(a) whether the Government has decided to lay Pandharpur-Lonand railway line;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the present status of this project; and
(d) the steps being taken by the Government for speedy work keeping in mind the pilgrimage location of Pandharpur?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) to (d): A survey for a new line between Pandharpur-Lonand (109 km) was completed in 2009-10. As per the survey report, the cost assessed was ` 251 crore with negative ROR of 5%. The project could not be taken forward due to its unremunerative nature and huge throwforward of ongoing projects. However, to reassess its viability, updating exercise has been taken up.
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