewer market players may be taking advantage of rising tariffs and if so, the steps being taken to safeguard consumer interests and ensure affordable and quality telecom services? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (DR. CHANDRA SEKHAR PEMMASANI): (a) to (c): In the mobile services market, most comparable economies generally have 3 to 4 service providers. In India, there are also three private sector Telecom Service Providers and one public sector Telecom Service Provider offering mobile services. (d): Government has taken measures to promote healthy competition and encourage more players to enter the telecom sector. These initiatives, inter-alia, 11.02.2026 414 include the following  Rationalization of Definition of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).  Rationalization of Interest rates and removal of Penalties for delayed payments of License Fee (LF).  Rationalization of Bank Guarantee requirements under the license agreement.  Removal of levy of Spectrum Usage Charges on the spectrum acquired in auctions held after September 2021.  Provision for payment of Spectrum in 20 equal annual instalments for auctions held after September 2021.  To encourage investment, 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) under automatic route permitted in Telecom Sector with applicable safeguards. (e) : As per the existing regulatory framework, tariff including rates and related conditions for telecommunication services is under forbearance except for national roaming, rural fixed line services and leased circuits, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD). It may also be noted that the Indian telecom tariffs are amongst the lowest in the world. 11.02.2026 415 BHARATIYA ANTARIKSH STATION 1907. SHRI KALYAN BANERJEE: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government proposes to setup Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) as a platform for microgravity research and scientific studies in various fields including life sciences and medicines; (b) if so, the present status and the manner in which it will help the human space flight and life support research process thereof; and (c) the details of the module of finance for setting up such station and the foreign technical collaboration 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): (a): Yes. As part of the Space Vision 2047, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aims to establish Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). BAS will provide a platform to undertake microgravity research and scientific studies in various fields including life sciences and medicine. 11.02.2026 416 (b): ISRO has worked out overall configuration of Bharatiya Antariksh Station comprising of five modules. The overall configuration has been reviewed by the National Level Review Committee. In September,2024, Union Cabinet approved development and launch of first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-01) by 2028 as part of revision in scope of Gaganyaan Programme. Overall system engineering of BAS-01 module and technology development activities of various subsystems are progressing in ISRO Centres/Units. BAS with its technology elements such as advanced life support systems will enable long duration human habitation in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). This will allow undertaking advanced scientific research and technology demonstration activities with potential socio-economic impact in LEO as well as support further Indian human space exploration missions beyond LEO. (c): The budgetary allocation towards various precursor missions, development and launch of BAS-1 are included in the revised scope of Gaganyaan Programme, which has been enhanced with an additional funding in the already approved Gaganyaan Programme to ₹20,193 Cr. based on approval from Union Cabinet in September,2024. Currently, there are no specific technical collaboration agreements with other space agencies or organisation for BAS. úामीण डाक सेवक 1908. ®ी बाबू िसंह कुशवाहा : 11.02.2026 417 ®ी नीरज मौयª : ³या संचार मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक : (क) ³या उ°र ÿदेश म¤ हजारŌ úामीण डाक सेवक (úामीण डाक कमªचारी) कमलेश चंþ सिमित कì िसफाåरशŌ के पूणª कायाªÆवयन और िवभागीय कमªचारी का दजाª ÿाĮ करने कì मांग कर रहे ह§, और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) ³या úामीण ±ेýŌ म¤ ‘दपªण’ उपकरणŌ कì तकनीकì खािमयां और नेटवकª कì समÖयाएं ब§िकंग और बीमा सेवाओं के ÿदशªन म¤ गंभीर łप से बाधा डाल रही ह§ और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) उ°र ÿदेश म¤ उन डाक कमªचाåरयŌ कì सं´या िकतनी है िजÆहŌने गत दो वषŎ के दौरान िडिजटल सा±रता और भारतीय डाक भुगतान ब§क सेवाओं म¤ िवशेष ÿिश±ण ÿाĮ िकया है; और (घ) ³या सरकार का डाक कमªचाåरयŌ के कायª घंटŌ म¤ संशोधन करने और उÆह¤ िवभागीय कमªचाåरयŌ के समान सामािजक सुर±ा लाभ, जैसे िक उपदान और िचिकÂसा सुिवधाएं ÿदान करने का इरादा है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है? úामीण िवकास मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी; तथा संचार मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी (डॉ. चंþ शेखर पेÌमासानी): (क): कमलेश चंþ सिमित का गठन वषª 2016 म¤ िकया गया था। इस सिमित Ĭारा úामीण डाक सेवक (जीडीएस) कािमªकŌ (उ°र ÿदेश सकªल म¤ कायª कर रहे जीडीएस कािमªकŌ सिहत) के वेतन और सेवा शतŎ से संबंिधत िविभÆन पहलुओं कì जांच कì गई और इसके Ĭारा 40 ÿमुख िसफाåरश¤ कì गई थी। डाक िवभाग ने इन िसफाåरशŌ म¤ से अिधकतर को Öवीकार कर िलया है और उÆह¤ कायाªिÆवत िकया है, जबिक कुछ को उिचत िवचार-िवमशª करने के उपरांत Öवीकार नहé िकया गया। समय-समय पर जीडीएस कािमªक, िजनम¤ उ°र ÿदेश सकª ल के जीडीएस कािमªक भी शािमल ह§, से कुछ अËयावेदन 11.02.2026 418 ÿाĮ होते रहते ह§, िजनके माÅयम से कमलेश चंþ सिमित कì सभी िसफाåरशŌ को पूणª łप से कायाªिÆवत करने और उÆह¤ िवभागीय कमªचारी का दजाª ÿदान करने कì मांग कì जाती है। (ख): डाक िवभाग, úामीण ±ेýŌ म¤ दपªण उपकरणŌ (वतªमान म¤ űीम एिÈलकेशन के नाम