India-made Metro coaches are being exported to Australia, while bogies are being sent to the UK, Saudi Arabia, France, and Australia, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Monday. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, he said propulsion systems are being exported to France, Mexico, Romania, Spain, Germany, and Italy. The minister also said the Indian Railways is much safer than before with a steep fall in the number of accidents on the national transporter.
Vaishnw said Railway accidents occuring in a year have registered a 90% decline since 2014. He listed accidents (including derailments) under previous ministers – Lalu Prasad Yadav (698), Mamata Banerjee (395), and Mallikarjun Kharge (381). According to the minister, annual accidents, including derailments now stood at around 73 annually.
Commenting on the extent of local manufacturing for Railways, he said passenger coaches are being exported to Mozambique, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with locomotives being sent to Mozambique, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.
Vaishnaw said more than 100 locomotives will be exported from Marhowra in Bihar, showcasing Indian manufacturing prowess. Forged wheels from Tamil Nadu will also be produced and exported soon.
Commenting on endeavours to ensure affordability, he said the railway has made extensive provisions to ensure that passengers receive adequate facilities and that fares remain as low as possible. “When compared to our neighbouring countries, our fares are the lowest. For instance, for a 350 km journey, the fare in the general class is: India: Rs 121, Pakistan: Rs 436, Bangladesh: Rs 323, Sri Lanka: Rs 413,” he said.
Vaishnaw also said fares in Western countries are ’10 times, 15 times, or even 20 times higher.’
“Since 2020, there has been no increase in fares,” he said.
