Government clarification on issues regarding M/S Agusta Westland International Limited (AWIL)

In the matter pertaining to acquisition of Agusta Westland helicopters, the undisputed central issue that stands out is corruption, especially bribery. Any other line of assumption, approach and effort, as is being attempted in some quarters, is misleading, tries to hide the wrong-doers and is driven by instincts of self preservation. 

Ever since the new government was given the responsibility to serve the people, it has acted with speed, drive and purpose to empower the country's masses. It continues to relentlessly pursue fearless and transparent governance. One of the core goals of our governance has been to unearth and uproot corruption, and punish the corrupt. 

It is indeed tragic that a small section of the Indian polity has attempted, unsuccessfully, to divert and diffuse the public discourse on this matter. They question the speed of the government processes, especially the investigation. But, they do not ask how the corrupt influenced the process of acquisition in the first place and bled the nation. They donot admit corruption; they instead boldly proclaim, "catch us if you can". 

The present government has taken effective action to bring out the truth and will leave no stone unturned in pursuing all means to bring to justice the corrupt and the wrong-doers in this case. 

The investigative agencies remain determined to bring to justice the key perpetrators of this misdeed, both inside and outside the country. 

The government has acted proactively and with alacrity against Agusta Westland International and Finmeccanica. It is the present government which through its order dated 3 July 2014, put on hold all procurement/acquisition cases in the pipeline of six companies figuring in the FIR registered by the CBI, namely: M/S Agusta Westland International Ltd., UK, M/S Finmeccanica, Italy, and its group companies, including subsidiaries and affiliates, M/S IDS, Tunisia, M/S Infotech Design System (IDS), Mauritius, M/S IDS Infotech Ltd, Mohali and M/S Aeromatrix Info Solution Pvt Ltd, Chandigarh. 

In doing so, we did not let the preparedness of our defence forces suffer. At the same time, we also ensured that no new capital procurement was made thereafter from these companies in the tenure of the present Government.

The factually misinformed have also made a mention regarding clearance of a joint venture involving Agusta Westland by the Foreign Investment Promotion Board. This proposal was approved on 2nd September 2011 based on an application by Indian Rotorcraft Ltd a joint venture of Tata Sons with Agusta Westland NV, Netherlands. This was later changed to Agusta Westland S.p.A Italy due to reorganization within the group. On 7th February 2012, an industrial licence for the manufacture of helicopters was granted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion to Indian Rotorcraft Ltd. However, the validity of licence has since expired. 

In their drive to divert the public attention from their own corruption, some have said that the Modi government permitted Augusta Westland to bid for 100 Naval Utility Helicopters in April, 2015. The fact is that a techno-commercial Request for Proposal (RFP) for Naval Utility Helicopters was issued to eight vendors on 4 August 2012. In response to the RFP, M/S Eurocopters, France and M/S Agusta Westland S.p.A Italy submitted their techno-commercial proposals on 4 March 2013. RFP of the procurement case was retracted by the Government on 13 October 2014. 

The Indian Navy has hosted on the website a Request for Information for more than 100 Naval Utility Helicopter in October 2014. No Request for Proposal has been issued, therefore the question of permitting Agusta Westland to bid for the Naval Utility Helicopter in April 2015 does not arise. The government is exploring whether their manufacturing can be pursued under "Make in India". 

On the core issue of corruption, the timeline of actions taken by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate clearly shows due rigour and diligence with which these agencies have pursued all aspects of their investigations, including the arrest and extradition of three foreign nationals namely Mr. Carlo Gerosa, Mr. Guido Haschke Ralph and Christian Michel James. 

CBI has so far investigated over 100 witnesses. In September and November 2014, couple of accused have been arrested and their property attached. A criminal complaint was also filed. Letter of Requests were sent out by ED and CBI to Mauritius (July 2013), Tunisia and Italy (December 2013), British Virgin Islands, Singapore and U.K. (September 2014), UAE and Switzerland (December 2014). The agencies are continuing to pursue responses to the LRs from the countries concerned. 

Further, an open ended non bailable arrest warrant was issued by CBI against Mr. Christian James Michel on 24 September 2015. Red Corner notices were issued in December 2015 and January 2016 through Interpol under Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Prevention of Corruption Act on charges of conspiracy and abuse of official position in giving favours to M/s AWIL. 

Extradition request has also been made for Christian Michel James. A request for provision arrest for the purpose of extradition was made to the U.K. authorities on 4 January 2016 by CBI. Enforcement Directorate, another autonomous agency to handle private money laundering and Foreign Exchange irregularities, has also separately sent a Red Corner seeking arrest and a request for his extradition from the U.K. on 29 February 2016.

By asking why did Prime Minister and BJP government not take any action on the alleged offer dated 08.11.2015 made by James Christian Michael to be questioned by CBI and ED including on Indian soil, some have even tried to side with a wanted criminal. 

It is well known that any understanding/agreement with an accused outside the frame of law is a criminal act in itself. James Christian Michael is a criminal wanted by the Indian law enforcement agencies. We are pursuing all legal means to arrest him and have him extradited to India. Mr. Michel should submit himself to the Indian legal system rather than make elliptical references to offers that are suspect in intent and reality. We are determined that the law must take its course against Mr. Michel and his associates in this matter. 

Those who cannot see Prime Minister succeed even hint at him cutting a deal. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Prime Minister Modi did not cut any deal of any sort. His only goal and priority is the development of comprehensive national power, and empowerment of our masses. 

