C.S.II. - 141
RAJYA SABHA
COMMITTEE ON PETITIONS
HUNDRED AND FORTY FIRST REPORT
ON
PETITION PRAYING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF RAILWAY
NETWORKS IN UTTARAKHAND, HIMACHAL PRADESH
AND OTHER HIMALAYAN STATES
(Presented on 19th December, 2011)
RAJYA SABHA SECRETARIAT
NEW DELHI
December, 2011
Website:http://parliamentofindia.nic.in
E-mail:[email protected]
CONTENTS
PAGES
1.
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE ...........................................
(i)
2.
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................
(iii)-(iv)
3.
REPORT .............................................................................
1-37
4.
APPENDICES
5.
I
Petition praying for development of Railway networks in
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan
States ..............
39-45
II
Views/Comments of the Ministry of Railways dated
10th May, 2010 on the petition ........................
46-53
III
Communication dated 12th October, 2011 received from
Ministry of Railways showing updated status of railway
projects mentioned in the petition..............................
54-60
IV
Views/Comments of the Ministry of Defence dated 6th
April, 2011 on the petition ........................................
61-64
V
Views/Comments of the Ministry of Finance dated 4th
April, 2011 on the petition ........................................
65-80
VI
Minutes of the meetings of the Committee .................
81-104
ANNEXURE
A.
List of Twelve ‘National Projects’.............................
B.
Study report of the Committee visit to Konkan
C.
D.
107
Railway .................................................................
109-124
Name of strategically important railway lines from
defence point of view .............................
125
Study report of the Committee visit to Srinagar ..........
127-134
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE
(2010-11)
1. Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari
––
Chairman
MEMBERS
2.
3.
*4.
5.
6.
**7.
8.
9.
10.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Shri Ram Vilas Paswan
Shri Nandi Yellaiah
Shri Rajeev Shukla
Shri Avinash Pande
Shri Balavant alias Bal Apte
Shri P. Rajeeve
Shri Veer Pal Singh Yadav
Shri Paul Manoj Pandian
Shri Rajaram
SECRETARIAT
Shri Deepak Goyal, Joint Secretary
Shri Rakesh Naithani, Joint Director
Shri Ashok K. Sahoo, Deputy Director
Shri Goutam Kumar, Assistant Director
INTRODUCTION
I, the Chairman of the Committee on Petitions, having been authorised by
the Committee to submit the Report on its behalf, do hereby present this Hundred
and Forty first Report of the Committee on the petition signed by
Shri Kedar Singh Fonia, MLA, Uttarakhand and six others, all resident of
Uttarakhand praying for development of railway network in Uttarakhand,
Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan States.
2.
The petition was admitted by Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on
10th November, 2010 under the provisions of Chapter X of the Rules of
Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Council of States. In accordance with
Rule 145 ibid, the petition was reported to the Council on 15th November, 2010
by Secretary-General after which it stood referred to the Committee on Petitions
for examination and report, in terms of Rule 150 ibid.
3.
The Committee issued a Press communiqué inviting suggestions from
interested individuals/organizations on the subject matter of the petition. In
response thereto, more than hundred memoranda were received by the Secretariat.
The Secretariat scrutinised those memoranda and a gist thereof has been suitably
incorporated in the Report.
4.
The Committee heard the petitioner and others on the petition in its sitting
held on 29th November, 2010. The Committee heard the Chairman, Railway
Board, Ministry of Railways, Defence Secretary, Finance Secretary and Member
Secretary of Planning Commission of India on 22nd December, 2010,
8th April and 4th May, 2011, respectively, on the issues connected with the
petition.
4.1 The Committee undertook study visits to Mumbai and Goa from 20th to
25th January, 2011 to interact with MD, Konkan Railway and to see some of the
projects in the Konkan Railway Network and to access the possibility of
replication of technology used in Konkan Railway in the development of railway
projects in Himalayan States. The Committee also visited Srinagar from 24th to
27th April, 2011 to see some of the projects in the State of Jammu & Kashmir and
to interact with the MD, IRCON alongwith the representatives of the Ministry of
Railways (Railway Board) on the petition.
5.
The Chairman and Members of the Committee also informally apprised the
Prime Minister about the necessity of declaring railway projects in Himalayan
States as ‘National Projects’ and completing the same in the time bound manner in
the interaction on 10th August, 2011.
6.