से जाना जाता है) और नेटवकª कनेि³टिवटी कì िनरंतर िनगरानी करता है। हालांिक दूर-दराज के ±ेýŌ म¤ कभी-कभी तकनीकì या कनेि³टिवटी संबंधी समÖयाएं उÂपÆन हो सकती ह§, परंतु इनका तÂकाल समाधान िकया जाता है और इनसे ब§िकंग एवं बीमा सेवाओं संबंधी कायª-िनÕपादन म¤ कोई गंभीर बाधा नहé आती है। (ग): जीडीएस कािमªकŌ के िनयोजन के िलए कंÈयूटर का ²ान एक अिनवायª आवÔयकता है। उनके िनयोजन के समय डाक संबंधी एिÈलकेशनŌ, िजनम¤ दपªण (űीम एÈलीकेशन) भी शािमल है, के ÿयोग का बुिनयादी ÿिश±ण ÿदान िकया जाता है। इसके अितåरĉ, िवभाग डाक कमªयोगी ऑनलाइन लिन«ग Èलेटफॉमª, िजसम¤ िडिजटल सा±रता पर पाठ्यøम शािमल ह§, के माÅयम से ±मता िनमाªण को िनरंतर ÿोÂसािहत करता है। िवगत दो वषŎ के दौरान, उ°र ÿदेश म¤ 12372 डाक कमªचाåरयŌ को इंिडया पोÖट पेम¤ट्स ब§क Ĭारा संचािलत कायªøमŌ के माÅयम से भी ÿिशि±त िकया गया है। (घ): जीडीएस कािमªक एक िदन म¤ 4-5 घंटŌ के िलए अंशकािलक आधार पर िनयोिजत िकए जाते ह§ और िनयिमत िवभागीय कमªचाåरयŌ पर लागू िनयमŌ से िभÆन िनयमावली के अधीन शािसत होते ह§। तदनुसार, उनकì सेवा शत¦ और सामािजक सुर±ा लाभ भी िभÆन होते ह§। जीडीएस कािमªकŌ को जीडीएस úे¸युटी, पृथ³करण रािश, सेवा कायªमुिĉ लाभ योजना और जीडीएस समूह बीमा योजना जैसी योजनाओं के अंतगªत कवर िकया जाता है, िजनकì समय-समय पर समी±ा कì जाती है। वतªमान म¤, उनके कायª घंटŌ म¤ संशोधन करने अथवा िनयिमत िवभागीय कमªचाåरयŌ के समान सामािजक सुर±ा और िचिकÂसा िहतलाभ ÿदान करने संबंधी कोई ÿÖताव नहé है। 11.02.2026 419 KAVACH AND OTHER RAILWAY SAFETY AND SECURITY SYSTEMS 1909. THIRU DR. S. JAGATHRATCHAKAN: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the details regarding the percentage of the railway network currently covered under the KAVACH system and the plans to expand its coverage to all zones, specifically in Tamil Nadu; (b) the details on other security and safety technologies deployed/being deployed alongside KAVACH to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety; (c) the details regarding the impact of these systems in terms of accident prevention and response along with data/case studies that highlight their effectiveness; (d) the details of budget allocations made in the current and upcoming financial years to support the rollout and maintenance of KAVACH and other critical railway safety technologies; and (e) whether there are any challenges/delays in the deployment of these systems and if so, the measures taken/being taken by the Government to address them to ensure comprehensive safety across the rail network? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) to (e): Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a 11.02.2026 420 consequence of various safety measures taken over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents. Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the table below:- Year Consequential Accidents 2014-15 135 2025-26 (upto 31.01.2026) 12 (90% lesser) Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accidents Index, the details of which are as under:- Consequential Accident Index:- Year Accident Index 2014-15 0.11 2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser) This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running Kilometers of all trains. Accident Index = No. of consequential accidents No. of trains X million kilometers run 11.02.2026 421 The various safety measures taken to enhance safety in train operations are as under:- 1. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as under:- Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) 2013-14 2022-23 2023-24 2024-25 2025-26 39,200 87,336 1,01,662 1,14,022 1,17,693 2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,660 stations up to 31.12.2025 to reduce 234 165 135 55 31 12 2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26 (upto Jan) No. of Consequential Train Accidents 11.02.2026 422 accidents due to human failure. 3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,097 Level Crossing Gates up to 31.12.2025 for enhancing safety at LC Gates. 4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,665 stations up to 31.12.2025. 5. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued. 6. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized. 7. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots. 8. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather. 9. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc. 10. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers 11.02.2026 423 with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals. 11. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors. 12. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety. 13. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails. 14. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt Welding. 15. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars). 16. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures. 17. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works. 18. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. 19. Web based online monitoring system of track assets viz. Track database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs. 11.02.2026 424 20. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued. 21. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations. 22. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done. 23. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019. 24. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon the conditions assessed during these inspections. 25. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to educate and alert passengers regarding various Do’s and Don’ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties etc. 26. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in newly manufactured Power Cars and Pantry Cars, Fire and Smoke detection system in newly manufactured coaches. Progressive fitment of the same in 11.02.2026 425 existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner. 27. