Question : DOUBLE LINE BETWEEN KHARAGPUR-MIDNAPORE

(a) the present status of the progress made regarding double line between Kharagpur-Midnapore via Giri Maidan under Kharagpur Division of S.E. Railways;

(b) whether no work has been taken up so far;

(c) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the time by which the work of said rail line in West Bengal is likely to be started and completed?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)

(a) to (d): Kharagpur to Midnapore is a double-line section except for two single-line patches, i.e., Kharagpur-Gokulpur and on Cossey river. An updating survey for Kharagpur-Midnapur doubling via Giri Maidan has been included in the Budget 2004-05.