(a) whether the Expert Group on modernisation of the Railways has recommended for expeditious implementation of priority projects which are in advance stage of completion;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with the other main points of recommendations;
(c) the number of projects wherein 90 per cent of the investment has been made and the projects have overrun their completion date;
(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Railways on the recommendations made by the said Group; and
(e) the broad time frame likely to be set for the implementation of the said recommendations? |
| ANSWER |
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI K. H. MUNIYAPPA)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Expert Group for Modernization of Indian Railways has recommended implementation of the following:
# 101 projects in advance stage of completion where 50% to 90% of the investment have already been made.
# Projects already sanctioned-rail tracks: Out of a total 340 rail track projects (New Line -129 Kms., Guage Conversion-45 Kms. and Doubling-166 Kms.) of tracks length 33,133 Kms. the following to be taken up as priority projects:-
# 115 doubling projects covering a length 6643 Kms.(Sanctioned).
# 15 new lines/gauge conversion projects covering a length of 700 Kms. (Sanctioned).
Besides above, the Expert Group has made 113 specific recommendations pertaining to modernization of tracks and bridges, signalling systems, rolling stock, stations and terminals, Public-Private Partnership initiatives, utilization of land and airspace, construction of Dedicated Freight Corridors, High-Speed Passenger Corridors, expeditious implementation of ‘priority’ projects, harnessing Information & Communication Technology and Safety.
(c) : Railway projects have a long gestation period due to number of reasons. So the targets for projects are generally fixed on yearly basis based on availability of resources, progress made, and consequently, projects get completed in phases. The projects which are in advance stage of completion are given priority for resource allocation to get maximum benefit of the investment.
(d) &(e) : The Report is under examination by Ministry of Railways. |
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