(a) the date on which the gauge conversion work of Arasikere-Hassan-Mangalore Railway line was started;
(b) the estimated cost of the above project and the amount spent thereon so far;
(c) the funds allocated to the above project during 1999-2000; and
(d) the time by which the above project is likely to be completed?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)
(a): The work was started in the year 1994-95.
(b): The cost of the project is Rs. 217.82 crs. and an amount of Rs. 115.01 crs. has been spent so far.
(c): The budget allotment in 1999-2000 was Rs. 28 crs.
(d): Arsikere-Hassan (46.66 km) was commissioned on 23.8.96 and Hassan to Sakleshpur (42.06 km) was commissioned on 26.01.98. The work on Sakleshpur-Kankanadi (142 km) is in good progress and will be completed in a phased manner. No firm target date has yet been fixed for the completion of the project.