Question : GAUGE CONVERSION OF RANGIA-RANGAPARA-TEZPUR-MARKON-SELEK RAIL LINE

(a) whether the Government have decided to drop gauge conversion of Rangia-Rangapara-Tezpur-Markon-Selek Section under North Frontier Railway;

(b) if so, whether as per earlier schedule the work had to be started immediately after completion of gauge conversion upto Dibrugarh; (

(c) if so, whether the Government are not serious to take up the work of improvement of rail track facilities in Mangaldoi-Tezpur and Lakhimpur;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the foundation stone at Bogibeel was laid down three years ago for construction of Road-cum-Rail Bridge to link Tinsukia Junction on the Southern Bank; and

(f) if so, the reasons for abnormal delay to commence the work?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)

(a) to (f): A Statement is attached.

(a): A survey for gauge conversion of this line is still in progress. Further consideration of the project would be possible once the survey report becomes available.

(b): No, Sir.

(c) & (d): Do not arise.

(e): Yes, Sir.

(f): The work has been included in the Railway Budget. `In principle` clearance of CCEA is available. Final location survey including model studies have just been completed by RITES and the detailed project report is under finalisation. Once the report is finalised and cost firmed up, final clearance of CCEA would be obtained and work would be taken up thereafter.