A few have even sought to link one of the accused with Shri Ajit Doval, present NSA, as also Shri Nripendra Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. This is a totally baseless assertion, devoid of reason and logic, and indicative of malicious intent. In reality, there is no such connection. 

Individuals in some quarters have even gone to the extent of ascribing intent to the technicalities of the CAG audit of the state governments of Rajasthan and Chattisgarh. They ask as to whey did Modi government not take any action against Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Dr. Raman Singh despite an indictment of Chhattisgarh government by CAG in purchase of Agusta Westland Helicopter, which led to loss to public exchequer (according to CAG) of Rs.65 lakh? 

But, the government has been proactive in seeking response from the State governments also. As per the State Government of Chattisgarh, the Public Accounts Committe of the Chattisgarh Vidhan Sabha took cognizance of the CAG report regarding the acquisition that was done in 2007, and took the evidence of State Government officials. After analyzing the evidence of officials and the report of the State Government, the PAC closed the matter. 

Similarly, as per the State Government of Rajasthan, the alleged loss to public exchequer according to CAG was not on account of any irregularity in the procurement process, but due to the expenditure incurred on account of lack of planning and basic infrastructure prior to procurement, such as pilot training and maintenance. In this case too, the acquisition was done in 2005. 

The Government appeals to the countrymen to recognize the nature and depth of corruption in Agusta Westland case. The investigative agencies will stay their course in unveiling the corrupt and holding them accountable to our public. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Railway Minister announces two more passenger friendly services namely (i) Cancellation of PRS counter tickets through IRCTC website and 139 (ii) Acceptance of International Debit and Credit Cards for payment for e-ticketing through IRCTC website

Working on the fast track to implement Rail Budget Announcements of 2016-17 ranging from improving passenger amenities to infrastructure development, Minister of Railways Shri Suresh Prabhkar Prabhu in a programme held today i.e. 29.04.2016 at Rail Bhawan inaugurated two very important budget announcements of (i) Cancellation of PRS counter tickets through IRCTC website and 139(IVRS & SMS) and (ii) Acceptance of International Debit and Credit Cards for payment for e-ticketing through IRCTC website.  Shri Manoj Sinha, Minister of State for Railway was specially present to grace the occasion.  Chairman, Railway Board, Shri A.K. Mittal, Member Traffic, Railway Board, Shri Mohd. Jamshed and other Board Members were present on the occasion. 

Speaking on the occasion about these services, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, said that the Indian Railways is the second largest commercial organization of the world which has lot of challenges before it becomes of world standard. He said that Railways is a big organization and its some areas need complete revamping and  thus multiple strategies need to adopted and implemented to improve in all spheres. He said that Railways income generation and expenditure needs to be accounted closely so that there can be best use of the public money. He said that Railways principal source of revenue is freight and passenger fares which is 2/3 and 1/3 respectively and thus Railways’ development in all respect depends solely on the improvement of its both these services. He said that the service of Cancellation of PRS counter tickets through IRCTC website & 139 and Acceptance of International Debit and Credit Cards for payment for e-ticketing through IRCTC website is a step towards digital technology which will reduce cash handling. He assured more passenger friendly services in the coming time. 

 Speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha said that development of Railways is not a single-handed task and thus concerted efforts are necessary which railway personnel are doing day and day out. In a very short span of time of around two months, as many as 8 budget announcements have been fully implemented by the Railway Ministry which has been possible by the mechanised system.  

Salient Features Of the Schemes Launched : -

Acceptance of International Debit and Credit Cards for payment for e-ticketing through IRCTC website

Purpose:

Ø      At present, only American Express International Credit Cards are accepted at IRCTC portal through American Express (AMEX) Payment Gateway.  Other International Cards are not accepted for payments as on date.

Ø      IRCTC will now permit other International Credit/Debit Cards issued outside India also for booking of e-tickets through IRCTC website.  These International Credit/Debit Cards will be used for payment through the payment gateway provided by M/s.Atom Technologies.

Conditions:

Ø      4% of transaction value (inclusive taxes as applicable) shall be levied for each transaction through the International Credit/Debit Cards. 

Ø      This payment option is available only when ticket is booked at least 2 days in advance of journey date.

Ø      This payment option is not available for booking of “Tatkal” or “Premium Tatkal” quota tickets.

Ø      This payment option is not available for booking of tickets in “Premium trains”.

Process:

Ø      Select the “International Cards powered by Atom” payment option present under ‘Payment Gateway/Credit Card’ category at payment page.

Ø      Input all the mandatory details for payment at the Gateway page, such as Card Number, Name, Expiry, CVV, Bank Name, mobile number, e-mail and address.

Ø      After submission of all the details, ticket will be booked in case of successful payment response received from the Bank/Payment Gateway.

Benefits:

Ø      Acceptance of all International Credit/Debit Cards will fulfil the longstanding demand of foreign tourists as they will be able to book e-tickets directly and will no longer depend on other Agencies for this purpose. 

Cancellation of PRS counter tickets through

IRCTC website and through 139 (IVRS and SMS)

Purpose:

To facilitate passengers having confirmed PRS counter tickets to cancel the ticket within the permitted time limit under Refund Rule 2015.  PRS counter tickets can be cancelled through:

(i)  IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) or

(ii) 139

The permissible refundable amount shall be collected only at the journey commencing station or nearby satellite PRS locations defined by Zonal Railway within the prescribed time limit.

Facility Available only for Fully confirmed system tickets:

·         In normal circumstances only and not in case of late running of trains/cancellation of trains etc.,

·         Where the mobile number has been given at the time of booking the ticket.

