(a) the details of gauge conversion works in Orissa;
(b) the number of metre gauge railway lines in Orissa currently and the location thereof;
(c) the steps taken by the Railways to convert the said metre gauge lines into broad gauge; and
(d) the time by which the said work is likely to be completed?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a) to (d): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF THE UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2945 BY SHRIMATI
SANGEETA KUMARI SINGH DEO TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 20.03.2008 REGARDING GAUGE CONVERSION IN
ORISSA.
(a) to (d): There is no metre gauge line in Orissa. There are two narrow gauge lines, viz., Rupsa-
Bangriposi (90 Kms) and Naupada-Gunupur (90 Kms), conversion of which into broad gauge has been
taken up. The status of these two ongoing gauge conversion projects is given as under:-
(i) Rupsa-Bangriposi (90 Kms) gauge conversion project:-
Rupsa-Baripada (52 Kms) section has been completed and commissioned. Baripada-Bangriposi (38 Kms)
section is likely to be completed during 2009-10. An expenditure of Rs. 66.46 crore has been
incurred on the project till 31.03.2007. An outlay of Rs. 35 crore has been provided for the
work in the Budget 2007-08 and an outlay of Rs. 40 crore has been proposed in the Budget 2008-09.
(ii) Naupada-Gunupur (90 Kms) gauge conversion project:-
The project is targeted for completion during 2008-09. An expenditure of Rs. 61.92 crore has been
incurred on the project till 31.03.2007. An outlay of Rs. 25 crore has been provided for the work
in the Budget 2007-08 and an outlay of Rs. 10.41 crore has been proposed in the Budget 2008-09.