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken. 28. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work of integrated maintenance/ repair/replacement of assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan. The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:- S.N. Item 2004-05 to 2013-14 2014-15 to 2024-25 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14 Technological Improvements 1. Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km) 57,450 Km 1.43 Lakh Km More than 2 times 2. Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km) 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly 8 times 3. Electronic Interlocking (Stations) 837 Stations 3,691 Stations More than 4 times 4. Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.) As on 31.03.14: 90 Nos. As on 31.03.25: 25,939 Nos. 288 times 5. Thick Web Switches (Nos.) Nil 28,301 Nos. Better Maintenance Practices 1. Primary Rail Renewal (Track Km) 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times 11.02.2026 426 Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock 1. New Track KM added (Track Km) 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than 2 times 2. Flyovers (RoBs)/Underpasses (RUBs) (Nos.) 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than 3 times 3. Unmanned Level crossings (Nos.) on BG As on 31.03.14: 8,948 As on 31.03.24:Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) Removed 4. Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.) 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than 18 times Implementation of Kavach: i. Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4). ii. Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of trains within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather. 2. USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.) 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than 2 times 3. Weld failures (Nos.) In 2013-14: 3699 Nos. In 2024-25: 370 Nos. 90 % reduction 4. Rail fractures (Nos.) In 2013-14: 2548 Nos. In 2024-25: 289 Nos. More than 88% reduction 11.02.2026 427 iii. The first field trials on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach Ver 3.2. iv. Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July, 2020. v. Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities: a. Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section. b. Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length. c. Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section. d. Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track. e. Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways. vi. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and experience gained, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024. vii. Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, IR has developed, tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System. viii. Major improvement in Version 4.0 includes increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yards, Station to Station 11.02.2026 428 Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Ver.4.0. is planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways. ix. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on 1297 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi - Mumbai and Delhi – Howrah routes. On the Delhi – Mumbai route Kavach ver 4.0 has been commissioned on Junction cabin – Palwal – Mathura – Nagda section (667 Rkm) & Ahmedabad – Vadodara – Virar section (432 Rkm) and on the Delhi – Howrah route on Gaya – Saramatanr (93 Rkm) and Bardhaman - Howrah section (105 Rkm). x. Further, track side Kavach implementation work has been taken up on 23,360 RKM covering all GQ, GD, HDN and identified sections of Indian Railways. xi. These sections mentioned above also pass through state of Tamil Nadu. xii. Progress of key items of Kavach on High density routes including Delhi– Mumbai & Delhi– Howrah corridors are as under: S N Item Progress i Laying of Optical Fibre Cable 8570 Km ii Installation of Telecom Towers 938 nos iii Station Data Centre 767 station iv Installation of Track side equipment 5672 RKm v Provision of Kavach in Loco 4154 11.02.2026 429 xiii. Tender has been finalised for equipping 6,300 Electric Locomotives with Kavach version 4.0 and another tender for equipping 2,679 Diesel Locomotives is under finalisation. xiv. Specialized training programmes on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials. By now more than 48,000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. This includes about 45,000 Loco Pilots & Assistant Loco Pilots. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET. xv. The cost for provision of Track Side including Station equipment of Kavach is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs/Km and cost for provision of Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs. 80 Lakh/Loco. xvi. The funds utilized on Kavach works so far up to Dec'25 is Rs. 2,573.36 Crores. The allocation of funds during the year 2025-26 is Rs. 1673.19 Crores. Requisite funds are made available as per the progress of works. PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PAYYANANGADI POST OFFICE IN TIRUR AND TANUR NAGARAM BRANCH POST OFFICE, KERALA 1910. DR. M. P. ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI: Will the Minister of COMMUNICATIONS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware of the reported proposal to close the 11.02.2026 430 Payyanangadi Post Office functioning under the Tirur Postal Division and Tanur Nagaram Branch Post Office in Malappuram district of Kerala; (b) if so, the reasons therefor, particularly in view of the fact that the said post office is a long standing and highly active public utility serving a densely populated area; (c) whether the existence of a Head Post Office within a three-kilometre radius is the sole criterion being relied upon for such closure and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether the Government proposes to review the applicability of such distance-based norms in densely populated States like Kerala and if so, the details thereof; and (e) the steps taken or proposed to be taken to ensure continuity of essential postal services to senior citizens, small traders and other dependent sections in the area? