Railways Take Giant Leap in Construction of New Lines, Doubling & Gauge Conversion: Mukul Roy
The Minister of Railways, Shri Mukul Roy said that in the XI plan Indian Railways has taken giant leap in construction of new lines, doubling and gauge conversation with total length of 10285 kms as well also 4556 route kilometre was done in XI plan. The Railway Minister was speaking at the Consultative Committee meeting of Members of Parliament for Ministry of Railways held here today. He said in 2010-11 and 2011 -12, Railways has constructed 709 km and 727 km respectively of new lines, which is almost 4 times the average annual progress since independence. The agenda for the meeting was “Review of ongoing projects”. The Ministers of State for Railways, Shri K. H. Muniyappa and Shri Bharatsinh Solanki were also especially present at the meeting.
The Railway Minister said that in order to garner extra funds for the projects, Indian Railways have requested the State Government s to share the cost of the projects falling in their respective states. Shri Roy said that many States have come forward in this regard and at present there are 35 projects which are under execution on cost sharing arrangement and some remunerative projects are proposed to be executed through Public Private Partnership. He said that Indian Railways have requested the Planning Commission for enhancement of Gross Budgetary Support for Railways. Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana (PMRVY) is also proposed to be launched for taking up socially desirable projects.
Referring to the fund constraints, the Railway Minister pointed out that there is throwforward of about Rs 1,50,000 crore for ongoing new lines, gauge conversion and doubling projects. He said that Indian Railways presently is able to provide about Rs.10,000 to Rs. 12,000 crore to these projects annually. Due to limited availability of resources, the Railway Minister said that the funds are distributed over large numbers of projects and Railways are not able to achieve the desired level of progress.
Shri Mukul Roy further said that Indian Railways has taken up the works of setting up of number of factories for manufacturing of locomotives, coaches and wagons which are in various stages of progress. He said that some of the projects are getting affected due to delay in land acquisition especially clearance required for acquisition of forest land and Indian Railways is making efforts to contact the concerned State Governments and the concerned Ministry for expeditious clearances.
Members participating in the meeting, requested for expediting the work of various pending projects on doubling, gauge conversion and foot over bridge, road over bridges etc. Some Members also requested for various halts and stoppages of certain trains.
Chairman, Railway Board, Shri Vinay Mittal, Members of the Railway Board and senior officials of Ministry of Railways were among those present on the occasion.
Source:pib
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