7 New Trains Dedicated to Bihar

Ministry of Railways//Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav//New Trains//Posted On: 29 SEP 2025 2:32PM by PIB Delhi

Including 3 Amrit Bharat Express and 4 Passenger Trains 

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary Flag Off New Trains; Total Amrit Bharat Express Services Rises to 30 Across Country, with 26 Services Originating from Bihar

Symbolic File Photo

Passenger Trains to Enhance Connectivity within Bihar; Amrit Bharat Express to Connect Bihar with Telangana, Rajasthan, and Delhi

Bihar’s Annual Railway Budget Rises from ₹1,000 Crore Before 2014 to ₹10,000 Crore in 2025, With Around ₹1 Lakh Crore Projects Underway: Ashwini Vaishnaw

21 Major Railway Projects like New Lines, Gauge Conversion, Doubling or Adding 3rd & 4th lines etc. Fully Commissioned in Bihar Since 2014, Including Patna & Munger Rail-Cum-Road Bridges

New Delhi: 29th September 2025:(PIB Delhi//The Rail Screen Desk)::

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, today flagged off a total of seven new trains in Bihar, including three Amrit Bharat Express trains. These new trains will provide a new dimension to connectivity in Bihar and offer passengers enhanced travel services. With the inauguration of these new trains, Bihar now has a total of 26 Amrit Bharat Express services operational out of the 30 services, running across the country.

माननीय रेल मंत्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी एवं बिहार के उप मुख्यमंत्री @samrat4bjp जी ने आज 3 #AmritBharatExpress सहित कुल 7 नई रेल सेवाओं को हरी झंडी दिखाकर रवाना किया। #RailInfra4Bihar pic.twitter.com/PtzM6XYnAp

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) September 29, 2025 

The Muzaffarpur–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express is the first Amrit Bharat train from Muzaffarpur to South India, while the Chhapra–Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express became the sixth Amrit Bharat train from Bihar to Delhi.

This state-of-the-art indigenous train will provide passengers with a fast, safe, and comfortable travel experience. These trains will strengthen Bihar’s connectivity with different parts of the country, particularly North and South India. Their operations will boost economic activities in the state and create new opportunities in tourism, trade, and employment.

During the occasion, speaking via video conference, the Union Minister said that the pace of development in Bihar is such that the state is set to emerge as a golden state in the near future. These trains will provide a new level of connectivity in Bihar, enhancing convenience for passengers and accelerating the state’s overall development. The Union Minister added that since PM Modi assumed office in 2014, he has prioritized the Railways, with a special focus on the States. The Minister noted that earlier, the annual railway budget for Bihar was only around ₹1,000 crore before 2014, whereas today it stands at about ₹10,000 crore. He said PM Modi has presented a significant vision for Bihar’s development, with projects worth around ₹1 lakh crore underway in Bihar. He also said the state’s railway network has been fully electrified, and 1,899 km of new track has been laid.

Developed by Indian Railways, the Amrit Bharat Express has become a symbol of modernization in the country’s railway system. The train is not just a fast and affordable travel option, but it also comes equipped with advanced features such as semi-automatic couplers, fire detection systems, sealed gangways, and talk-back units. For the first time, such an advanced technology has been introduced in non-AC coaches enhancing passenger safety.

This marks an important step towards realizing the vision of “Viksit Bihar Se Viksit Bharat” (Developed India through a Developed Bihar).

Brief Details of Amrit Bharat Express Trains:

Darbhanga – Ajmer (Madar) Amrit Bharat Express

 Muzaffarpur – Hyderabad (Charlapalli) Amrit Bharat Express

 Chapra – Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Amrit Bharat Express

Keeping in mind the needs of the common public in rail services, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary also flagged off four passenger trains.

Brief Details of Passenger Trains:

Patna–Buxar Passenger

 Jhajha–Danapur Passenger

 Nawada – Patna Passenger

 Patna – Islampur Passenger

Highlighting some key railway projects completed in the state, the Minister said that the 28 km Patna Rail-cum-Road Bridge, 15 km Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge, and the long-awaited Kosi Bridge have all been completed.