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS (DR. CHANDRA SEKHAR PEMMASANI): (a): There is no post office in Tirur Postal Division having the name of Payyanangadi Post office. Since Tanur Nagaram Non-Delivery Branch Post Office was not fulfilling the prescribed departmental norms, it has been merged with Tanur MBR Sub Post Office. 11.02.2026 431 (b): Tanur Nagaram Non-Delivery Branch Post Office is situated at a distance of only 750 metres from Tanur MBR Sub Post Office. Moreover, all facilities available at Tanur Nagaram Non-Delivery Branch Post Office are also available at Tanur MBR Sub Post Office. (c): Population, Distance and Income Norms exist in this regard. As such, distance is not the sole criterion for rationalization of Post Offices. (d): No, Sir. There is no such proposal to review. (e): Melas and Special drives are conducted for popularizing various products and services of India Post. The Department of Posts has been providing all essential postal services including mail delivery services as well as financial inclusion services through its extensive network of post offices and the same shall remain continued across the country to ensure continuity of essential postal services to senior citizens, small traders, and other dependent sections in the area. RAILWAY SAFETY AND GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL 1911. SUSHRI KANGNA RANAUT: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the number of passenger safety-related complaints registered during the last three years through social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) the IRCTC e-Query and grievance redressal platforms and out of these the 11.02.2026 432 number of complaints resolved within 12 hours; (b) the schedule and scope of regular track maintenance, safety audits, and infrastructure inspections conducted on the Eastern Coast Railway network especially in Odisha and West Bengal; (c) whether any deficiencies have been flagged in recent years and if so, the details thereof; (d) whether infrastructure bottlenecks and overcrowding have been reviewed and if so, the details thereof; and (e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to enhance safety and punctuality on busy routes? THE MINISTER OF RAILWAYS; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW): (a) to (e): RailMadad is Indian Railways grievance redressal mechanism that provides passengers an integrated platform for grievances, assistance and inquiry. In RailMadad, passengers can seek redressal through multiple channels such as Helpline number-139, RailMadad Web, App and SMS. RailMadad also allows passengers to share feedback on the resolution of their grievances. Safety is accorded the highest priority on Indian Railways. As a consequence of various safety measures taken over the years, there has been a steep decline in the number of accidents on Indian Railways. 11.02.2026 433 No. of consequential accidents No. of trains X million kilometers run Number of Consequential Train Accidents has reduced as shown in the table below:- Year Consequential Accidents 2014-15 135 2025-26 (Till date) 12 (90% lesser) Another important index showing improvement in safety in train operations is Consequential Accidents Index, the details of which are as under:- Consequential Accident Index:- Year Accident Index 2014-15 0.11 2024-25 0.03 (73% lesser) This index measures number of consequential accidents as a ratio of total running kilometers of all trains. Accident Index = 11.02.2026 434 The various safety measures taken to enhance safety in train operations are as under:- 2. On Indian Railways, the expenditure on Safety related activities has increased over the years as under:- 2. Expenditure/Budget on Safety related activities (Rs. in Cr.) 3. 2013-14 4. 2022-23 5. 2023-24 6. 2024-25 7. 2025-26 8. 39,200 9. 87,336 10. 1,01,662 11. 1,14,022 12. 1,17,693 2. Electrical/Electronic Interlocking Systems with centralized operation of points and signals have been provided at 6,660 stations up to 31.12.2025 to reduce accidents due to human failure. 3. Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates has been provided at 10,097 Level Crossing Gates up to 31.12.2025 for enhancing safety at LC Gates. 234 165 135 55 31 12 2005-06 2009-10 2014-15 2019-20 2024-25 2025-26 (upto Jan 2026) No. of Consequential Train Accidents 11.02.2026 435 4. Complete Track Circuiting of stations to enhance safety by verification of track occupancy by electrical means has been provided at 6,665 stations up to 31.12.2025. 5. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order. Kavach was adopted as a National ATP system in July 2020. Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on South Central Railway and experience gained, further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024. 6. After extensive and elaborate trials, Kavach Version 4.0 has been successfully commissioned on 1297 Route Kilometres, covering the high density Delhi - Mumbai and Delhi - Howrah routes. On the Delhi - Mumbai route Kavach ver 4.0 has been commissioned on Junction cabin - Palwal - Mathura - Nagda section (667 Rkm) & Ahmedabad - Vadodara - Virar section (432 Rkm) and on the Delhi - Howrah route on Gaya – Sarmatanr (93 Rkm) and Bardhaman - Howrah section (105 Rkm). 7. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Signalling, e.g. mandatory correspondence check, alteration work protocol, preparation of completion drawing, etc. have been issued. 8. System of disconnection and reconnection for S&T equipment as per protocol has been re-emphasized. 11.02.2026 436 9. All locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Devices (VCD) to improve alertness of Loco Pilots. 10. Retro-reflective sigma boards are provided on the mast which is located two OHE masts prior to the signals in electrified territories to alert the crew about the signal ahead when visibility is low due to foggy weather. 11. A GPS based Fog Safety Device (FSD) is provided to loco pilots in fog affected areas which enables loco pilots to know the distance of the approaching landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, etc. 12. Modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Prestressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with elastic fastening, fan shaped layout turnout on PSC sleepers, Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges is used while carrying out primary track renewals. 13. Mechanisation of track laying activity through use of track machines like PQRS, TRT, T-28 etc. to reduce human errors. 14. Maximizing supply of 130m/260m long rail panels for increasing progress of rail renewal and avoiding welding of joints, thereby improving safety. 15. Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails. 16. Laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Alumino Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e., Flash Butt Welding. 11.02.2026 437 17. Monitoring of track geometry by OMS (Oscillation Monitoring System) and TRC (Track Recording Cars). 18. Patrolling of railway tracks to look out for weld/rail fractures. 19. The use of Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossing in turnout renewal works. 20. Inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices. 21. Web based online monitoring system of track assets viz. Track database and decision support system has been adopted to decide rationalized maintenance requirement and optimize inputs. 22. Detailed instructions on issues related with safety of Track, e.g. integrated block, corridor block, worksite safety, monsoon precautions, etc. have been issued. 23. Preventive maintenance of railway assets (Coaches & Wagons) is undertaken to ensure safe train operations. 24. Replacement of conventional ICF design coaches with LHB design coaches is being done. 25. All unmanned level crossings (UMLCs) on Broad Gauge (BG) route have been eliminated by January 2019. 26. Safety of Railway Bridges is ensured through regular inspection of Bridges. The requirement of repair/rehabilitation of Bridges is taken up based upon 11.02.2026 438 the conditions assessed during these inspections. 27. Indian Railways has displayed Statutory “Fire Notices” for widespread passenger information in all coaches. Fire posters are provided in every coach so as to educate and alert passengers regarding various Do’s and Don’ts to prevent fire. These include messages regarding not carrying any inflammable material, explosives, prohibition of smoking inside the coaches, penalties etc. 28. Production Units are providing Fire detection and suppression system in newly manufactured Power Cars and Pantry Cars, Fire and Smoke detection system in newly manufactured coaches. Progressive fitment of the same in existing coaches is also underway by Zonal Railways in a phased manner. 29. Regular counselling and training of staff is undertaken. 30. Concept of Rolling Block introduced in Indian Railways (Open Lines) General Rules vide Gazette notification dated 30.11.2023, wherein work of integrated maintenance/ repair/replacement of assets is planned up to 52 weeks in advance on rolling basis and executed as per plan. The details of the Safety related works related to better maintenance practices, Technological improvements, better infrastructure and rolling stock etc. undertaken by Railways are tabulated below:- 11.02.2026 439 S.N. Item 2004-05 to 2013-14 2014-15 to 2024-25 2014-25 Vs. 2004-14 Technological Improvements 1. Use of high-quality rails (60 Kg) (Km) 57,450 Km 1.43 Lakh Km More than 2 times 2. Longer Rail Panels (260m) (Km) 9,917 Km 77,522 Km Nearly 8 times 3. Electronic Interlocking (Stations) 837 Stations 3,691 Stations More than 4 times 4. Fog Pass Safety Devices (Nos.) As on 31.03.14: 90 Nos. As on 31.03.25: 25,939 Nos. 288 times 5. Thick Web Switches (Nos.) Nil 28,301 Nos. Better Maintenance Practices 1. Primary Rail Renewal (Track Km) 32,260 Km 49,941 Km 1.5 times 2. USFD (Ultra Sonic Flaw detection) Testing of Welds (Nos.) 79.43 Lakh 2 Crore More than 2 times 3. Weld failures (Nos.) In 2013- 14: 3699 Nos. In 2024-25: 370 Nos. 90 % reduction 4. Rail fractures (Nos.) In 2013- 14: 2548 Nos. In 2024-25: 289 Nos. More than 88% reduction Better Infrastructure and Rolling Stock 1. New Track KM added (Track Km) 14,985 Km 34,428 Km More than 2 times 11.02.2026 440 2. Flyovers (RoBs)/Underpasses (RUBs) (Nos.) 4,148 Nos. 13,808 Nos. More than 3 times 3. Unmanned Level crossings (Nos.) on BG As on 31.03.14: 8,948 As on 31.03.24:Nil (All eliminated by 31.01.19) Removed 4. Manufacture of LHB Coaches (Nos.) 2,337 Nos. 42,677 More than 18 times Indian Railways makes all possible efforts to run trains on time. However, several factors affect punctual running of trains which include path constraints, asset maintenance, alarm chain pulling, agitations, cattle run over, bad/foggy weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Based on assessments of factors impeding the punctual running of trains, remedial measures, both short term and long term, are initiated. High priority is accorded to making resources available for speedy execution of critical capacity augmentation as these on completion inter-alia facilitate improved efficiency and reliability in train operations. The punctuality of Mail/Express trains on Indian Railways during 2025-26 (till January, 2026) is about 78%. PRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY 1912. SHRI BIPLAB KUMAR DEB: Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:- 11.02.2026 441 (a) the details and current status of nuclear energy production in the country along with the nuclear energy produced during the last five years, year-wise; and (b) the details of specific measures undertaken by the Government for achieving the 100 GW nuclear power capacity target by 2047? 