The Committee once again heard the Chairman, Railway Board, Ministry of
Railways on 18th October, 2011. It considered the draft Report in its sitting held
on 16th December, 2011 and adopted the same.
7.
The Committee while formulating its observations/recommendations, has
relied on the written comments of the concerned Ministries, oral evidence of
witnesses-official as well as non-official, feedback received in response to the
Press Release, observations of the Members of the Committee and interaction
with others.
8.
For facility of reference and convenience, the observations and
recommendations of the Committee have been printed in bold letters in the
Report.
NEW DELHI;
16th December, 2011
Agrahayana 25, 1933 (Saka)
BHAGAT SINGH KOSHYARI
Chairman,
Committee on Petitions.
REPORT
A petition dated 18th February, 2010 addressed to the Council of States
(Rajya Sabha) jointly signed by Shri Kedar Singh Fonia, MLA, Uttarakhand, Shri
Chandan Ram Das, MLA, Shri Khajan Das, MLA, Shri Gopal Singh Rawat,
MLA, Shri Laxman Singh Patwal, Shri Vijay Bahuguna, MP, Lok Sabha and Shri
K.C. Singh Baba, MP, Lok Sabha praying for development of railway networks in
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan States bordering China was
received in the Secretariat (Appendix-I). As per established procedure, the
petition was referred to the concerned Ministry i.e. Ministry of Railways for their
comments. The comments received from the Ministry were scrutinized by the
Secretariat in the light of the issues raised by the petitioners and placed before
Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha to enable him to decide the admissibility of the
petition. Hon’ble Chairman admitted the petition on 9th November, 2010. The
petition was presented to the Rajya Sabha on 15th November, 2010 after which it
stood referred to the Committee for examination and report.
1.1 The petitioners in their petition contended that the Himalayan States are the
guardians of the country’s northern border and contribute largely to conservation
of its environment. They stressed the need to strengthen the security network in
the Western Himalayas by laying down railway networks in the bordering States
of Himalayan region. Such a rail network would not only benefit the States
through which it passes in terms of economy and tourism but would facilitate fast
movement of men and material in times of natural calamity and meet defense
needs. The petition stresses upon the following issues:
Transportation needs in Himalayan States
1.2 The Himalayan States present a dismal picture in terms of transportation
networks. This region has the lowest road and railway density in the country. The
mode of transport and communication are not developed to the desired level
resulting in lack of economic and industrial development of this region.
Inadequate road and rail links have left many areas inaccessible and their great
potential in forest products, cash crops, hydropower, animal husbandry and
tourism remain unexploited. Railways being the principal mode of transport in the
country can act as catalyst for socio-economic development of this region.
Although difficult terrain, severe climatic conditions and sparse population are
often cited as reasons for the apparent lack of interest in constructing roads and
railway network, short sighted government policies have also equally contributed
to the poor development of infrastructure in the region.
Position of Railway network
1.3 The British left behind a railway track lane of 55,596 km, in 62 years since
independence the total railway track stands at 63,940 km. This work around to be
an addition of 130km in a year which is very pathetic. The situation in Himalayan
States is even worse as not even a single kilometre of rail track has been added
there since independence. Almost all the network existing in this region is a
legacy of the British period. The major initiatives of Indian Railways since
independence are the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line in Jammu and
Kashmir and railway line connecting Sevoke in West Bengal to Rangpo in
Sikkim, which are to be completed in near future.
Development of railroad network by China on Indian border
1.4 China has completed its 3,900-km Beijing-Lhasa rail link and is pushing
ahead with seven other railroad projects adjoining the Indian border. China
proposes to build 5,000 km. of rail links, with emphasis on establishing
connectivity in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. China has also proposed to build
a rail network in Nepal. Besides this, China is said to be considering an extension
of the Golmu-Lhasa line up to Xigaze, south of Lhasa and from there to Yatung, a
trading centre, barely a few kilometres from Nathu La, a mountain pass that
connects Tibet with Sikkim. There is a proposal too to extend the line to
Nyingchi, an important trading town north of Arunachal Pradesh, at the trijunction
with Myanmar. These rail lines will bring Chinese trains up to Sikkim and
Arunchal Pradesh – two Indian States that figure prominently on the radar of
Sino-Indian disputes.