Important Projects Fully Commissioned since 2014

Patna Rail-cum-Road Bridge

Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge

Kosi Bridge

Daniawan–Biharsharif New Line

Chandan–Banka New Line

Rampurhat–Mandarhill New Line

Maharajganj–Masrakh New Line

Rajgir–Tilaiya & Natesar–Islampur New Line

Mansi–Saharsa–Purnia Gauge Conversion

Jaynagar–Narkatiaganj Gauge Conversion

Kaptanganj–Chapra Gauge Conversion

Sakri–Nirmali & Saharasa–Forbesganj Gauge Conversion

Mansi–Saharsa–Saharasa–Purnia & Banmankhi–Bihariganj Gauge Conversion

Sahibganj–Pirpainti Doubling

Maheshkunth–Thanabhpur Doubling

Hajipur–Ramdayalu Nagar Doubling

Pirpainti–Bhagalpur Doubling

Bakhtiyarpur–Barh Doubling

Kiul–Gaya Doubling

Hajipur–Bachhwara Doubling

Darbhanga Bypass

Additionally, the Araria–Galgalhia (Thakurganj) New Line has been completed and will be inaugurated shortly.

Main Projects Under Execution

New Lines: Sakri–Hasanpur, Khagaria–Kusheshwarsthan, Kursela–Bihariganj, Tilaiya–Koderma, Hajipur–Sugauli, Sitamarhi–Sheohar, Chhapra–Muzaffarpur, Araria–Supaul, Vikramsihla–Katareah (incl. Ganga Bridge), Jhajha–Batia, Pirpainti–Jasidih, Chhitautini–Tumkui Road, Jalalgarni–Kishanganj, Jogbani–Biratnagar, Aurangabad Terminal–Anugrah Narayan Road, Jaynagar–Bijalpura, Dhanbad–Sonngar, etc.

Doubling 3rd/4th Line Works: Samastipur–Darbhanga, Sagauli–Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur–Sagauli, Narkatiaganj–Darbhanga–Sitamarhi–Muzaffarpur, Chhapra–Ballia, Katihar–Kumedpur, Barauni–Bachhwara (3rd & 4th Line), Sonnagar–Andal (3rd & 4th Line), Punarakh–Bhaktiyarpur (3rd & 4th Line), etc.

Union Minister Vaishnaw added that work is ongoing on several other projects, and planning for additional projects is underway. Currently, 13 Amrit Bharat Express trains i.e. 26 services are operating in Bihar, covering 42 stops across 25 districts. In addition, 10 pairs of trains (20 services) of Vande Bharat services cover 28 districts. The state also has Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services in operation.

These new trains originating from Bihar will make travel across different regions of the state more convenient, boosting economic and social activities. The purpose of these trains is not only to provide better connectivity but also to offer passengers safe, fast, and comfortable travel.

*****//Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma//(Release ID: 2172674) 

12,000+ Special Trains for Diwali & Chhath

Ministry of Railways//Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav//Posted on 21 AUG 2025 at 2:09 PM by PIB Delhi

20% Discount on Return Tickets for Onward Journeys 

Image By Meta AI 

New Delhi: 21st August 2025:(PIB Delhi//The Rail Screen Desk//Image by Meta AI)::

Four New Amrit Bharat Express Trains Connecting Bihar to Delhi, Amritsar, and Hyderabad: Railway Minister

Vande Bharat Express Between Purnia and Patna ; Buddhist Circuit Train Connecting  Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya and Koderma:Ashwini Vaishnaw

Big Rail Expansion for Bihar: Buxar–Lakhisarai to Become Four-Line Corridor, Patna Ring Railway, Sultanganj–Deoghar Rail Link, and Patna–Ayodhya Train

Festival season is becoming more interesting with new announcements by Indian Railway. According to railway sources 12,000+ Special Trains wul run for Diwali & Chhath. Railway also announced 20% Discount on Return Tickets for Onward Journeys Between October 13 to 26 & Return Journeys Between November 17 to December 1. Ie was declared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

For the convenience of passengers during Diwali and Chhath festivals, Indian Railways has decided to operate more than 12,000 special trains.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while addressing the press at Rail Bhawan, said that after discussions with Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, Union Minister Lalan Singh, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, it was decided to make special arrangements for the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals. He emphasized that passengers should also be facilitated during their return journey.

After consultations with senior public representatives, it was decided that over 12,000 special trains will run for Diwali and Chhath. At the same time, due care will be taken to ensure passengers face no difficulties during their return travel, the minister said.

He further announced that passengers undertaking onward journeys between October 13 to 26 and return journeys between November 17 to December 1 will be offered a 20% discount on return tickets. This initiative will be implemented during this festive season and will benefit a large number of people.

