Question : GAUGE CONVERSION OF PATHANKOT-JOGINDER NAGAR RAIL LINE

(a) whether a survey has been conducted in 2001 to convert the Pathankot-Joginder Nagar narrow gauge railway line into broad gauge;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the follow-up action taken by the Government on the survey report?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU )

(a) to (c) : A survey for conversion of Pathankot-Joginder Nagar narrow gauge line into broad gauge with extension of broad gauge line from Joginder Nagar to Bhanupali via Mandi and Bilaspur (352 kms. ) was completed in March, 2001. As per survey report the cost of the project was assessed as Rs. 3566 crore with a rate of return as (-) 27.28%. Due to constraint of resources and heavy throwforward of ongoing projects, it was not considered feasible to take up the work. Based on demands, an updating survey for gauge conversion of this line has been included in the Budget 2005-06