(a) whether the Solapur-Gadag gauge conversion project was approved in 1993-94 and
the project has been delayed due to non-availability of funds;
(b) if so, the criteria for approval of projects by Railways and subsequent denial of funds by
the same authorities;
(c) whether the Government intend to complete the on-going projects before taking up new
projects; and
(d) if not, the time by which the on-going railway projects are likely to suffer due to
non- availability of resources?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS ( SHRI O. RAJAGOPAL )
(a) The work of gauge conversion of Solapur-Gadag section was approved in 1993-94.
However, the work is being executed in phases depending upon the availability of resources.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) and (d) Completion of ongoing railway projects would depend upon availability of
resources and their overall priority. There is a large shelf of ongoing gauge conversion projects
which will take about 15 years for completion at the current level of funding.