In addition, four new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be introduced from Gaya to Delhi, Saharsa to Amritsar, Chhapra to Delhi, and Muzaffarpur to Hyderabad. A new circuit train, covering important sites related to Lord Buddha and catering especially to middle-class families, will also be launched, covering Vaishali, Hajipur, Sonepur, Patna, Rajgir, Gaya and Koderma, the minister announced.

The Buxar–Lakhisarai rail section will be expanded into a four-line corridor, enabling more train operations. A ring railway system will be developed around Patna. Sultanganj and Deoghar will be connected by rail. A new train service will also run between Patna and Ayodhya. A washing pit facility will be set up at Laukaha Bazar, and work will be carried out on several newly approved road overbridges in Bihar, shri Ashwini Vaishnaw added.

Bihar Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, MP Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal, and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving more projects for Bihar and for the launch of several new trains, including Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat.

Vande Bharat trains and Amrit stations are creating a new form of railways

Ministry of Railways//Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsavg20-India-2023//Posted Date: 06 October 2024 at 5:42 PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Ashwini Vaishnav explained the new face of railway in India

Rs 14700 crore allocated for the development of railways in Madhya Pradesh 

New Delhi: 06 October 2024: (PIB Delhi//Rail Screen Desk)::

Union Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnav, today inaugurated the newly constructed railway section after gauge conversion between Jaura Alapur and Kailaras stations in Madhya Pradesh through video conferencing and flagged off the extended service of three new trains on the gauge converted rail section. This inauguration ceremony was organized at Jaura Alapur Railway Station in Madhya Pradesh. Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Speaker of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Morena MP Shri Shivmangal Singh Tomar were present at the function.

Addressing the people present at the venue through video conferencing, Railway Minister Ashwini Shri Vaishnav said that railways is the vehicle of the poor and the middle class. To provide better facilities to the general public, orders have been given to manufacture 12,500 general and sleeper coaches. He said that work is being done to give a new look to Indian Railways through Vande Bharat Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. He said that in the period from 2004 to 14, an average provision of Rs 632 crore was made for the development of railways in Madhya Pradesh, but under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a provision of Rs 14,700 crore has been made for the development of railways in Madhya Pradesh in this year's budget.

Union Minister Shri Vaishnav said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Railway Administration is constantly striving to make Indian Railways convenient and comfortable for the common man. North Central Railway is also working rapidly in this direction. He said that Gwalior Chambal region is very important from the railway point of view. It is well connected through train services to all parts of the country including the four metropolitan cities of the country. We are trying to make this connection more strong. These efforts of ours always get the support of Union Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Shri Jyotiraditya Madhavrao Scindia ji, Speaker of Legislative Assembly Madhya Pradesh Shri Narendra Singh Tomar ji, Honorable MP Morena Shri Shivmangal Singh Tomar ji. He said that the state of Madhya Pradesh has a central role in the rail map of India. The state has seen significant progress in its rail infrastructure, which reflects the national trend of increasing investment in this sector. In the last 10 years, 222 km of new rail line projects, 1200 km of multi-tracking projects and 707 km of gauge conversion projects have been completed in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Along with improving connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, security has also been increased by using drones and GPS trackers for disaster management and project monitoring. This work has been done for the first time in India. Along with providing passenger services, Gwalior and Khajuraho stations are also being redeveloped.

In the program, the Union Railway Minister informed that the Gwalior-Sheopurkala (188 kms) gauge conversion project is going to be completed at a cost of Rs. 2355/- crore, in which a total of 61 km track work has been completed so far, the remaining work is going on at a fast pace, which will be completed as soon as possible and this upgraded service will be available to the people of the area. This new 13 km section has been constructed at a cost of Rs 163 crore. Under this project, the work of gauge conversion under entire Sheopurkalan will be completed by July 2025 next year.

With this, the Railway Minister expressed hope that the start of this project will help in socio-economic development of Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, industrial development in the region and providing infrastructure for employment opportunities, as well as reducing the cost of transportation of goods and increasing the number of trains and ease of transportation of goods will promote economic development. This line will soon be extended to Kota.

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia said that today Jaura is getting such a gift, which the people of this region were dreaming of for a long time. The work of bringing revolution in railways has been done by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Indian Railways is also continuously developing in the Northeast. Railway lines have been laid in 6 states of the Northeast. Today a new history is being written in the development of Madhya Pradesh with this gauge conversion. Now we are eagerly waiting for this railway line to be extended to Kota. In his address at the programme, the Speaker of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Mr Narendra Singh Tomar said that the people of the region have struggled for a long time for this gauge conversion. Today, with the expansion of this rail service, Jaura Alapur and Kailaras will be connected to the mainstream of development. Hon'ble MP Morena, Mr Shivmangal Singh Tomar expressed his gratitude to the Railway Minister and said that the people of the region are very happy with the start of this MEMU train. We hope that this development journey will continue.

