(a) the current status of the railway zone to be established in Andhra Pradesh (AP);
(b) the reasons for the long delay that has been caused and steps the Government is taking to expedite the process; and
(c) whether the Government has set any deadline for the establishment of new railway zone and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a) to (c): As per Item 8 of Schedule 13 (Infrastructure) of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, Ministry of Railways was required to examine the feasibility of establishing a new Railway Zone in the successor State of Andhra Pradesh. To, inter-alia, examine the feasibility of establishing a new Railway Zone; a Committee of senior Railway officers had been constituted. The Committee was asked to consult various stake holders, including the Members of Parliament, State Governments, etc. before a final decision is taken. The Committee has already submitted its report. In view of the complexities involved in the exercise, no time frame can be fixed in this regard as the matter is under further detailed examination in the Ministry of Railways.
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