(a) whether the Union Government has received proposals from the Government of West
Bengal in regard to construction of third Terminal at Kolkata, faster railway links with North Bengal and upgradation of Sub-urban Stations in S.E. and E. Railways etc.; and
(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI R.VELU )
(a) & (b) : A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) and (b) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4287 BY SHRI BASUDEB ACHARIA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 26.08 .2004 REGARDING RAILWAY PROJECTS OF WEST BENGAL.
(a) & (b) : A letter has been received from the Government of West Bengal requesting for construction of a third terminal for Kolkata, faster railway links with North Bengal, upgradation of suburban stations on Eastern and South Eastern Railways etc.
The construction of third terminal at Chitpur in Kolkata is in progress. The detailed estimate has been sanctioned and work of platform between lines 1 and 2 has been completed. An outlay of Rs. 10 crore has been provided for the work in Budget 2004-05. Further, survey for development of Shalimar suburban terminal and Padmapukur non-suburban terminal in Kolkata is in progress. Further consideration of the project would be feasible once the results of the survey become available.
It is proposed to speed up 3143/3144 Sealdah-New Jalpaiguri Darjeeling Mail to reduce the journey time between Kolkata and North Bengal.
Upgradation/renovation/modernization of railway stations is a continuous process and the same is undertaken every year in accordance with the laid down norms based on traffic growth and inter-se priorities. Minimum Essential Amenities as per the laid down norms have been provided at all the suburban stations on Eastern and South Eastern Railways which are considered adequate for the present level of passenger traffic, except for certain quantitative deficiencies in the areas of number of booking counters, urinals/toilets etc. The works for elimination of such deficiencies are targeted for completion by March, 2005.