·         Upto 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.

Collection of Refund Amount

·         Refund of fare amount shall be collected only at the journey commencing station or nearby satellite PRS locations defined by Zonal Railway as under:-

          (a) During first two hours of the opening of PRS counters on the next day for the tickets for the trains whose scheduled departure time is (i) between 1801 hours and 0600 hours.

          (b) Upto 4 hours after the scheduled departure of the train during the working hours of PRS counters/current counters/special counters where cancellation is permitted round the clock on the  tickets for the trains whose scheduled departure time is (i) between 0601 hours and 1800 hours.

(c) No refund of amount would be given after the above mentioned prescribed time limit.

Benefits:

Apart from cancellation across PRS counter, the passengers having confirmed PRS counter ticket can cancel the same within the prescribed time limit as per Refund Rule 2015 as under:-

(i). Through IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) (Steps how to cancel confirmed PRS counter ticket is placed at Annexure-I) or

(ii) Through 139 (Steps how to cancel confirmed PRS counter ticket is placed at Annexure-II)

CANCELLATION THROUGH IRCTC WEBSITE:              (Annexure-I)

* A new page will be given on IRCTC website (www.irctc.co.in) without any login ID for purpose of cancellation of PRS counter tickets.

* Passenger will be asked to enter the PNR number & Train number along with captcha.

* The details entered by passenger shall be validated and an OTP will be sent to the passenger to his mobile number given at the time of booking the ticket. The OTP received on the mobile will be entered by the passenger in the web page and it will be validated by the system.

* After receiving the confirmation OTP number from the passenger, full cancellation of PNR will be done and PNR will be marked as Cancelled but not refunded in the system. Seat/berth will be released and would be made available for booking both at PRS & IRCTC Website. Refund amount due will also be displayed to the passenger on the website.

* An SMS will be sent to the passenger with PNR and fare details - ”Your ticket has been cancelled. PNR, xxxxxx, Amt,xxxxx. Refund of fare amount shall be collected only at the journey commencing station or nearby satellite PRS locations as per the notified time”.

* All the Privilege/Duty pass/PTOs/complimentary pass tickets shall be allowed to be cancelled through website or through 139.

* All types of PNRs including i-tickets (after printing) and system tickets booked across counter/post office/YTSK/Go India terminals/Bank terminals etc.’ will be allowed to be  cancelled on website except the following:

(a). Circular Journey tickets and onwards tickets booked against CJT.

(b). Foreign tourists PNRs against which berth allotment has been done

(c). ATAS generated new PNR

(d). Duplicate ticket.

(e). Cluster ticket and pre-bought ticket.

CANCELLATION THROUGH 139:                                 (Annexure-II)

Rail Ticket booked through Railway Reservation counter can be cancelled through Railway Enquiry 139.  Service will be available on 139:

(a).  IVR with Agent Assistance

(b). SMS Service

(a). Cancel through 139 using IVR(Agent Assistance)

(i). Customer will call on 139 and select Option ‘6’ from IVR main menu.

(ii). IVR will ask whether it is Counter Ticket or E- Ticket. Press 1 for Counter Ticket or Press 2 for E-Ticket.

(iii). In case customer selects E-Ticket option, IVR will play a message “Currently ticket booked through Railway Reservation Counter only can be cancelled through 139. Press 8 to go back to main menu”

1.      Once customer selects Counter Ticket option, call will be transferred to agent for cancellation.

2.      Agent will ask the following information from customer to process the cancellation.

a.      PNR Number

b.      Train Number

3.      Agent will retrieve ticket information from the server and confirm it with the customer.

4.      After ticket details confirmation, agent will click on “Generate OTP” button to generate the OTP. System will validate the calling number of customer with the number mentioned in ticket details from the system.

5.      If mobile number validation fails, agent will advise the customer to call from the same number mentioned at the time of booking the ticket. If number is successfully validated, OTP will be delivered on passenger’s mobile number which he would convey to agent.

6.      Agent will enter OTP on CRM and will click “Submit” button to process the cancellation. Ticket will be cancelled and refundable amount will be display on agent screen. Agent will communicate the same refundable amount to customer.

7.      Customer has to collect the permissible refundable amount across the PRS counter within the prescribed time limit.

(b) Cancellation through SMS to 139:

(i). User has to send PNR Number & Train Number to 139 in the syntax given below:

CANCEL<PNR Number><Train Number> to 139

Example: CANCEL 2303529769 12420

           

(ii). User will get below response from 139 after mobile number verification:

“Dear User, We have received cancellation request against PNR number 2303529769, OTP against this request is 123456. To confirm ticket cancellation send SMS OTP 123456 to 139.

(iii). User has to send OTP number received back to 139 for second level of confirmation.

OTP <OTP received on Passenger Mobile Number> to 139

Example: OTP 123456

User will get below response from 139:

“Dear User, Your ticket with PNR number 2303529769 has been cancelled, refundable amount is Rs. ----.”

(iv) Passenger has to collect the permissible refundable amount within prescribed time limit across the PRS counter.

