Question : CONSTRUCTION OF LEVEL CROSSINGS

(a) whether the Railways have set up a separate safety fund for unmanned level crossings and construction of road over/under bridges;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Minsitry has also asked the Members of Parliament to utilise their Local Area Development Funds for the purpose of construction of road over/under bridges and conversion of unmanned level crossings to manned leel crossing;

(d) if so, the response of the Member in this regard; and

(e) the number of road over/under bridges and manned/unmanned level crossings proposed to be constructed out of the MPLADS Fund, location-wise?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS (KUMARI MAMTA BANERJEE)

(a) and (b) Although there is no separate Railway Safety Fund for dinancing expenditure on works related to conversion of unmanned level crossings into manned level crossings and provision of road over/under bridges, Indian Railways have accorded high priority for expediting these works. A sum of Rs.300 crore to be received as part of railways` share from the cess on petrol and diesel will be exclusively utilised for these purposes during 2000-2001.

(c) Yes, Sir. Requests have been made only for manning of unmanned level crossings.

(d) and (e) The response of the Hon`ble Members of Parliament is encouraging. The detailed information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.