196 train accidents during Jan-Nov 2006

NEW DELHI: There have been 196 train accidents from January to November 2006 in which 162 people lost their lives and 235 were injured.

In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said loss of railway property due to the accidents was estimated at Rs 24.33 crore.

Replying to another question, he said Railways have offered appointment on compassionate grounds to the dependents of the victims of the July 11 serial bomb blasts in Mumbai suburban trains.

He also informed the House that Railways have received a proposal from the Central Railway for implementation of a scheme of issuing Smart Card which will be valid for travel in suburban trains as well as Bombay Electric and State Transport (BEST) buses in Mumbai.

The Minister said that the proposal is at preliminary stages of examination by the Ministry.

Velu said bids from firms and consortium of firms for franchising of Integrated Train Inquiry System (ITES) consisting of establishments, operation and maintenance of zonal hubs which will be linked with regional Call Centres, have been made for Railways.