Need for Indian initiatives for development of railway network
1.5 Economists and security experts have been warning that Indian Government
is napping while China is set to extend its railway network upto the Sino-Indian
border. India’s rail network is the world’s most extensive but it does not penetrate
the border-States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
and Arunachal Pradesh. Although the feasibility of some rail links is being
studies, some projects have been sanctioned and others are being executed by
Indian Railway, their completion targets may prove fickle, keeping in view the
status of the State of Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur. Trains were supposed to
be running in the Kashmir Valley by last August, but that now looks unlikely to
happen for another five years at least. Indian Railways’ officials blame difficult
mountainous terrain for the delay in projects. About 120 kilometre of the 292
kilometre Kashmir railway line consists of tunnels; delaying matters further,
several are reported to have collapsed during construction.
Local demands for railway lines
1.6 Social organizations, MPs, MLAs and State Governments of these States
have since long been raising the issue of discrimination and step-motherly
treatment in terms of expansion of railway network by successive Governments in
this region. Some specific demands from different States are as under:(a)
Himachal Pradesh
(i)
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri;
(ii)
Ghanauli-Baddi;
(iii) Nangal-Talwara; and
(iv) Bilaspur-Manali-Leh.
(b)
Uttarakhand
(i)
Rishikesh-Karanprayag;
(ii)
Tanakpur-Ghat-Bageshwar;
(iii) Dehradun-Kalsi;
(iv) Ram Nagar-Chaukhutiya;
(v)
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Kathgodam; and
(vi) Rishikesh-Dehradun.
(c)
(d)
Arunachal Pradesh
(i)
Hirumati-Itanagar; and
(ii)
Rupai-Parasuramkund.
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu-Rajauri-Poonch.
(e)
Sikkim
(i)
Mirik-Gangtok; and
(ii)
Extention of Sevoke-Rangpu line upto Gangtok
1.7 Unless there is an expansion of Railway network and Himalayan States are
linked with better rail infrastructure, the industrialization and economic
development cannot take place to the desired level. It is, therefore, prayed that the
Ministry of Railways should declare projects for development of railway network
in Himalayan States as National Projects and initiate work on above mentioned
railway lines on priority.
Response of Ministry of Railways on the petition
2.
The Ministry of Railways responded to the issues raised in the petition vide
their communication dated 10th May, 2010 (Appendix-II). The Ministry of
Railway submitted that since independence about 11,000 km. of new rail lines
have been constructed. However, Railways have also strengthened the existing
network by laying additional lines on the congested corridors to increase the
carrying capacity. Gauge conversion has also been done in a big way since 1992
and 16,917 km. of Meter Gauge/Narrow Gauge lines have been converted to
Broad Gauge. The track structure on all the routes has been upgraded and track
renewals have been done from time to time. All these efforts have increased the
carrying capacity on the railway network.
2.1 The Ministry further stated that a number of projects have been taken up all
over the country. The details of ongoing new line, gauge conversion and doubling
projects as on 1.4.2010 are as under:
Plan Head
No. of Projects
Throw forward as on
1.4.2010
( in crore)
New Line
122
59,875
Gauge Conversion
45
17,261
Doubling
160
21,545
Total
327
98,681
The majority of new lines projects have been taken up for providing
connectivity to various backward, under developed, hilly and other far flung areas
to bring such areas into main stream. However, the projects are facing severe
financial constraints resulting into very long gestation periods. Efforts have been
made to generate additional resources through participation by the
Beneficiaries/State Governments, additionality for National Projects and also
taking up some projects through Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
2.2 As regards the line in the Jammu and Kashmir, it was stated that the line
from Jammu to Udhampur and from Quazigund to Baramulla has already been
commissioned. There has been certain geo-techinical difficulties faced in
Udhampur-Quazigund section as the alignment is passing through very difficult
Himalayan terrain. Necessary steps have been taken and it is expected that
Udhampur-Katra line will get completed by December, 2011 and KatraQuazigund by 2017-18.
2.3 The status of specific demands as mentioned in the petition was provided by
the Ministry of Railways as under:
(a)
HIMACHAL PRADESH
(i)
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri new line work
The work of new line Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri is already sanctioned. Final
Location Survey (FLS) for the project has been completed and part detailed
estimate for the first 20 km. of the project section (Bhanupalli-Dharot) has
already been sanctioned. Contract for earthwork and minor bridges for the
first 3 km. has been awarded and MoU signed with Geological Survey of
India (GSI) for geological investigation. Land acquisition for the project is
also under process. An outlay of 41 crore has been provided for the work in
Railway Budget 2010-11.
