Rise in cement, steel prices affecting construction work: Velu

Coimbatore, May 31 (UNI) Minister of State for Railways R Velu today said the delay in carrying out construction works in Tamil Nadu was due to hike in prices of cement and steel.

Addressing a press conference here, he said due to inreased price rate of cement bags and steel most of the contractors inclined to take up works.

To a question on the frequent derailment of Nilgiris Mountain Railway (NMR) engine, Mr Velu said it was due to technical problem in one loco engine which had now been withdrawn from service.

Replying to a question about the withdrawal of heritage status to NMR, the minister said it was only a rumour and this will not happen.

Asked about the previous AIADMK government not permitting to carry out the survey for Sathyamangalam-Chambarajpet railway line citing reasons for protection of wildlife, Mr Velu alleged and pointed out that state government had constructed a highway along the route. The file would be moved again for the state government's clearance, he added.

The Railway Ministry would spend Rs 3.87 crore for construction of Sickline Maintenance Yard and the unfit coaches would be repaired here instead of sending it to Palakkad, he added.

He said the Ministry had earmarked Rs 38.6 crore for track doubling works between Irugur and Coimbatore and it would be completed within 18 months.

He said a sum of Rs 11.47 crore would be spent for purchasing bomb detection equipment for Coimbatore Railway station.

UNI KS JJ SB RK2008