Centre proposes NE states to share cost of railway projects

Agartala, Nov 26 (UNI) The Ministry of Railways has asked the NE states to consider suitable cost sharing for the new line and gauge conversion projects to up to 50 per cent or more to expedite completion of the ongoing railway track-laying projects.

According to the railway officials, most of the new line and gauge conversion projects except a few required on operational considerations, are to improve connectivity to backward, tribal, remote and under-developed areas of the region to bring about socio-economic development.

However, railways have a huge throw forward of projects requiring over Rs 61,000 crore for the completion of works and the funds were limited and projects being progressed as per the availability of resources.

Keeping in view the operational requirements and other considerations, the prioritisation of railway projects under new line and gauge conversion was taken up in April, 2005, sources said and added the progress in the work undetaken can be rated as 60 per cent.

UNI