Railway Budget 2011: Plan to set up Rail Industrial Park

NEW DELHI: In a first-of-its-kind project, the Railways will soon set up their own industrial park to manufacture various components for rail operation.

"Ancillary units will be set up at the Rail Industrial Park which would cater to the needs of Railways," sources in Railway Ministry said, adding, the proposal is likely to be announced in the Rail Budget 2011-12.

Besides, proposals for setting up a green toilet manufacturing unit at Nagpur and expansion of Diesel Loco Works at Varanasi are also likely to find mention in the Rail Budget on February 25.

Railways are carrying out field trials for various types of green toilets, including controlled discharge toilet system, zero discharge toilet system and bio-toilet based on bio-digester technology, in about 90 passenger trains.

"The green toilet in trains, an environment-friendly step, is a priority for Railways as the organisation is committed to providing cleaner environment," a senior official involved with the green toilet project said.

Facing financial crunch due to various reasons including the implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, hike in diesel price and shortfall in freight loadings, Railways will tread cautiously this time.

Besides the Park, a diesel locomotive shed in Mariani in Assam may also be proposed in the Rail Budget. "The loco shed is being strategically planned keeping the increased rail movement in the North East in mind," the sources said.

Facing complaints about the quality of linen provided in trains, Railways are expected to propose mechanised laundries on "build, operate, own and transfer" mode at every zone.

The Budget may also have a proposal for provision of 'Jan Ahaar' outlets at every station to provide good quality food at reasonable rates to passengers.