(a) whether the Railways have conducted any survey to convert Nagpur–Nagbhid railway line
of Maharashtra into broad gauge;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Railways have given sanction to the survey of the districts of Vidarbha region
of Maharashtra;
(d) if so, the time by which the construction work of these routes is proposed to be started;
and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. A survey for conversion of Nagpur–Nagbhir (106 Kms) line from narrow
gauge to broad gauge was conducted in 2003–04. As per the survey report, the cost of gauge
conversion of this line was assessed as Rs. 141.56 crore with a rate of return of (–) 5%. In
view of non-remunerative nature of the line, heavy throw-forward of ongoing projects and
acute resource constraints, the project could not be taken up.
(c): Surveys for some of the new lines, gauge conversions and doublings has been included
in Budget 2007–08.
(d) & (e): The work would be taken up as and when the project is sanctioned.