RAIL 3

The budget has provided for the highest-ever plan outlay
for 2010-11 at Rs 41,426 crore, an increase of Rs 1,142 crore
over 2009-10.
A provision of Rs 4,411 crore has been provided in the
plan for new lines while passenger amenities get Rs 1,302
crore and metro projects Rs 1,001 crore.
The plan for next year also provides for acquisition of
18,000 wagons, while additional budgetary support of Rs 3,701
crore has been sought for 11 national projects.
Surveys for 114 socially desirable projects connecting
backward areas will be taken up along with 54 surveys for new
lines, two for gauge conversions, seven for doubling and five
others to be taken up.
Under the new plan, 1021 km of new lines will be completed
and nine new line projects would be taken up. Gauge conversion
of 800 km and doubling of 700 km has been targeted.
Banerjee said economic viability and social responsibility
will be the main consideration for taking up of projects in
which inclusive growth and expansion of rail work will be
given priority.
A special task force will be set up to clear proposals
for investments within 100 days and a separate structure will
be created for implementation of the business models.
The Railway Minister announced that as part of passenger
amenities 94 stations will be upgraded as 'Adarsh' (model)
stations and 10 more stations would be identified for
conversion to world class stations. (MORE) PTI