(a) whether the Railways proposed to develop international rail corridors as
reported in ‘Times of India’ dated April 30, 2007;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Railways have discussed with neighbouring countries in this regard;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) the reaction of the neighbouring countries thereto; and
(f) the time by which international rail corridors is likely to be operational?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
( SHRI R. VELU )
(a) to (f): A Statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.5878 BY
SHRI KISHANBHAI V. PATEL TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 17.05.2007 REGARDING INTERNATIONAL
RAIL CORRIDORS
(a) & (b): For development of International Corridors, an Inter-governmental Agreement
on Trans-Asian Railway has been negotiated under UN-ESCAP. The Agreement has been opened
for Signature in November, 2006. There is a missing link between India and Myanmar which
will require to be constructed for operationalizing the corridor. RITES carried out a
feasibility study for India-Myanmar rail link. The Report was submitted to Myanmar
Government. The likely expenditure as per the study on construction of new rail link
between Jiribam-Moreh in India and Tamu-Kalay-Segyi in Myanmar is estimated as
Rs.4,280 Crore.
(c): No, Sir.
(d) & (e): Do not arise.
(f): No specific timeframe has been set for operationalizing the project.