The guests were welcomed on the stage by the Additional General Manager of North Central Railway, Mr J.S. Lakra and Divisional Railway Manager Mr Deepak Kumar Sinha. Welcoming the guests, Divisional Railway Manager Mr Deepak Kumar Sinha said that with the operation of this rail service, the people of the region will be able to connect with Kota in future via Gwalior-Sheopur. This gauge conversion is a living example that Jhansi Division is always striving to realize the spirit of "Customer Service with a Smile". On this occasion, MLA of Sabalgarh Smt. Sarla Bijendra Rawat, District Panchayat President Smt. Aarti Gurjar along with eminent citizens of the area, Jhansi Division Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Aman Verma along with various officers of the Division and respected citizens were present.

*****//Dharmendra Tiwari/Shatrunjay Kumar//(Release ID: 2062646)

PM will flag off three Vande Bharat trains on 31 August

 Posted Date: 30 August 2024, 2:59 PM, PIB Delhi

Tourism will get a new direction with better connectivity and faster speed

PIB file photo

New Delhi: 30 August 2024: (PIB//The Rail Screen Desk)::

Who doesn't like a fast and comfortable journey? The people of India have been dreaming of this for a long time. The new Vande Bharat trains are now giving a new direction to better connectivity, faster travel, and tourism in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will dedicate three new Vande Bharat Express trains to the nation through video conferencing on August 31, 2024 at 12:30 pm. These trains are the embodiment of the Prime Minister's vision of 'Make in India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, which will provide better connectivity and faster travel experience in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

The new Vande Bharat trains will run on Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil routes. These trains will reduce travel time significantly compared to the current options due to their high speed. Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat will save about 1 hour, Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat will save about 2 hours, and Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat will save about 1.5 hours.

Vande Bharat trains will provide world-class services to passengers and meet the long-standing demands of the people of the region. These state-of-the-art trains will not only revolutionize transportation but will also give a boost to tourism and business in three major states - Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

The launch of the new Vande Bharat Express trains will usher in a new era in railway service for regional assssssss, professionals, businessmen, and students who will be able to experience fast, convenient, and comfortable travel. 

With the introduction of such high-speed trains, a new history is being created for Indian Railways and you all are here to witness it. It is not easy to make such dreams come true.

New era of travel in Railways with Smart Coaches

 19th July 2021 at 19:00 IST

 Equipped with intelligent sensor-based systems 

New Delhi: 19 July 2021: (PIB//The Rail Screen)::

Indian Railways start to run Rajdhani Express with Upgraded Tejas Coaches equipped with intelligent sensor-based systems. The new train will have special smart features for enhanced passenger safety and comfort. With the use of Tejas SMART Coach, Indian Railways aims to move to predictive maintenance instead of preventive maintenance. Paradigm shift by Indian Railways for enhancing the travel experience for the passengers.

A new era of train travel experience with enhanced comfort is being rolled out in Indian Railways with the introduction of newly upgraded Tejas sleeper coach rakes in Western Railways. These bright golden hued coaches, with enhanced smart features are being introduced to run Railway’s prestigious Mumbai Rajdhani Express train offer best in class travel experience. This new rake made its maiden run from Monday, 19th July, 2021.  The existing rakes of Train No.  02951/52 Mumbai – New Delhi Rajdhani Special Express, one of the most prestigious & premium trains of WR have been replaced with brand new Tejas type sleeper coaches. Two such Tejas type sleeper coach rakes have been made ready to run as Rajdhani Express. Out of these two rakes, one rake comprises of exclusive Tejas Smart sleeper coaches, which is first of its kind to be introduced over Indian Railways.

The new train will have special smart features for enhanced passenger safety and comfort. The smart coach aims to provide world-class facilities to passengers with the help of intelligent sensor-based systems.

It is equipped with Passenger Information and Coach Computing Unit (PICCU) provided with GSM network connectivity, which reports to the remote server. PICCU will record the data of WSP, CCTV recording, Toilet odour sensors, panic switch and other items integrated with fire detection and alarm system, air quality and choke filter sensor & energy meter. 

With the use of Tejas SMART Coach, Indian Railways aims to move to predictive maintenance instead of preventive maintenance. The introduction of this modern Tejas Sleeper type train for long distance journey, is another paradigm shift by Indian Railways for enhancing the travel experience for the passengers.

