Question : BATESHWAR-AGRA RAIL LINE PROJECT

(a) whether a rail line connecting Bateshwar with Agra with a project cost of Rs. 217 crore was inaugurated in the year 1999;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the land has been acquired for the said project;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether soil preparation had been completed on just 18 km of the 114 km long railway line;

(f) if so, the reasons for the delay in land acquisition and the mounting per km cost of new railway line;

(g) whether the farmers are against the land acquisition; and

(h) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS ( SHRI BANDARU DATTATRAYA )

(a) to (h) : A statement is attached.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (h) OF THE UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1548 BY SHRI SHIBU SOREN TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 31.07.2003 REGARDING BATESHWAR-AGRA RAIL LINE PROJECT.

(a) & (b) : Yes, Sir. The foundation stone of this project was laid by Hon`ble Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee on 6th April 1999. The estimated cost of construction of 114 km. long line is Rs. 214 crore.

(c) & (d) : Proposals for land acquisition for all the 92 villages have been submitted to State Government. Out of this, land has been acquired in 14 villages.

(e) : Earthwork is in progress in 18 km. length. Further work will be taken up after land is made available.

(f) : The land acquisition is being done by State Govt. as per their rules and procedure. The increase in cost has not been assessed at this stage.

(g) : No such case of protest from farmers against the land acquisition has been received by Railways.

(h) : Does not arise.