Question : RAILWAY PROJECTS IN BACKWARD AREAS



(a) whether the Railways have any policy to develop railway projects in the socially backward areas of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof including the areas identified for this purpose, zone-wise and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) the details and the present status of the railway projects undertaken in the backward, tribal and hilly areas during the last three years and the current year, zone-wise;

(d) whether the Railways have formulated any mechanism for viable funding for development of railway network in the backward areas of the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the steps taken/being taken by the Railways to address the issue?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI ADHIR RANJAN CHOWDHURY)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 105 BY SHRI SULTAN AHMED TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 12.12.2013 REGARDING RAILWAY PROJECTS IN BACKWARD AREAS.

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c): No classification of projects is done on the basis of backward, tribal, hilly areas. However, out of 156 ongoing new line railway projects, 133 have rate of return less than threshold level of 14% and have been taken up considering socio-economic development of hilly, tribal, backward regions.

(d): No, Madam.

(e): Does not arise.