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

Sushri Uma Bharti calls for removal of misconceptions about inter-linking of rivers

Ninth meeting of the special committee for inter-linking of rivers held

Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharti has called for removal of misconceptions about inter-linking of rivers. Chairing the Ninth meeting of the Special Committee for Inter-Linking of Rivers held in New Delhi today the Minister said that keeping in view the recent drought in some parts of the country the need for quick implementation of inter-linking of rivers has become more necessary. She said inter-linking of rivers will not affect flow of sweet water in the rivers. Sushri Bharti said, “We are not stopping the flow of sweet water of the rivers, but will only be transferring the extra water of these rivers which comes during monsoon and floods to those rivers which have less water. This will not affect the flow of water of any river in the country”. The Minister said there were many misconceptions about Mahanadi-Godavari link in Odisha. People used to believe that Mahanadi does not have sufficient water and even than its water is being transferred to Godavari. But when it was explained to them that first extra water will be brought to Mahanadi through Subern rekha-Mahanadi link. This helped in removing their misconceptions about Mahanadi-Godavari link.

Referring to Ken-Betwa link as foundation stone of inter-linking of rivers programme Sushri Bharti expressed the hope that work on it first phase will start within three months. She said that once the work on the project start, people will themselves feel its benefits.  The Minister requested the government of Madhya Pradesh to provide necessary forest clearance at the earliest so that work on the first phase of the project could begin soon.

                        Expressing the need for an early implementation of Daman Ganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada link projects the Minister requested the Governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat to provide there clearances at the earliest so that work could begin soon. Referring to the recent drought in Latur region of Maharashtra, Sushri Bharti said inter-linking of rivers could prove to be an effective tool to deal with such situations. She informed that she will take up the issue of Daman Ganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi-Narmada link projects during her meeting with the Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on 3^rd of next month. The Minister said that Daman Ganga-Pinjal link will enhance the supply of water for Mumbai. She said she will herself visit the tribal areas to remove the misconception about this link among the tribals. The Union Water Resources Minister said that officials of Gujarat and Maharashtra will sit together with the officials of her Ministry to sort out all pending issues about these projects. Sushri Bharti said after this she will meet Chief Ministers of both the states to finalize the approval of these projects.   Water Resources Minister of Maharashtra Shri Girish Mahajan said that his  government is commited for early implementation of both the projects and expressed the hope that all pending issues with Government of Gujarat will be settled amicably.

Earlier, Director General of National Water Development Agency (NWDA), Dr. Masood Husain gave a presentation about various developments since the last meeting of the special committee. He said the sub committee for system studies which is considering the issue of ‘Surplus Water’ will soon submit its recommendations. Shri Husain said, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee has submitted the draft report on water balance study of the Mahandi-Gadavari link project to NWDA on April 19, 2016. He said after obtaining the views of Government of Odisha, the final report will be submitted to the special committee. Giving the status of intra-state link projects, Shri Husain said, NWDA has so far received 46 proposals of Intra-State links from 9 States viz; Maharasthra, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh. The pre-feasibility report (PFRs) of 35 intra-state links have been completed. He said DPR of two intra-state links for Burhi Gandak-Ganga and Kosi-Mechi received from Bihar are under consideration with Central Water Commission. The representative of Bihar government said that these proposals are pending for approval for more than two years. Sushri Bharti took a serious view of the issue and directed the Chairman of Central Water Commission to expedite the matter.

            Interlinking of River (ILR) programme is of national importance and has been taken up by the Government on high Priority. The purpose of this programme is to ensure greater equity in the distribution of water by enhancing the availability of water in drought prone and rainfed area through interlinking of rivers. The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has already identified 14 links under Himalayan Rivers component and 16 links under Peninsular Rivers component for inter basin transfer of water based on field surveys and investigation and detailed studies. 

Union Cabinet in its meeting held on July 24, 2014 approved the constitution of the Special Committee on ILR. Accordingly, Special Committee on ILR was constituted vide order dated September 23, 2014. The first meeting of the committee was held on October 17, 2014. The committee, after considering the views of all the stakeholders, is proceeding ahead to expedite the objectives of the interlinking of rivers as per terms of reference. Vigorous efforts have been made for generating consensus with development of alternative plans and also setting out road maps for implementation of projects. 

Courtesy: pib.nic.in

“India now will lead the world towards clean energy rather than follow”- Shri Piyush Goyal

Gives away CST & Solar Cooker Excellence Awards-2016

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy felicitated 102 awardees at CST & Solar Cooker Excellence Awards- 2016 here today. Shri Goyal also released 9 knowledge documents collated by several experts to provide information on Concentrated Solar Thermal Technology (CST) on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal said that India now will lead the world towards clean energy rather than follow. “With 21 GW of grid-connected new solar projects out in the market, India has signalled to the world that we're ready to lead” he added.

Shri Goyal further said that solar programme will not only ensure energy security of our country but also provide power to the last person at the bottom of the pyramid. Appreciating the awardees, the Minister said that such individual projects have a vital role to play in achieving holistic solar targets.

Shri Goyal reiterated that Indian solar targets are achievable. He said that we have exceeded our solar targets by 116% this year in comparison to last year and already had awarded projects of 11,000 MW. The awards were given to various stakeholder groups including State Nodal Agencies, Manufacturers/Suppliers of the technology and a wide range of beneficiaries to recognize their achievements made in the sector.

The Excellence Award ceremony is part of National Workshop on CST and Solar Cookers organised by Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to recognize notable achievement in off-grid and decentralized solar application.

The function was attended by Shri Upendra Tripathy , Secretary ,MNRE , Mr Jaco Cilliers , Country Director ,UNDP, Ms Ayumi Fujino , UNIDO Representative & Regional Director and senior officers of the Ministry .

