Question : CONSTRUCTION OF RAILWAY BRIDGES



(a) Whether the various State Governments have requested the Railways for cent percent funding for the construction of railway bridges;

(b) If so, the details thereof; and

(c) The reaction of the Railways thereto?

Answer given by the minister


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

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): Requests from Punjab, Kerala and West Bengal States were received some time ago.

(c): The issue has been considered by the Ministry of Railways and Central Government was requested to enhance allocation of funds. from Central Road Fund for taking these works entirely at Railway`s cost and also to exempt Railways from paying the cess on diesel consumed by Railways so that the funds so saved can also be utilized on construction of Road Over/Under bridges. But the proposal has not been approved by the Government.