(a) whether the work for doubling the Rail line from Kottayam to Kayamkulam in Kerala is in progress;
(b) if so, the details of the stage of the construction via Kottayam and Alleppey;
(c) the details of the funds allotted and utilised so far; and
(d) the time by which this work is likely to be completed?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R. VELU )
(a) to d): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO 1274 BY SHRI P.C. THOMAS TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 15.07.2004 REGARDING DOUBLING OF RAIL LINE FROM KAYAMKULAM IN KERALA
(a) and (b): Patch doublings between Ernakulam-Mulanturutti, Kayankulam-Mavelikara & Mavelikara-Chenganur sections on Kottayam route and Kayankulam-Cheppad & Cheppad- Haripad sections on Alleppey route have been taken up.
On Ernakulam-Mulanturutti doubling project, earthwork, bridge works, station buildings and ballast collections are in progress. Overall physical progress is 40%. Government of Kerala has also been asked to speed up land acquisition for this project.
Preliminary arrangements are being made to take up work on other patch doublings.
(c): An expenditure of Rs. 23.87 crore has been incurred upto 31.3.2004 on all the above mentioned doubling works. An outlay of Rs. 16.34 crore has been proposed in the Budget 2004-05 for these works.
(d): These ongoing works will be completed in the coming years as per the availability of resources.