(ii)
Ghanauli-Baddi new line work
The work of Chandigarh-Baddi was included in Budget 2007-08. State
Governments of Punjab and U.T. of Chandigarh expressed inability to
provide land for the project in the U.T. area. Himachal Pradesh Government
then requested for examining the alternate alignment connecting Baddi to
Ghanauli. The survey has been completed and the survey report is presently
under examination in the Ministry. As per the said survey report, the cost of
construction of this 26 km. long line has been assessed as 541 crore with a
Rate of Return of (-) 3.44 per cent. Further decision on the project will be
taken based on the examination of the survey report.
(iii) Nangal Dam-Talwara new line
The railway track of 33 km. stretch from Nangal Dam to Churaru Takrala
has already been completed and opened to traffic. The work on Churaru
Takarala-Amb Andura (11.6 km.) has also been completed and the
mandatory safety clearance for the section is awaited. The next phase of the
project is being planned from Amb Andura to Kartoli Punjab (20 km.). In
view of the huge escalation in the cost of the project, State Government of
Himachal Pradesh was approached with proposals of cost sharing for the
remaining work. The State Government has shown inability to fund the
project. The cost of this project is 730 crore. Expenditure upto March, 2010
is 269 crore and an amount of 50 crore has been provided for the work in
Railway Budget 2010-11.
(iv) Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh new line
The survey for construction of Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh new Broad
Gauge (BG) line has been completed. As per the said survey report, the cost
of construction of this 498 km. long line has been assessed at 22,831 crore
with Rate of Return of (-) 4.42 per cent. The survey report is presently under
examination in the Ministry. This is one of the 114 socially desirable new
line projects mentioned by Hon’ble Minister of Railways in her Budget
Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning Commission for approval.
Necessary action is being taken accordingly.
(b)
UTTARAKHAND
(i)
Rishikesh-Karanprayag new line
The work of new line from Rishikesh of Karanprayag (125 km.) has been
included in Railway Budget 2010-11 at an anticipated cost of
4295.30 crore. The funding for this project will be done by the Ministry of
Finance.
(ii)
Tanakpur-Bageshwar new line
Survey for construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar new BG line (155 km.) has
been proposed in Railway Budget 2010-11. Further action will be taken
once the survey report is received.
(iii) Dehradun-Kalsi new line
This is one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects mentioned by
Hon’ble Minister of Railways in her Budget Speech 2010-11 for processing
through Planning Commission for approval. Survey for the above new line
has been completed in Jan., 2010. Two alignments have considered in the
survey report. As per the first alignment, the cost of construction of 43 km.
long line has been assessed as 557 crore with a Rate of Return of (-) 3.0 per
cent. As per the second alignment, the cost of construction of 47 km. long
line has been assessed as 676 crore with a Rate of Return of (-) 4.08 per
cent. The Survey report is presently under examination in the Ministry.
(iv) Ramnagar-Chaukhutiya new line
Survey for construction of Ramnagar-Chaukhutiya new BG line (86 km.)
has been proposed in Railway Budget 2010-11. This is one of the 114
socially desirable new line projects mentioned by Hon’ble Minister of
Railways in her Budget Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning
Commission for approval. Earlier Survey was completed in 1994-95. As per
the said survey report, the cost of construction of this 87 km. long line was
assessed as 400 crore with a negative Rate of Return. The project was not
taken up.
(v)
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Kathgodam new line
This is one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects mentioned by
Hon’ble Minister of Railways in her Budget Speech 2010-11 for processing
through Planning Commission for approval. Updating survey for the above
new line will be taken up and further necessary action will be taken
thereafter.
(vi) Rishikesh-Dehradun new line
Rishikesh-Doiwala new line is one of the 114 socially desirable new line
projects mentioned by Hon’ble Minister of Railways in her Budget Speech
2010-11 for processing through Planning Commission for approval.
Updating survey for the above new line will be taken up and further
necessary action will be taken thereafter.
