Railways plan to set up Rail Industrial Park

New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) In a first-of-its-kind project,the Railways will soon set up their own industrial park tomanufacture various components for rail operation.

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

Besides, proposals for setting up a green toiletmanufacturing unit at Nagpur and expansion of Diesel LocoWorks at Varanasi are also likely to find mention in the RailBudget on February 25.

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

"The green toilet in trains, an environment-friendlystep, is a priority for Railways as the organisation iscommitted to providing cleaner environment," a senior officialinvolved with the green toilet project said.

Facing financial crunch due to various reasons includingthe implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission, hike in dieselprice and shortfall in freight loadings, Railways will treadcautiously this time.

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

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

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