Metro extension up to Pranabnagar by June 2009: Acharya

Kolkata, Feb 4 (UNI) Metro Rail would be extended up to Pranabnagar by June next year but the timeframe for completion of the entire stretch up to Garia was uncertain because of land acquisition problem, Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways Basudev Acharia said today.

Addressing mediapersons here, Mr Acharya said the litigations before the court were coming in the way of completion of the Tollygunj-Garia section, adding the Standing Committee had asked the Metro Rail authorities to solve the court cases at the earliest.

'' We have asked the Metro Rail authorities to solve the court cases as early as possible to help complete the Tollygunj-Garia expansion within a stipulated time, '' he said.

Mr Acharya said a survey was also being undertaken for expansion of Metro from Dum Dum to Dakshineswar.

Referring to the projects under Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway, Mr Acharya said Krishnagar-Nabadwip, Burdwan-Katoa and Ahmednagar-Katoa sections would be converted into broad gauge from narrow gauge.

He said new lines for Rampurhat to Mandarhi and Tarakeshwar to Bishnupur and doubling of Pandabeswar-Saithia section would be completed within 2009.

Mr Acharya also informed that a number of surveys were being undertaken for development of railways in Jhargram-Purulia, Ranigunj-Bankura and Jaleswar-Digha sections.

UNI ADG SJC SP HT2120