Question : Doubling of Rail Track

(a) whether the Government has accorded approval for doubling and capacity expansion of 160 KM long Madurai-Vanchimaniyachi-Thoothukudi railway track, if so, the details and the present status thereof;

(b) whether the said project is progressing as per time schedule, if so, the details thereof including the funds allocated and utilized in this regard;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor along with the time and cost overrun; and

(d) the effective measures being taken by the Government to expedite the completion of the project without any further delay?

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

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


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED QUESTION NO. 165 BY SHRIMATI KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 03.07.2019 REGARDING DOUBLING OF RAIL TRACK

(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. Madurai-Vanchi Maniyachi-Tuticorin doubling (160 Km) with electrification was included in the Budget 2015-16 and Detailed Estimate amounting to ` 1182.31 crore was sanctioned in August 2017 and expenditure of ` 341.83 crore has been incurred upto March, 2019 and outlay of ` 170 crore has been provided for the year 2019-20 and the construction works on entire stretch where land is available have been taken up and the project is presently progressing as per time schedule.

(d): To ensure timely completion of the project, funds for the project have been arranged through Extra Budgetary Resources(Institutional Financing). Regular meetings as considered necessary are being held with the Officials of State Government & concerned Authorities to resolve the pending issues obstructing the progress and seeking their assistance in smooth execution of works, shifting of utility services, requisite permissions etc.
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