Railways to conduct studies on diamond quadrilateral network

New Delhi, Aug 8: Indian Railways will soon conduct studies on the proposed diamond quadrilateral network of high speed rail connecting the four major metro and growth centres of the country, Minister of State (Railways) Manoj Sinha Friday said.

Sinha informed the Rajya Sabha that a provision of Rs.100 crore has been made in the railway budget for the high speed rail project.

According to the minister, the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has formed a new fully-owned subsidiary -- High Speed Rail Corporation of India (HSRC) -- which is to conduct the project studies.

The minister said the objectives of the new company include conducting pre-feasibility studies, preparing detailed project report (DPR), looking into technical parameters, model of concession agreement, developing financing models and obtaining various government approvals.

The minister added that for development and implementation of high speed rail corridors, skill enhancement of staff and officers will be carried out at appropriate institutes in India and abroad.

IANS