Question : Rail Over Bridges

(a) the reasons for delay in construction of rail over bridges in the country including those in the eastern railways;

(b) whether any delay in the release of budgetary allocation is cited to be the reason behind such delays and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Railways has been in consultation with various State Governments in reconciling issues of land acquisition which is also a reason for the delay in construction of railway development projects; and

(d) if so, the details thereof including the progress of arbitration with the West Bengal State Government?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1604 BY SHRIMATI MAUSAM NOOR TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 27.12.2017 REGARDING RAIL OVER BRIDGES

(a): The main reasons for delay in progress of Road Over Bridges (ROBs) in the country including Eastern Railway are:

• late sanction of corresponding work in the State Budget
• inadequate fund allocation by the State Government,
• non-availability of encumbrance free land for construction of approaches,
• construction of Road Over Bridges/Road Under Bridges(RUBs) requires speed restrictions. It is not possible to impose speed restrictions at many locations simultaneously to carry out the construction of ROBs/RUBs.

(b): There is no delay in the release of budgetary allocation by the Railways.

(c): Railways undertake construction of ROB in Railway portion whereas State Government constructs the approaches which quite often involve land acquisition. Hence, progress of ROBs depends on the construction of approaches. To resolve the interface issues Zonal Railways have been directed to hold bimonthly meeting with State Governments and other stakeholders. Land is acquired by State Government for construction of approach portion of ROB, hence, Railway does not have any control of land in State portion.

(d): So far as the delay in construction of ROBs in Eastern Railway is concerned, Zonal Railway have conducted regular coordination meetings with West Bengal Government to resolve the issues.
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