BACKGROUND 

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing the programme on Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) technology under the ‘Off-grid and Decentralized Solar Applications’ programme of the National Solar Mission. The programme aims to promote applications of CST technologies in the industrial sectors, commercial establishments and other institutions. CST technologies can be used to provide steam/ hot oil/ pressurized water in the temperature range of 90 - 300˚C for various applications including community cooking, laundry, space cooling etc. While community cooking has become a popular application in both educational and religious organizations, CST technologies are being adopted to meet the process heat requirements in dairying, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, textiles and many other industrial sectors. Over 200 systems covering a total area of around 45000 m2 have already been installed in various parts of the country. The Ministry is also preparing a roadmap to install 100 MW of CSTs by the year 2022.

MNRE’s efforts are being supported for CST projects by UNIDO and UNDP to further promote and accelerate the use of these technologies in the country by removing its barriers to scaling up, each by installing 45000 m2 of CST systems within 5 years.

Courtesy : pib.nic.in

Model Station Scheme of Indian Railways

The ‘Model Station’ scheme was in vogue between June, 1999 and November, 2008. 594 stations were identified for development under Model Station Scheme. The State-wise and Zone-wise name of stations identified under the Model Station Scheme are as under:- 

     

State-wise list of 594 identified stations under Model Station Scheme

State	Name of stations
Assam (15)	Dibrugarh, Gosaigaon, Guwahati, Jorhat Town, Kamakhaya, Kokrajhar, Lumding, New Bongaigaon,   New Tinsukia, Rangiya Jn., Silchar, Srirampur, Tezpur, Bongaigaon  and Tinsukia.
Andhra Pradesh (44)	Dharmavaram Jn., Guntakal, Guntur, Kakinada Town, Nellore, Rajahmundry, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Palasa, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Anakapalli, Anantapur, Bhimavaram Town, Cuddapah, Eluru, Godavari, Ongole, Samalkot, Tenali, Adoni, Chirala, Kurnool Town, Machilipatnam, Palakollu, Tadepalligudem, Tanuku, Tuni, Bhimavaram, Dhone, Gooty, Gudivada, Gudur, Nadikudi, Nidadavolu, Pakala, Renigunta, Annavaram, Bhadrachalam Road, Mantralayam Road,  Srikhalahasti and Nandyal.
Bihar (55)	Akshayawat Rai Nagar, Ara, Araria Court, Barauni, Begu Sarai, Bettiah, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Chhapra, Dehri-on-Sone, Danapur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Hajipur Jn, Jamalpur Jn., Janakpur Road, Katihar, Khagaria,    Kishanganj, Mokama, Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Nayagaon, Narkatiaganj jn, Nawadah, Patna Jn., Purnea jn., Sagauli jn, Sasaram, Samastipur,  Sheikhpura, Sitamarhi, Siwan Jn., Sonepur, Sultanganj, Patna Sahib, Bakhtiyarpur, Biharsharif, Jamui, Jhajha, Kiul, Lakheesarai, Rajendra Nagar (T), Rajgir, Anugrah Narayan Road, Raxaul, Saharsa, Madhubani, Barh, Bhabua Road, Dalsinghsarai, Phulwarisarif, Bariarpur and Mananpur.
Chandigarh(1)	Chandigarh.
Chhattisgarh(8)	Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur, Raigarh, Champa, Bhatapara, Tilda   and  Rajnandgaon.
Delhi (9)	Delhi, Delhi Cantt, Delhi Sarai Rohilla,  H.Nizamuddin,  Nangloi, New Delhi, Delhi Shahdra, Sabzi Mandi and  Shakurbasti.
Gujarat (29)	Ahmedabad, Anand Jn., Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Dwarka, Gandhidham Jn., Gandhigram, Navsari, Okha, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Valsad, Vapi, Ankleshwar, Nadiad, New Bhuj, Palanpur, Jamnagar, Billimora, Udhana, Maninagar, Mahesana, Dahod, Hapa, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Porbandar and Verawal.
Goa (2)	Madgaon and Vasco-de-gama.
Himachal Pradesh (1)	Shimla.
Haryana (18)	Ambala Cantt, Faridabad, Hissar, Kalka, Panipat Jn., Rewari, Rohtak, Ballabhgarh, Karnal, Sonipat, Jagadhari, Kurukshetra, Palwal, Chandi Mandir, Bhiwani, Sirsa, Bhodwal Majri and Kosli.
Jammu & Kashmir (2)	Jammu Tawi and Kathua.
Jharkhand (16)	Baidyanathdham, Bokaro Steel City, Chakradharpur, Daltonganj, Dhanbad, Hatia,  Jasidih, Koderma, Madhupur, Parasnath, Ranchi, Tatanagar, Sahibganj, Barharwa, Barkakana and Garhwa Road.
Karnataka (26)	Bangalore Cantt., Bijapur, Gulbarga, Hospet Jn., Hubli Jn.,  Mangalore, Mysore, Raichur, Shimoga, Toranagallu, Kankanadi, Bidar, Yadgir, Belgaum, Bellary jn, Yesvanthpur jn, #Alnavar, Bangalore City, Bangarpet jn, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag, Hassan, Krishnarajapuram, Londa jn and  Tumkur. #Dropped
