Zero-Based Timetable in Railway | Zero-Based Timetable Indian Railways

Zero-Based Timetable Meaning

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 537

ANSWERED ON: 16.09.2020

Zero Based Time Table

Sunil Dattatray Tatkare

Will the Minister of Railways be pleased to state:-

(a) Whether a new zero-based timetable will be implemented by the Indian Railways;
(b) If so, the details of 500 discontinued regular trains and 10,000 stops removed from the timetable;
(c) The manner in which this new zero-based timetable is beneficial to railways and commuters along with detailed analysis in this regard; and
(d) Whether all passenger trains will run on a “hub and spoke model” if so, details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (d) Rationalisation of time table is an ongoing process on Indian Railways (IR) and to this end, IR has embarked upon the zero based time tabling initiative, which, inter-alia, includes scheduling of trains based on scientific principles, ensuring adequate corridor blocks for maintenance, increasing throughput by providing freight corridors, improving punctuality, improving utilization of Rolling Stock and providing convenient and efficient services to the passengers. The initiative, inter-alia, includes rationalization of stoppages and trains taking into account the demand, utility for the passengers and commercial viability. One of the aspects of the initiative will be the gradual introduction of the hub and spoke concept with a view to facilitating easy transfers between “hubs” and “spoke” and inter-modal connectivity. The concept also entails provision of integrated ticketing, access for persons with disability, leisure facilities, check-in facilities, transfer/transit facilities, and amenities such as travelators, escalators, elevators etc., at identified stations designated as “hubs”.