Question : New Railway Lines

(a) whether the Railways has decided to review further investments in new railway lines that have been stuck for a long period due to delay in land acquisition;

(b) if so, the details in this regard;

(c) whether the Railway Board has urged States to initiate and expedite the land acquisition process to lay new railway lines; and

(d) if so, the details of the State Governments response in respect of land acquisition for Railways and the details of land acquired by Railways in the last three years and laid new railway lines thereon?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (d): Indian Railways have a number of projects where considerable investments have been made but returns are not forthcoming due to land acquisition problems. Therefore, it has been decided that the commencement of physical work for New Line projects shall be taken up only after completion of land acquisition. However, General Managers of Zonal Railways have been empowered to invite tenders if they are certain of the possibility of land acquisition in a reasonable time frame. For this, a written assurance from the State Government will be required by General Managers of Zonal Railways. General Managers of Zonal Railways have also been empowered to review further investment in projects where State support is not forthcoming and the projects have remained in limbo for long period. Chief Secretaries of State Governments have also been requested to take necessary steps in this regard to expedite execution work of New Lines. No further response has so far been received from any State Government in this regard.

Acquisition of land and laying of new lines thereon is a continuous process by Zonal Railways and other executing agencies. No centralized compendium of land acquisition is maintained by Ministry of Railways.

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