Kerala (19)	Alwaye, Calicut, Cannanore, Chengannaur, Ernakulam Jn., Kayankulam, Kottayam, Palghat Jn., Quilon, Trichur, Trivandrum Central, Varkala, Shoranur, Tellicherry, Tiruvalla, Ernakulam Town, Badagara, Tirur and  Alleppey.
Madhya Pradesh (34)	Bamnia, Bhopal, Babina, Damoh, Gwalior, Guna, Habibganj, Hoshangabad, Indore, Jabalpur, Katni Jn., Pipariya, Ratlam, Satna,  Ujjain, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Betul, Singrauli, Morena, Shahdol, Mhow, Dewas, Mandsaur, Nagda, Nimach, Madanmahal, Sagour, Maihar, Rewa, Itarsi, Bina, Vidisha  and  Chhindwara.
Maharashtra (45)	Akola Jn., Bandra Terminus, Bhusaval, Chandrapur, Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur),  Dadar (CR), Dadar (WR), Dharangaon, Jalgaon, Kalyan, Kurla (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus), Malkapur, Mumbai CST, Mumbai Central, Nagpur, Nanded, Nasik Road, Pune, Solapur, Thane, Wardha, Lonavala, Manmad, Amrawati, Miraj, Ahmednagar, Matheran, Badnera, Chalisgaon, Devlali, Shegaon, Ballarshah, Karad, Sangli, Satara,  Daund, Aurangabad, Jalna,  Parbhani, Mudkhed,  Purna, Nagarsol, Parlivaijnath, Gondia  and  Nandurbar.
Nagaland (1)	Dimapur.
Odisha (23)	Badakhandita, Balasore, Brahampur, Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar, Byree, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Golanthra, Jajpur-Keonjhar Road, Jharsuguda, Kapilas Road, Khurda Road, Puri, Rahama, Rayagada, Rourkela, #Sambalpur, Surla Road, Titlagarh, Balugaon,  Sambalpur Road and Kesinga. #Dropped
Puduchery (1)	Pondicherry.
Punjab (18)	Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Beas, Bhatinda, Dhuri Jn., Firozpur, Jullundur City, Ludhiana, Pathankot, Patiala, Chakki Bank, Jallandhar Cantt, Phagwara, Sirhand jn., Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Rajpura and  Abohar.
Rajasthan (27)	Abu Road, Ajmer, Bikaner, Chittaurgarh, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Nimbahera, Sawai Madhopur, Sri Ganga Nagar, Udaipur, Alwar, Falna, Rani, Marwar jn, Beawar, Bhilwara, Pali Marwar, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Makrana, Suratgarh, Hanumangarh, Bharatpur, Gangapur City, Rana Pratapnagar and Kishangarh.
Tamil Nadu (27)	Arakkonam jn, Chengalpattu, Chennai Central, Chennai Beach, Chennai Egmore, Coimbatore, Erode Jn., Kanniyakumari, Katpadi, Madurai, Mambalam, Rameswaram, Salem Jn., Tiruchchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tiruttani, Tuticorin, Jolarpettai, Dindigul, Tiruppur, Thanjavur, Nagercoil, Ambur, Kovilpatti, Virudhunagar, Villupuram jn and Hasur.
Telangana (13)	Hyderabad, Kacheguda, Secunderabad, Kazipet, Khammam,  Manchiryal, Ramagundam, Tandur, Dornakal, Vikarabad, Basar, Nalgonda and  Nizamabad.
Tripura (1)	Dharmanagar.
Uttar Pradesh (82)	Agra Cantt., Agra Fort, Aligarh, Allahabad, Ayodhya, Badshah Nagar, Ballia, Bareilly, Basti, Baraut, Baghpat Road, Deoria Sadar, Etawah, Faizabad, Garhmukteshwar, Ghaziabad, Gonda Jn., Gorakhpur, Izzatnagar Jn, Jhansi, Kanpur Central, Katra, Lucknow (NR), Lucknow  (NER), Mau Jn., Mathura Jn., Meerut City, Manduadih, Mughalsarai, Moradabad, Pilibhit, Prayag, Rae-Bareli Jn., Rawatpur, Saharanpur, Tundla, Varanasi, Renukot, Chopan, Meerut Cantt., Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Bhadohi, Akbarpur, Shahjahanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Barabanki, Shahganj, Unnao, Janghai, Najibabad, Rampur, Hardoi, Hapur, Chandausi, Mirzapur, Banda, Raja Ki Mandi, Fatehpur, Firozabad, Naini, Chitrakut Dham Karvi, Lalitpur, Orai, Lucknow City, Allahabad City, Azamgarh, Bahraich, Barhani, Belthra Road, Bhatni jn, Farrukhabad, Ghazipur City, Kasganj, Khalilabad, Lakhimpur, Salempur, Sitapur,  Varanasi City, Deoband and Kaimganj.
Uttarakhand(7)	Dehradun, Haridwar, Kathgodam, Roorkee, Rishikesh, Kashipur and  Lalkuan.
West Bengal (70)	Alipurduar Jn., Adra, Alubari Road, Andal Jn., Asansol, Bagnan,  Bandel, Barddhaman, Barasat, Basirhat, Bishnupur, Bolpur, Budge Budge, Baruipur Jn., Bidhannagar Road, Bongaon, Canning, Contai Road, Cooch Behar, New Cooch Behar, Dalkolha, Dhakuria, Dum Dum, Dankuni, Durgapur, Garia, Garbeta, Ghutiari Sharif, Ghum, Harishchandrapur, Howrah, Jalpaiguri, Jhargram, Kharagpur, Krishnagar Road, Kulti, Kolaghat, Labpur, *Maal Bazar, Madhyamgram, Malda Town, Mecheda, Midnapore, Murshidabad, New  Alipurduar, New Jalpaiguri, New Farakka, Nabadwip Dham, New Mal Jn., Raniganj, Ranaghat Jn., Raiganj, Siliguri Town, Santragachi Jn., Sealdah, Sonarpur, Sainthia,     Tamluk, Tollyganj, Tarakeswar, *Ultadanga Jn., Ulubaria, Barrackpur, Naihati, Rishra, Srirampur, Rampurhat, Sheoraphulli, Chandannagar and  Purulia. *Closed

Railway-wise List of 594 stations selected as ‘Model stations’ for provision of upgraded passenger amenities.

