Question : Delay in Implementation of Projects

(a) the details of the complaints received from various States regarding delay in implementation of railway projects in their States during the last three years, year and State-wise particularly Rajasthan and Jharkhand;

(b) the steps taken/being taken by the Railways on these complaints and to expedite the completion of these projects;

(c) whether the Railways has any mechanism to monitor/review and implement the suggestions made by the representatives of the people on matters relating to Railways;

(d) if so, the details along with the outcome of the review undertaken during the above period; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)


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

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5093 BY SHRI HARISH MEENA TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 05.04.2017 REGARDING DELAY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS

(a) & (b): Complaints/suggestions/proposals/representations, both formal and informal regarding Railway Projects are received from State Governments, Ministries of Central Government, Elected representatives, organizations/road users etc. by Railways at various levels including Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Division Office etc. As receipt of such complaints/suggestions is a continuous and dynamic process, centralized compendium of such requests is not maintained.

Railway projects are highly capital intensive and have long gestation period. The most important cause of delay in Railway Projects is time taken in land acquisition which needs real time reciprocation from concerned State Governments. Apart from that, every railway project requires a number of clearances from various Ministries and Departments of State/Central Governments, i.e. forestry clearance, shifting of utilities, clearances from local bodies for projects passing through urban areas, etc. Moreover, funds for the new line projects are allocated project-wise on yearly basis and is done as per availability of resources and progress of the project.

It is always Railways’ endeavour to complete the ongoing projects expeditiously. Indian Railways have taken various initiatives to increase pace of execution of projects as detailed below:

(i) The capital expenditure for railways has been increased from `58,718 Cr in 2014-15 to around `93,795 Cr in 2015-16. `1,21,000 crore has been provided in Budget 2016-17 and a plan size of `1,31,000 crore has been kept for 2017-18.
(ii) Delegation of Powers to the field officers for tenders and estimates: The zonal railways have now been delegated full powers with respect to works contracts, and powers with respect to sanctioning of estimates have also been enhanced. This has resulted in cutting down time for estimate sanctions and tenders.
(iii) Institutional financing by tying up loan with M/s Life Insurance Corporation of India Limited for assured funding of viable projects has increased Railway’s capacity for committed fund provision for essential projects.
(iv) Initiative for formation of Joint Venture Company with State Governments which makes the States a partner in growth of railway infrastructure in the States.

(c) to (e): All representations from Public representatives are duly considered and action taken to the extent implementable. There is a mechanism to hold discussions with Public representatives through the forums of NRUCC, ZRUCC & DRUCC etc. In addition, regular interactions are arranged with Members of Parliament where the suggestion from Honourable MPs are taken, discussed and duly acted upon.
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