(a) whether the gauge conversion projects are running late across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Palghat/Pollachi and Madurai-Kollam gauge conversion works, commenced long ago, are yet to be completed;
(d) if so, the reasons for delay; and
(e) the steps taken to expedite the work on projects?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a) & (b): The gauge conversion works are progressing as per availability of
resources and efforts are being made to convert majority of the Meter Gauge lines into
Broad Gauge during the 11th Plan Period.
(c) to (e): Dindigul-Pollachi-Palghat gauge conversion was included last year
only i.e. 2006-07. On Madurai to Kollam (Quilon) (267 Kms), a Broad Gauge line already
exists between Madurai and Virudhunagar (43 Kms) and the gauge conversion of
Virudhunagar-Kollam (Quilon) (224 Kms) has been taken up as a part of Quilon-Tirunelveli
-Tiruchendur & Tenkasi-Virudhunagar gauge conversion (357 Kms) project
included in Budget 1997-98. Out of 224 Kms, 130 Kms from Virudhunagar to Sengottai via
Tenkasi is already completed and Kollam (Quilon) to Punalur (46 Kms) is targeted for
completion during 2007-08. Punalur to Sengottai (48 Kms) is a Ghat section for
which feasibility of using the existing Meter Gauge alignment and tunnels for Broad
Gauge operations are being examined so as to avoid large scale acquisition of forest
land.