Railway	Name of station
Central (35)	Akola, Bhusaval, Chandrapur, Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur), Dadar, Gulbarga, Jalgaon, Kalyan, Kurla (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus), Malkapur,  Mumbai CST, Nagpur, Nasik Road, Pune, Solapur, Thane, Wardha, Lonavala, Khandwa, Manmad, Amrawati, Miraj, Ahmednagar, Matheran, Badnera, Burhanpur, Chalisgaon, Devlali, Shegaon, Betul, Ballarshah, Karad, Sangli, Satara and Daund.
Eastern (51)	Andal Jn., Asansol, Baidyanathdham, Bandel, Barasat, Barddhaman, Baruipur Jn., Basirhat, Bhagalpur, Bidhannagar Road, Bolpur, Bongaon, Budge Budge, Canning, Dankuni, Dhakuria, Dum Dum, Durgapur, Garia, Ghutiari Sharif, Howrah, Jamalpur Jn., Jasidih, Krishnagar Road, Kulti, Labpur, Madhupur, Madhyamgram, Malda Town, Murshidabad, Nabadwip Dham, New Farakka, Ranaghat Jn., Raniganj, Sainthia, Sealdah, Sonarpur, Sultanganj, Tarakeswar, Tollyganj, Ultadanga, Barrackpur, Naihati, Rishra, Srirampur, Rampurhat, Sheoraphulli, Chandannagar,  Sahibganj, Barharwa and Bariarpur.
East Central (55)	Akshayawat Rai Nagar, Ara, Buxar, Barauni Jn., Begusarai, Bettiah, Daltonganj, Danapur, Darbhanga, Dhanbad, Dehri-on-Sone, Gaya, Hajipur Jn., Janakpur Road, Khagaria, Koderma, Mokama, Motihari, Mughalsarai, Muzaffarpur, Nalanda, Nayagaon, Narkatiaganj jn, Nawadah, Parasnath, Patna, Sagauli jn, Sasaram, Samastipur, Sheikhpura, Sitamarhi, Sonepur Jn., Barkakana, Patna Sahib, Bakhtiyarpur, Biharsharif, Jamui, Jhajha, Kiul, Lakheesarai, Rajendra Nagar (T), Rajgir, Anugrah Narayan Road, Raxaul, Saharsa, Madhubani, Renukot, Singrauli,  Chopan, Garhwa Road, Barh, Bhabua Road, Dalsinghsarai, Phulwarisarif and Mananpur.
East Coast (24)	Badakhandita, Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur, Byree, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Golanthra, Jajpur-Keonjhar Road, Kapilas Road, Khurda Road, Puri, Rahama, Sambalpur, Surla Road, Titlagarh, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Palasa, Rayagada, Balugaon, Sambalpur Road and Kesinga.
Northern (80)	Ambala Cantt, Amritsar, Anandpur Sahib, Ayodhya, Baghpat Road, Baraut, Bareilly, Bhatinda, Beas, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Delhi Cantt, Delhi Sarai Rohilla, Dhuri Jn., Faizabad, Faridabad, Firozpur, Garhmukteshwar, Ghaziabad, Haridwar, H. Nizamuddin, Jullundur City, Jammu Tawi, Kalka, Kathua, Lucknow, Ludhiana, Merrut City, Moradabad, Nangloi, New Delhi, Panipat Jn., Pathankot, Patiala, Prayag, Rae-Bareli Jn., Saharanpur, Shimla, Varanasi, Rohtak, Delhi Shahdra, Ballabhgarh, Karnal, Sonipat, Meerut Cantt., Jaunpur, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Bhadohi, Akbarpur, Chakki Bank, Jallandhar Cantt, Phagwara, Shahjahanpur, Jagadhari, Sirhand jn., Muzaffarnagar, Kurukshetra, Sabzi Mandi, Palwal, Shakurbasti, Barabanki, Shahganj, Unnao, Janghai, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, Roorkee, Najibabad, Rampur, Hardoi, Hapur, Chandausi, Rishikesh, Rajpura, Chandi Mandir, Abohar,  Deoband and Bhodwal Majri.
North Central (21)	Agra Cantt, Agra Fort, Aligarh, Allahabad Jn., Etawah, Gwalior, Jhansi, Kanpur Central, Mathura Jn., Tundla, Mirzapur, Banda, Morena, Raja Ki Mandi, Fatehpur, Firozabad, Naini, Babina, Chitrakut Dham Karvi, Lalitpur and Orai.
North Eastern (34)	Badshah Nagar, Ballia,  Basti,  Chhapra Jn.,  Deoria Sadar, Gonda Jn., Gorakhpur,  Izzatnagar Jn., Kathgodam, Katra, Lucknow, Manduadih, Mau Jn., Pilibhit, Rawatpur,  Siwan Jn., Lucknow City, Allahabad City, Azamgarh, Bahraich, Barhani, Belthra Raod, Bhatni jn, Farrukhabad, Ghazipur City, Kasganj, Kashipur, Khalilabad, Lakhimpur, Lalkuan, Salempur, Sitapur , Varanasi City and Kaimganj.
Northeast  Frontier (35)	Alipurduar Jn., Alubari Road, Araria Court, Coochbehar, Dalkolha, Dharmanagar, Dibrugarh, Dimapur, Ghum, Gosaigaonhat, Guwahati, Harishchandrapur, Jalpaiguri, Jorhat Town, Kamakhya, Katihar, Kishanganj, Kokrajhar, Lumding, Maal Bazar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, New Coochbehar, New Jalpaiguri, New Mal Jn., New Tinsukia, Purnea jn, Raiganj, Rangia Jn., Silchar, Siliguri Town,  Srirampur, Tezpur, Bongaigaon and Tinsukia.
