(a) whether railway route length in Andhra Pradesh for per 100
square miles is less in comparison to other States;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for
expansion of railway network in Andhra Pradesh?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a) The Railway route length (route kms.) per 100 square
kilometres in Andhra Pradesh as on 31.3.2003 (latest figures available)
is 1.89 kms. which is nearer to the All India average of 1.92 kms.
(route length and area are maintained in metric units). There are another 15 States
where the route length per 100 square kms. of area is less than that of
Andhra Pradesh.
(b)&(c): Planning and the execution of Railway projects is done
in an integrated and need based manner keeping a national perspective in view.
Geographical boundaries of the State, per se, do not form a criterion for
determining Railway investments, especially in a scenario where many Railway
projects span across more than one State. However, new line works of about
590 kms length are in progress in the State of Andhra Pradesh. These
works will be completed in the coming years as per availability of resources.