Hubli-Bangalore rail line to be doubled

Union minister of state for railways R Velu said here that priority would be accorded to doubling the tracks between Hubli and Bangalore to decongest traffic.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for a new railway station complex here, he said the Railways would also expedite the travelling time of the existing trains on this route.

The minister said the Indian Railways had given priority to developing uni-gauge system across the country and added that the attempts had resulted in a substantial decongestion.

"The Railways has not been able to take up all routes as it involved substantial investments in track, rolling stock and other infrastructure," he explained. Velu expressed optimism that the doubling of track between Hubli and Bangalore will be included in the upcoming railway Budget.

Gauge conversion work between Bijapur and Gadag, and the doubling of track between Toranagallu and Bellary will be completed by 2007, the minister said. He promised that budgetary provisions would be made for doubling of tracks between Bangalore and Kanakapur, and Chamarajnagar and Chikamagalur.

The track doubling work between Bangalore and Ramnagaram will be completed in March next. On the long-pending Hubli-Ankola rail project, Velu said the project faced a major hurdle over environmental clearance for the construction of a line along some parts of the Western Ghats.

The matter is pending with the Supreme Court Empowerment Committee. "Until the court makes a decision, the Railways cannot pursue the project," he pointed out.

Replying to a question regarding the demand for shifting the Railway Recruitment Board office of the South Western Railway zone from Bangalore to Hubli, Velu said there was no proposal to shift the office before the Railways and added that it was unwarranted at the moment.

While admitting that Biharis had bagged most of the jobs in the 'D' group in SWR ahead of Kannadigas, Velu said Biharis were more suited for the job as they had the necessary muscle power. "Kannadigas and Tamilians are intelligent but not hardworking," the minister observed.

The minister said the railway ministry had received a proposal for sanctioning Rs 120 crore for upgrading the Hubli workshop. The ministry will release adequate funds to take up the first phase of the project, he said.