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) in commercial operation in the country with a total capacity of 8,780 MW. Details of commercial nuclear energy produced during last five years as below: Year Electricity Generation (Million Units) 2024-2025 56681 2023-2024 47971 2022-2023 45855 2021-2022 47112 2020-2021 43029 11.02.2026 442 (b): The Government has announced a Nuclear Energy Mission to reach a capacity of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047 and formulated a roadmap for the same. The Government has also enacted the SHANTI Act to enable wider participation of private sector in nuclear power towards the accomplishment of the Nuclear energy Mission. परमाणु ऊजाª संयंý 1913. ®ी राजेश रंजन ³या ÿधान मंýी यह बताने कì कृपा कर¤गे िक :- (क) आज कì ितिथ के अनुसार कायªशील परमाणु ऊजाª संयंýŌ कì कुल सं´या िकतनी है और उनकì कुल संÖथािपत ±मता का Êयौरा ³या है; (ख) वषª 2030 से 2047 तक परमाणु ऊजाª उÂपादन बढ़ाने के िलए सरकार कì łपरेखा का Êयौरा ³या है; (ग) ³या भारत ने थोåरयम आधाåरत परमाणु ऊजाª के Óयवसायीकरण के संबंध म¤ कोई महÂवपूणª ÿगित कì है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है; और (घ) ³या सरकार का देश के िपछड़े ±ेýŌ जैसे िबहार और पूवê भारत म¤ परमाणु अनुसंधान या ÿिश±ण संÖथान Öथािपत करने का ÿÖताव है और यिद हां, तो तÂसंबंधी Êयौरा ³या है? िव²ान और ÿौīोिगकì मंýालय के राºय मंýी; पृÃवी िव²ान मंýालय के राºय मंýी; ÿधानमंýी कायाªलय म¤ राºय मंýी; कािमªक, लोक िशकायत और प¤शन मंýालय म¤ राºय मंýी; परमाणु ऊजाª िवभाग म¤ राºय मंýी; तथा अंतåर± िवभाग म¤ राºय मंýी (डॉ. िजत¤þ िसंह): (क): वतªमान म¤, देश म¤ कुल 8,780 मेगावाट कì ±मता के 24 नािभकìय िवīुत ऊजाª संयंý 11.02.2026 443 (आरएपीएस-1 को छोड़कर) वािणिºयक łप से ÿचालनरत ह§। (ख): सरकार ने नािभकìय ऊजाª िमशन के अंतगªत कì गई घोषणा के अनुसार वषª 2047 तक 100 गीगावाट नािभकìय िवīुत ±मता का लàय ÿाĮ करने के िलए एक कायªयोजना तैयार कì है। कायªयोजना के अनुसार, वतªमान म¤ कायाªÆवयन के िविभÆन चरणŌ म¤ चल रही पåरयोजनाओं के øिमक पूणª होने पर वतªमान 8.78 गीगावाट (आरएपीएस-1 को छोड़कर) नािभकìय िवīुत ±मता के वषª 2031-32 तक लगभग 22 गीगावाट तक पहòंचने कì आशा है। एनपीसीआईएल Ĭारा वषª 2032 के बाद अितåरĉ 32 गीगावाट नािभकìय िवīुत ±मता Öथािपत करने कì पåरकÐपना कì गई है। इसम¤ Öवदेशी दािबत भारी पानी åरए³टर (पीएचडÊÐयूआर) और साधारण जल åरए³टर (एलडÊÐयूआर) शािमल ह§, िजनसे वषª 2047 तक ±मता बढ़कर लगभग 54 गीगावाट हो जाएगी। कायªयोजना के अनुसार, शेष 46 गीगावाट िवīुत ±मता अÆय सावªजिनक ±ेý के उīमŌ (केÆþीय और राºय), राºय सरकारŌ, िनजी ±ेý और संयुĉ उīमŌ Ĭारा िविभÆन Óयावसाियक मॉडलŌ म¤ Öथािपत िकए जाने कì आशा है, इसम¤ िविभÆन ÿौīोिगिकयŌ के åरए³टर शािमल ह§। भािविन वतªमान म¤ कÐपा³कम, तिमलनाडु म¤ 500 मेगावाट ÿोटोटाइप þुत ÿजनक åरए³टर (पीएफबीआर) पåरयोजना का कमीशनन कर रहा है। सरकार ने कÐपा³कम, तिमलनाडु म¤ एफबीआर 1 व 2 पåरयोजना कì 2 x 500 मेगावाट कì िĬ-यूिनट के िलए पूवª-पåरयोजना गितिविधयाँ संचािलत करने के िलए अनुमोदन ÿदान कर िदया है। पीएफबीआर कì ÿथम øांितकता ÿाĮ करने के उपरांत, एफबीआर 1 व 2 पåरयोजनाओं के िलए िव°ीय Öवीकृित के िलए सरकार से संपकª िकया जाएगा। (ग): परमाणु ऊजाª िवभाग एक छोटे ÿदशªन गिलत लवण åरए³टर का िवकास कायª कर रही है िजसका उĥेÔय थोåरयम के कुशल उपयोग के िलए आवÔयक ÿौīोिगिकयŌ का ÿदशªन करना है। गिलत लवण ÿदशªन åरए³टर के िलए िवशेष सामिúयŌ के िवकास और योμयता, गिलत Éलोराइड लवण रसायन िव²ान, घटक िवकास पर अनुसंधान एवं िवकास कायª ÿगित पर है। इस ÿदशªन 11.02.2026 444 åरए³टर का सफल ÿचालन होने पर, इसी ÿकार के उ¸च ±मता वाले åरए³टर का वािणिºयक ÿचालन िकया जाएगा। (घ): आंň ÿदेश के वैज़ाग म¤ एक नािभकìय अनुसंधान और िवकास क¤þ Öथािपत िकया जा रहा है। STRENGTHEN STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS TO REDUCE FOOD LOSS AND WASTE 1914. SHRI VE. VAITHILINGAM: Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has taken steps to strengthen storage and distribution systems to reduce food loss and waste, given that post-harvest losses cost India nearly 1.5 trillion annually and affect staples such as paddy and wheat as well as perishables; (b) if so, the details of initiatives supported for modern warehousing, moisture proof silos, cold chain expansion, surplus food redistribution to food banks and community kitchens and consumer awareness campaigns to promote mindful consumption and reduce wastage at the household level; and (c) whether the Government proposes to expand coordination with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, State Governments/UTs including Puducherry and civil society organisations to ensure efficient distribution, strengthen circular economy models and 11.02.2026 445 achieve measurable outcomes in terms of reduced food waste and improved national food security? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA): (a) and (b): The Government has taken following measures to strengthen storage and distribution systems resulting reduce food loss and waste:- PEG Scheme - Under the PEG Scheme, construction of conventional godowns has been undertaken in 24 States by attracting private investment. PEG Scheme was initiated in 2008. A capacity of 148.61 lakh MT has been completed as on 31.12.2025. PEG Scheme II- In order to create covered capacity in wheat procuring states specially Punjab and Haryana, new Capacity was sanctioned in Punjab and Haryana to Phase out Open Storage i.e. 60 LMT in Punjab and 30 LMT in Haryana is envisaged under this Plan. Centre Sector Scheme (CSS) - This scheme is implemented in North Eastern States along with Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Jammu & Kashmir and Jharkhand. Funds are released by the Government to FCI and also directly to the State Governments for construction of godowns. During 12th Five Year Plan (2012- 17), a capacity of 1,17,680 MT in North Eastern (NE) States and 20,000 MT in other than NE States has been completed by FCI. A storage capacity of 46,495 11.02.2026 446 MT has also been created by State Governments. This scheme was extended from 01.04.2017 to 31.03.2025. In this period, a capacity of 123970 MT has been completed. This scheme is culminated on 31.03.2025. Asset Monetization- Under Asset Monetization, godowns are constructed on FCI vacant land. 177 locations were identified for construction of 17.47 LMT storage capacity. In addition to the above, the Government is taking various steps to modernize warehouses for increasing effectiveness in infrastructural as well as operational:- Construction of SILOs under PPP Mode: The steel silos are constructed under PPP (Public Private Partnership) mode which has led to significant cost reduction due to risk sharing and private investment under this framework. In some cases, there is delay in completion of silos mainly due to problems faced by private parties in acquiring land for the project, force majeure incidents and approval from railways in case of railway siding silos. Such factors have contributed to implementation delays rather than systemic cost escalation or regional imbalance. Silos at 56 locations with capacity 31.75 LMT have been completed. The SMART Warehouse uses IoT technology in government warehouses to prevent foodgrain losses. Monitoring parameters include temperature, humidity, gas levels, airflow, and events such as unauthorized access, rodent, and insect 11.02.2026 447 activity. The pilot project is underway in FCI godowns in phased manner. Depot Darpan portal has also been introduced in the step of Modernization and Digitalization of storage facilities in FCI. The Portal facilitates self- assessment, rating, and grading of FCI and CWC foodgrain depots. Installation of Modern CCTV Cameras: Modern CCTV cameras are also installed in all FCI & CWC godowns for continuous monitoring. As per information received from Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, no such study w.r.t. post-harvest losses cost India nearly 1.5 trillion annually, as stated, has been undertaken by the AMI (Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure) Division of DMI(Directorate of Marketing & Inspection). However, in order to strengthen agricultural marketing infrastructure including storage infrastructure, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare is implementing Capital Subsidy Scheme, Rural Godown Scheme (RGS) for creation of scientific Storage capacity since 01.04.2001 and Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Grading & Standardization (AMIGS) since 20.10.2004 for creation of agricultural marketing infrastructure (other than storage). Both the schemes have been subsumed as “Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI)” sub-scheme of Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) since 01.04.2014, and is implemented across the country including UT of Puducherry through its attached office, DMI. Under AMI, a total of 49,796 godowns of storage capacity of 982.94 LMT 11.02.2026 448 has been created up to 31.12.2025 with subsidy release of Rs. 4832.61 crore. As informed by Ministry of Cooperation, to address the shortage of storage capacity for food grains in the country and creation of decentralized scientific grain storage infrastructure, the Government, on 31st May, 2023, has approved the Plan for the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector”, which has been rolled out as a Pilot Project. The Plan entails creation of various agri infrastructure including godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc. at PACS/ other cooperative societies level through convergence of various existing schemes of the Government of India (GoI), such as, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), etc. (c): To strengthen the storage and facilitate the distribution system, this Ministry in coordination with the Ministry of Cooperation under “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector” has providing hiring guarantee to PACS godowns on the lines of existing PEG schemes as the plan is rolled out as pilot project. The Plan entails creation of various agri infrastructure including godowns, custom hiring centers, processing units, Fair Price Shops, etc. at PACS/ other cooperative societies level through convergence of various existing schemes of 11.02.2026 449 the Government of India (GoI), such as, Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM), Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME), etc. Under the pilot project, construction of godowns in 11 PACS of 11 States has been completed. INCLUSION OF MILLETS AND COARSE GRAINS IN THE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 1915. DR. BYREDDY SHABARI: Will the Minister of CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government is aware that the High-Level Committee on Reorienting the Role and Restructuring of the Food Corporation of India (Shanta Kumar Committee) recommended moving beyond the rice and wheat-centric Public Distribution System (PDS) to include millets and other nutritious coarse grains; (b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to implement these recommendations including procurement, storage and distribution of millets and coarse grains through the PDS; (c) the details of millets and coarse grains currently being procured and 11.02.2026 450 distributed under the PDS during the last five years, State/UT-wise; (d) the constraints, if