Outlay for new lines up 30%

Ministry has set a target of doubling up to 700-km lines.

Having set an ambitious target of adding 1,000 km of new lines, the railways have increased the outlay for new lines by over 30 per cent to Rs 4,362 crore for 2010-11.

In the current financial year, the railways spent Rs 3,340 crore to lay 250 km of new lines. The outlay for gauge conversion, however, is down 48 per cent to Rs 1,635 crore for 800 km of lines. The outlay on doubling of lines has been reduced by 9 per cent to Rs 1,834 crore and the railway ministry has set a target to double lines up to 700 km.

Overall, the ministry will spend Rs 7,831 crore to augment and expand rail infrastructure during 2010-11, compared to the 2009-10 revised estimates of Rs 8,412 crore. The ministry has sought additional Budgetary support of Rs 3,701 crore for 11 national projects. The ministry also proposes to set up a special task force to clear proposals for investments within 100 days.

The railways propose to update surveys for the 114 socially-desirable rail lines. These will then be processed through the Planning Commission for necessary approvals. The ministry has proposed to draw up a master plan for the development of rail infrastructure in the Northeast in consultation with the Northeast Development Council and the state authorities concerned.

“Railways, being the lifeline of the Indian economy, have to provide connectivity to most parts of the country. Our objective is inclusive growth. Growth for all is not possible, if there is no connectivity,” Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee said while presenting the Railway Budget for 2010-11.

West Bengal has clearly emerged as the biggest gainer of other new projects. The railways plan to modernise Chittaranjan Locomotive Works and expand its capacity from 200 locomotives to 275 earlier. It also proposes to set up a diesel multiple unit (DMU) factory at Sankrail in Howrah. Railways have received a request from the West Bengal government to set up a coach factory in Singur. The railway ministry has conveyed its willingness, provided the state government makes arrangements for the requisite land after returning 400 acres to unwilling farmers.