**Summary:**
This document summarizes the Indian Ministry of Railways' policy regarding halts and reservation quotas for Mail, Express, and Superfast trains, as addressed in Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1739 on July 30, 2025.
The provision of train stoppages is determined by several factors, including traffic justification, operational feasibility, the importance of the station, and the availability of alternative services. The Ministry of Railways/Railway Board serves as the Competent Authority for authorizing train stoppages.
Zonal Railways are responsible for distributing reservation quotas based on demand patterns and accommodation availability. These quotas are periodically reviewed and adjusted based on utilization, representing a continuous process. The policy acknowledges the consideration of passenger footfall in determining train halts.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for the Indian Railways.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India, where the question was raised.
SHRI ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE: Member of Parliament who raised the question in Lok Sabha.
Mail, Express and Superfast trains: A category of trains operated by Indian Railways.
SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW: The Minister of Railways, Information Broadcasting and Electronics Information Technology answering the question.
Indian Railways: The state-owned railway company of India.
Railway Board: The apex body that manages the Indian Railways, under the Ministry of Railways.
Zonal Railways: The regional divisions of Indian Railways, responsible for operations within their zones.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1739
TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.07.2025
HALTS AND RESERVATION QUOTA IN MAIL, EXPRESS AND
SUPERFAST TRAINS
1739. SHRI ANUP SANJAY DHOTRE:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the criteria for allowing a halt at any station for Mail, Express
and Superfast trains;
(b) the criteria for allotting reservation quota to a station in Mail,
Express and Superfast trains;
(c) the consideration of the passenger footfall of a particular station
if any, in determining the halt of Mail, Express, and Superfast trains;
and
(d) the details of the competent authority and the procedure to
modify, add or cancel halts and reservation quotas in existing Mail,
Express and Superfast trains ?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d) On Indian Railways, provision of stoppage of train services
is dependent on factors which includes traffic justification,
operational feasibility, importance of the station, availability of
alternative services, etc. Ministry of Railways/Railway Board is the
Competent Authority with respect to provision of stoppages.
Distribution of reservation quota is done by Zonal Railways on the
basis of demand pattern and availability of accommodation.
Reservation quota so earmarked are reviewed on a periodical basis
and adjustments made, wherever required based on utilization. This
is a continuous process.
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