(a) whether there is any proposal with the Government to shift the doubling of railway line from Kochi to Kayamkulam via Alappuzha instead of original proposal via Kottayam; and
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to completed electrification of railway line from Kochi to Trivandrum?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)
(a): There is no such proposal.
(b): Does not arise.
(c): Electrification of Ernakulam-Cochin Harbour Terminus is a part of Electrification Project of Erode-Ernakulam-Cochin. Electrification upto Ernakulam has already been completed. Work between Ernakulam and Cochin Harbour Terminus could not be taken up due to non-clearance from Naval authorities. The electrification of Ernakulam-Trivendrum section is sanctioned as a separate work. The preparatory work for this section has started. This work is targeted to be completed by March 2004.