Question : GAUGE CONVERSION OF MANGALORE-HASSAN RAILWAY TRACK

(a) the present position of gauge conversion of Mangalore-Hassan railway track;

(b) the details of the length remaining for gauge conversion and the time by which it is likely to be completed;

(c) the details of the amount required for the completion of the work;

(d) whether the entire Railways in Karnataka State has been merged with the South Western Railway;

(e)if so, whether the Mangalore railway station has not been handed over to the South Western Railway; and

(f) if so, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) & (b): On Mangalore-Hassan section, work on Hassan-Sakleshpur (42 kms) and Kankanadi-Kabakaputtur (44 kms) has already been completed and the sections commissioned for train services. Work on Kabakaputtur-Subramanya Road (42 kms.) has been completed recently. Work on the balance portion i.e Subramanya Road -Sakleshpur (56 kms) is targeted for completion during 2004-05 where works are in advance stage of completion.

(c): The balance amount required for completion of Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion project is about Rs. 75 crore.

(d): No, Sir.

(e) & (f): Do not arise.