(a) whether the work of laying new Railways line from Baspani-Bimlagarh and Badaam-Pahaar to Keonjhar had been sanctioned by the Railways previously;
(b) if so, the details and the present status thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Railways in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) to (c): No, Madam. As Bimlagarh & Barsuan are already connected by rail, a survey for a new line between Barsuan & Banspani was completed in 2010. As per survey report, the cost of project was assessed as `786 crore with unremunerative rate of return (ROR). However, due to its unremunerative nature, huge throwforward of ongoing projects and limited availability of funds for new lines, the project could not be taken forward.
As regards Badampahar & Keonjhar (Kendujhargarh) (80 Km) new line, a Survey for a new line was also completed in 2011-12 and the cost of the project was assessed as `619 crore with a negative rate of return. However, due to its unremunerative nature, large throwforward of ongoing projects and limited availability of funds for new lines, the project could not be taken forward.
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