Question : TALCHER-BIMLAGARH RAIL LINE

(a) whether Talcher-Bimlagarh Rail line has been cleared by C.E.A. and Planning Commission;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the time by which the said line is likely to be constructed;

(d) if not, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government are aware of the fact that the proposed line passes through forest and mineral rich area of densely tribal population and having R.O.R. much more than newly taken up and abandoned non remunerative line which have been recently revived; and

(f) if so, the consideration that refrains the Government to take up the construction of this long demanded Talcher-Bimlagarh Rail line under East Coast and South East Railway Zone?

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

(a) to (d): The survey conducted in 2001-02 for Talcher-Bimlagarh new line project had revealed that the cost of construction of this 154-kms long line would be about Rs. 606.60 crore. A proposal has been sent to the Planning Commission for according `in principle` approval to the project.

(e): As per the survey report, the proposed line passes through forest and mineral-rich area and the population along the alignment is tribal and economically weak. There is no specific mention of a particular line in the Question by which a comparison has been drawn and as such, no comments are feasible to be given.

(f): The work would be taken up once necessary approvals are obtained.