Additional Smart Features:

●          PA/PIS (Passenger Announcement/Passenger Information System): Two LCDs inside each coach display vital journey related information to the passengers such as the next station, distance remaining, expected time of arrival, delay and safety related messages.

●          Digital destination board: Flush type LED Digital Destination Board has been installed on each coach by splitting the displayed data into two rows. The first row displays Train number and Coach type while second row displays scrolling text of destination and intermediate station in multiple languages.

●          Security & Surveillance monitoring: Six nos. of cameras are fitted in each coach which gives live recording. CCTV cameras with day night vision capability, Facial recognition even in low light condition, Network Video Recorder are provided.

●          Automatic Plug Door: All main entrance doors are centralized controlled by Guard. Train will not start until all doors are closed.

●          Fire Alarm, Detection and Suppression system: All coaches are provided with Automatic Fire Alarm and Detection System. The Pantry and Power Cars have automatic fire suppression system in case detected.

●          Emergency Talk back for medical or security emergency

●          Improved Toilet Unit: Provided with anti-graffiti coating, Gel coated shelf, New design dustbin, Door latch activated light, Engagement display.

●          Toilet Occupancy Sensor: Automatically displays the toilet occupancy inside each coach

●          Panic Button in Lavatories: Fitted in each lavatory, in case of any emergency.

●          Toilet Annunciation Sensor Integration (TASI): Two nos. of Toilet Annunciation Sensor Integration are fitted in each coach which will relay dos and don’ts announcement in the lavatories, whenever it is engaged.

●          Bio-Vacuum Toilet system:  Provides improved hygiene condition in the toilet due to improved flushing and also save water per flush.

●          Stainless Steel Under-frame:  Complete under-frame is of austenitic stainless steel (SS 201LN) which increases life of the coach because of reduced corrosion.

●          Air Suspension Bogies: Provided with Air Spring Suspension in bogies to improve passenger comfort and ride quality of these coaches.

●          On Board condition monitoring system for Bearing, Wheel, to improve safety

●          HVAC - Air quality measurement for Air Conditioning system

●          Water level sensor to indicate water availability on real time basis

●          Textured Exterior PVC Film:  Exterior is provided with textured PVC film.

●          Improved interiors: Seats and berths having fire – resistant silicon foam, provide better comfort and safety to passengers.

●          Roller Blind on window:  Instead of curtains roller blinds provided for easy sanitization.

●          Mobile Charging points: Provided for each passenger.

●          Berth reading light: Provided for each passenger.

●          Upper berth climbing arrangement: Convenient upper berth arrangement.

Tejas type Sleeper coaches are manufactured at Modern Coach Factory (MCF) which will gradually replace the premium long-distance trains over Indian Railways network.

Running of Tourist Trains

21-March-2013 14:48 IST

Presently, tourist trains like Palace on wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Golden Chariot, Maharajas’ Express, Bharat Darshan and Mahaparinirvan Express are in operation in association with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation/State Tourism Corporations offering package tours. The itineraries of these trains, covering important tourist destinations, are decided time to time by the respective tourism corporation subject to market potential and operational feasibility by the railways. In addition, regular passenger carrying trains connecting various tourist destinations are also available. 

Trains connecting various places, including tourist destinations, are regularly introduced subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility and availability of resources. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

AKS/HK/BS

Signing of MOUs between Railways and States

21-March-2013 14:49 IST
MoUs have been signed for construction 

During the last three years and current year, three Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed for construction of new railway lines with State Governments of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. Details are given as under:- 

On 31.05.2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Ministry of Railways and State Government of Rajasthan for construction of new line from Ratiam (Madhya Pradesh) to Dungarpur via Banswara (Rajasthan) (189 km). The overall physical progress of the project is 1%. 

On 27.02.2012, a MoU has been signed between Ministry of Railways and Government of Chhattisgarh to develop three corridors through project specific Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). The three corridors: Surajpur-Parsa-Katghora-Korba (150 km); and (3) East West Corridor: Gevra Road-Pendra Road (122 km). 

On 14.02.2012, a MoU has been signed between Ministry of Railways and State Government of Jharkhand for construction of new line from Hansdiha to Godda (30 km). Government of Jharkhand has been requested for providing land free of cost for this project. MoU for execution of 6 cost sharing projects of Jharkhand has been extended on 14.02.2012. 

Trains connecting various places, including tourist destinations, are regularly introduced subject to traffic justification, operational feasibility and availability of resources. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. AKS/HK/BS