Question : MANGALORE-HASSAN RAIL LINK

(a) whether while embarking on uni-gauge conversion of the existing metre-gauge lines in mid-nineties, the Government had set deadlines for restoration of traffic on dismantled lines;

(b) whether Mangalore-Hassan link was taken up for gauge conversion with a definite time frame for completion;

(c) whether there has been undue delay in completion of the project thereby prolonging the agony and miseries of the people of the region for want of connectivity;

(d) whether the Government abandon new projects until old and on-going projects are completed; and

(e) if so, the details thereof ?

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

(a): No such dead line was fixed. However, the traffic on the metre-gauge/narrow gauge lines, dismantled during conversion, is to be restored in a reasonable period after conversion into broad gauge.

(b) & (c): Yes, Sir. However, the work could not be completed as the funds under gauge conversion plan head got reduced due to lesser availability of resources.

(d) & (e): In view of large shelf of ongoing projects and limited availability of resources, it may, normally, not be feasible to take up new projects.