Fresh survey for new rly line: Velu

Puducherry, Feb 14 (UNI) With the Puducherry administration agreeing to share 50 per cent of the total expenditure, the proposal to lay a railway line between Tindivanam and Cuddalore via Puducherry could be processed with a fresh survey done, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said today.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Velu said a survey for the 77.75 km project, sanctioned in 1997-98, had estimated the project cost at Rs 157.26 crore. However, it was found not feasible then.

Later priority was given to gauge conversion here.

Mr Velu said in Tamil Nadu only 90 km of track remained to be converted to broad gauge and this would be done next year.

The Minister also said the 2.3 km-long Paamban Bridge was strengthened to carry broad gauge load at a cost of Rs 22.5 crore.

President A P J Abdul Kalam will open it for traffic on March 31, he added.

UNI