any, in scaling up the inclusion of millets and coarse grains under the National Food Security Act; and (e) whether the Government proposes to further diversify the PDS basket to improve nutritional outcomes and promote climate-resilient agriculture and if so, the details thereof? THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (SHRIMATI NIMUBEN JAYANTIBHAI BAMBHANIYA): (a) and (b): A High Level Committee under the chairmanship of Shri Shanta Kumar was constituted for Re-orienting the Role and Re-structuring of Food Corporation of India. Procurement of coarse grains is regulated by guidelines dated 07.12.2021/28.03.2022/08.09.2023 for allocation, distribution, and disposal of coarse grains (Jowar, Bajra, Maize & Ragi) and 6 minor millets procured by the States/FCI. Under these guidelines, States are allowed to procure these commodities in Decentralized Procurement mode from farmers at Minimum Support Price (MSP) for distribution under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)/Other Welfare Schemes(OWS). (c): The State-wise and year wise details of quantity of coarse grains procured during last 5 years is enclosed at Statement-I. 11.02.2026 451 The State-wise coarse grains distributed under PDS during the last five years is enclosed at Statement-II. (d): No, Sir. (e): Government has already diversified the PDS basket by including climate- resilient coarsegrains i.e. (Jowar, Bajra, Ragi and Maize) and 6 minor millets: Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), little millet (Kutki), Buck-wheat (kuttu) and Ameranthus (Chaulai). 11.02.2026 452 STATEMENT- I State-wise and year wise details of quantity of coarse grains procured Fig in Metric Tons KMS COMMODITY Andhra Pradesh Gujarat Haryana Karnataka Madhya Pradesh Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh Odisha Uttarakhand Tamil Nadu Total Procurement (MT) MSP (Rs./qtl) MSP Value (in crore) 2020-21 JOWAR - - 0 80722 29582 17784 0 - - - 128088 2620 335.59 JOWAR(Rabi) - - 0 0 0 18384 0 - - - 18384 2620 48.17 BAJRA - 11515 150000 0 195351 5005 0 - - - 361871 2150 778.02 MAIZE - 4133 - 0 0 88283 106413 - - - 198829 1850 367.83 MAIZE(Rabi) - - - 0 0 6486 0 - - - 6486 1850 12.00 RAGI - - - 474098 0 0 0 20252 - - 494350 3295 1628.88 Total - 15648 150000 554820 224933 135942 106413 20252 - - 1208008 0.00 2021-22 JOWAR - - - 103920 32393 20262 0 - - - 156575 2738 428.70 JOWAR(Rabi) - - - 0 0 0 0 - - - 0 2738 0.00 BAJRA - 7284 - 0 5400 567 0 - - - 13251 2250 29.81 MAIZE - 389 - 0 0 19615 2763 - - - 22767 1870 42.57 MAIZE(Rabi) - - - 0 0 0 0 - - - 0 1870 0.00 RAGI - - - 404784 0 253 0 32302 - - 437339 3377 1476.89 11.02.2026 453 Total - 7673 - 508703 37793 40697 2763 32302 - - 629931 0.00 2022-23 JOWAR - 0 - 76897 258 1378 0 - - - 78533 2970 233.24 JOWAR(Rabi) 3621 685 - 0 0 2358 0 - - - 6664 2970 19.79 BAJRA - 766 81147 0 0 10 43437 - - - 125360 2350 294.60 BAJRA(Rabi) - 56645 - 0 0 0 0 - - - 56645 2350 133.12 MAIZE - 0 - 0 0 48 0 - - - 48 1962 0.10 MAIZE(Rabi) - 197 - 0 0 12877 0 - - - 13074 1962 25.65 RAGI 4 0 - 454404 0 636 0 - 1186 515 456745 3578 1634.23 Total 3625 58293 81147 531301 258 17308 43437 - 1186 515 737069 0.00 2023-24 JOWAR 24466 85402 462 13340 123670 3180 393.27 JOWAR(Rabi) 4903 2946 105019 86624.9 199493 3180 634.39 BAJRA 33359 231334 355038 619731 2500 1549.33 BAJRA(Rabi) 76726 76726 2500 191.82 MAIZE 25 4451 4476 2090 9.35 MAIZE(Rabi) 56 56 2090 0.12 RAGI 376 0.75 226576 189 0.7 1889 1889 230920 3846 888.12 Total 29745 113032 231334 416997 87357 372830 1889 1889 1255073 0.00 2024-25 JOWAR 27 115352 908 937 46942 164166 3371 553.40 JOWAR(Rabi) 35402 5300 78676 131311 250689 3371 845.07 BAJRA 3818 156000 101311 261129 2625 685.46 BAJRA(Rabi) 82223 82223 2625 215.84 11.02.2026 454 MAIZE 1 1 2225 0.00 MAIZE(Rabi) 118 51 19312 19481 2225 43.35 RAGI 205 5 346079 233 40000 3139 4050 393711 4290 1689.02 RAGI (Rabi) 902 902 4290 3.87 Total 36509 91491 156000 540107 908 132533 167565 40000 3139 4050 1172302 0.00 2025-26* JOWAR 379 1112 43562 45053 3699 166.65 JOWAR(Rabi) 0 3699 0.00 BAJRA 13546 233 213973 227752 2775 632.01 BAJRA(Rabi) 0 2775 0.00 MAIZE 515 17677 13209 31401 2400 75.36 MAIZE(Rabi) 0 2400 0.00 RAGI 10 4272 966 5248 4886 25.64 RAGI (Rabi) 0 4886 0.00 Total 0 14071 233 0 379 18789 270744 0 4272 966 309454 0.00 *2025-26 procurement is still going on (procurement till 29.01.2026) 11.02.2026 455 STATEMENT-II Coarse Grain Distribution in Last 5 years (MT) State Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026* ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS 0 0 0 0 0 0 ANDHRA PRADESH 0 0 17005 27278 28005 6663 ARUNACHAL PRADESH 0 0 0 0 0 0 ASSAM 0 0 0 0 0 0 BIHAR 0 0 0 0 0 0 CHHATTISGARH 0 0 0 0 0 0 DADAR & NAGAR HAVELI & DAMAN & DIU 0 0 0 0 0 0 DELHI 0 0 0 0 0 0 GOA 0 0 0 0 0 0 GUJARAT 0 7835 56788 15157 9 91429 25 HARYANA 95162 59977 41037 34481 7 21742 2 0 HIMACHAL PRADESH 0 0 0 0 0 0 JAMMU AND KASHMIR 0 0 0 0 0 0 JHARKHAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 KARNATAKA 51585 8 47420 3 41256 4 40128 6 54620 4 2684 KERALA 0 0 487 16 0 0 LADAKH 0 0 0 0 0 0 LAKSHADWEEP 0 0 0 0 0 0 MADHYA PRADESH 19702 8 28856 2814 0 840 0 MAHARASHTRA 62699 30968 16732 61265 14310 9 1102 4 MANIPUR 0 0 0 0 0 0 MEGHALAYA 0 0 0 0 0 0 MIZORAM 0 0 0 0 0 0 NAGALAND 0 0 0 0 0 0 11.02.2026 456 ODISHA 0 0 0 0 0 0 PUDUCHERRY 0 0 0 0 0 0 PUNJAB 0 0 0 0 0 0 RAJASTHAN 0 0 0 0 0 0 SIKKIM 0 0 0 0 0 0 TAMIL NADU 0 0 4307 2837 2585 18 TELANGANA 0 0 0 0 0 0 TRIPURA 0 0 0 0 0 0 UTTAR PRADESH 98492 2634 3342 37139 4 16749 0 0 UTTARAKHAND 0 0 0 0 2461 0 WEST BENGAL 0 0 0 0 0 * as on 31.01.2026 CONVERGENCE OF MPLADS WITH MAJOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES 1916. CAPTAIN BRIJESH CHOWTA:

वक्ता Shrikant Eknath Shinde

कब कहा 2026-02-11T00:00:00.000Z

किस वाद-विवाद में Papers laid on the Table of the house by Ministers/Members