North Western  (26)	Abu Road, Ajmer,  Bikaner,  Hissar, Jaipur, Jodhpur,  Rewari, Sri Ganga Nagar, Udaipur, Alwar, Falna, Rani, Marwar jn, Beawar, Bhilwara, Pali Marwar, Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Makrana, Suratgarh, Bhiwani, Hanumangarh, Sirsa, Rana Pratapnagar, Kishangarh and Kosli.
Southern (48)	Alwaye, Arakkonam Jn, Calicut, Cannanore, Chengannaur, Chengalpattu, Chennai Beach, Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Coimbatore, Ernakulam Jn., Erode Jn., Kanniyakumari, Katpadi, Kayankulam,  Kottayam, Madurai, Mambalam, Mangalore, Palghat, Pondicherry, Quilon (Kollam), Rameswaram, Salem, Tiruchchirappalli, Tirunelveli, Tiruttani, Trichur, Trivandrum Central, Tuticorin, Varkala, Jolarpettai, Dindigul, Shoranur, Tellicherry, Tiruppur, Thanjavur, Nagercoil, Tiruvalla, Ernakulam Town, Ambur, Kovilpatti, Virudhunagar, Badagara, Kankanadi, Tirur, Villupuram jn and Alleppey.
South Central (64)	Dharmavaram Jn., Guntakal, Guntur, Hyderabad, Kacheguda, Kakinada Town, Nanded, Nellore, Raichur, Rajahmundry, Secunderabad, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Warangal, Anakapalli, Anantapur, Aurangabad, Bhimavaram Town, Cuddapah, Eluru, Godavari, Jalna, Kazipet, Khammam, Ongole, Parbhani, Samalkot, Tenali, Adoni, Chirala, Kurnool Town, Machilipatnam, Manchiryal, Palakollu, Ramagundam, Tadepalligudem, Tandur, Tanuku, Tuni, Yadgir, Bhimavaram, Dhone, Dornakal, Gooty, Gudivada, Gudur, Mudkhed, Nadikudi, Nidadavolu, Pakala, Purna, Renigunta, Vikarabad, Annavaram, Basar, Bhadrachalam Road, Bidar, Mantralayam Road, Nagarsol, Nalgonda, Parlivaijnath, Srikhalahasti, Nandyal and Nizamabad.
South Eastern (22)	Adra, Bagnan, Balasore, Bishnupur, Bokaro Steel City, Chakradharpur, Contai Road, Garbeta, Hatia, Jhargram, Jharsuguda, Kharagpur, Kolaghat, Mecheda, Midnapore, Ranchi, Rourkela, Santragachi Jn., Tamluk, Tatanagar, Ulubaria and Purulia
South East Central (11)	Bilaspur, Durg, Raipur, Raigarh, Gondia, Champa, Shahdol, Bhatapara, Tilda, Rajnandgaon and Chhindwara.
South Western  (22)	Bangalore Cantt, Bijapur, Hospet, Hubli, Mysore, Shimoga Town, Toranagallu, Vasco-de-gama, Belgaum, Bellary jn, Yesvanthpur jn, Alnavar, Bangalore City, Bangarpet jn, Davangere, Dharwad, Gadag, Hassan, Hasur, Krishnarajapuram, Londa jn and Tumkur.
Western (45)	Ahmedabad, Anand Jn., Bamnia, Bandra Terminus, Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Chittaurgarh, Dadar, Dharangaon,   Dwarka, Gandhidham, Gandhigram, Indore, Mumbai Central, Navsari, Nimbahera, Okha, Rajkot, Ratlam, Surat,  Ujjain, Vadodara, Valsad, Vapi, Ankleshwar, Nadiad, New Bhuj, Palanpur, Mhow, Jamnagar, Billimora, Udhana, Nandurbar, Maninagar, Mahesana, Dahod, Dewas, Mandsaur, Nagda, Nimach, Hapa, Surendranagar, Junagadh, Porbandar and Verawal.
West Central (20)	Bhopal, Damoh, Habibganj, Guna, Hoshangabad, Jabalpur, Katni Jn., Kota, Pipariya, Satna, Sawai Madhopur, Madanmahal, Sagour, Maihar, Rewa, Itarsi, Bina, Bharatpur, Gangapur City and Vidisha.
KRCL (1)	Madgaon.

Indian Railways have planned to offer ‘A-1’ & ‘A” category stations (about 400 in number) for redevelopment on ‘as is where is basis’ by inviting open bids from interested parties. Station                   redevelopment projects require close coordination with the State Government/local bodies in order to get necessary clearances such as mutation of land, change of land use, heritage clearance (if required), NOCs from local bodies etc. Hon’ble Minister of Railways has written letters to Chief Ministers of all States    requesting them to nominate coordinating officer in their respective States to facilitate these clearances. A few State Governments have nominated coordinating officers in this regard.

Station redevelopment projects are complex in nature and require detailed techno-economic        feasibility studies and statutory clearances from local bodies. Therefore, no time frame can be indicated, at this stage.

This Press Release based on information given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on 29.04.2016 (Friday).