(c)
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
(i)
Harmuti to Itanagar
Work is in progress in Harmuti-Naharlagun section (22 km.). An amount of
28.98 crore has been paid to District Commissioner Papumpara, Arunachal
Pradesh towards compensation for land. The land in Arunachal Pradesh has
been handed over but is pending in Assam. Eleven minor bridges and sub
structure of three major bridges have been completed. Final location survey
from Naharlagun to Itanagar has been completed. A reference was made to
State Government to give their views regarding termination of line at
Naharlagun. State Government has agreed to terminate the line at
Naharlagun.
(ii)
Rupai to Parsuramkhund
No survey has so far been done for new line between Pasighat and Rupai.
However, a survey for construction of a new broad guage line between
Rupai to Parsuramkund via Mahadevpur, Namsai and Chaingkham (97.80
km.) has been completed and the report is under examination. The cost of
construction of this line has been assessed as 1036.94 crore with a negative
Rate of Return of (-) 6.45 per cent.
(d)
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
(i)
Jammu-Poonch new line
This is also one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects mentioned by
Hon’ble Minister of Railways in her Budget Speech 2010-11 for processing
through Planning Commission for approval. Updating survey for the above
new line has be completed in 2008-09. As per the said survey report, the
cost of construction of this 223 km. long line has been assessed as 10459
crore with a Rate of Return of (-) 4.24 per cent. As mentioned in the
Hon’ble Minister’s Budget Speech, the survey report will be sent to
Planning Commission after suitable updation.
(e)
SIKKIM
(i)
Mirik-Gangtok line
A survey for construction of a new line from Mirik to Gangtok has recently
been completed. As per the survey, the cost of construction of this 163.45
km. long line has been assessed as 11684.29 crore. The survey report is
under examination.
(ii)
Expediting the Sivok-Rangpo-Gangtok National Project
Sivok-Rangpo railway line is a National Project. Final location survey has
been taken up. The work has been entrusted to M/s IRCON for execution.
Target of completion is 2015-16. The survey for Rangpo-Gangtok railway
line has been completed recently and proposal is under process for seeking
necessary approval.
3.4 The Ministry has further stated that as per extant rules, only projects
important from strategic view point in J and K and NE region or developmental
projects which result in greater integration of these regions with the rest of India,
can be categorized as National Projects. Accordingly, projects in these regions
have been declared as ‘National Projects’ (A list of Twelve ‘National Projects’ is
at Annexure-A).
Petitioner’s oral submissions (29.11.2010)
4.
As per the well established procedure, the Committee heard the petitioners
to elicit their viewpoint on the petition. On 29th November, 2010, Shri Kedar
Singh Fonia, MLA, Uttarakhand, Shri Ram Mohan Aggarwal, Shri L.S. Patwal
appeared before the Committee and presented their views. The petitioners pointed
out the inadequate railway network in the hilly States and pointed out that no
development has taken place in this area since pre-independence era. The
petitioners contended that there were no roads and no railway lines in the interiors
of the Himalayas whereas in another four to five years China is going to bring its
railway network to the Himalayan Borders which is just 27 kms. from their
villages. The petitioners pointed out that the villagers still have to walk around 25
to 30 kms. to reach nearest road networks. Similar situations exist in Arunachal
Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The petitioners also pointed that that the terrain
was very difficult and hence it was not easy to build railway lines. According to
him, the best solution would be to go by the river beds.
4.1 The petitioner also pointed out that he is already 80 plus in age and it is his
wishful thinking that there should be a railway line in his lifetime. Shri L.S.
Patwal pointed out that even after 63 years of country’s independence and 10
years of formation of State of Uttarakhand, there is no development in the village.
There is no tourism due to lack of proper transport facilities. He also pointed out
that the Ram Nagar to Chaukhutiya and Rishikesh to Karanprayag railway lines
were proposed by the Britishers. However, till date no development has taken
place. He also pointed out that in the absence of proper infrastructure, people are
not able to go there. He suggested that success of Konkan Railway and Delhi
Metro could be replicated in the hills if there was adequate political will.
4.2 Shri Ravi Mohan Aggarwal pointed out that the issue of railway network in
the Himalayan States concerned the Defence Ministry, External Affairs Ministry
and Railway Ministry. He stressed upon the need for national security. He also
stressed upon the sensitive nature of the Arunachal Pradesh and need to connect
by a Railway line so that the State is connected to the national mainstream.
Press Communiqué and response of the stakeholders
5.
A press communiqué was issued by the Committee for inviting
views/suggestions of the various stakeholders. The press communiqué appeared in
different newspapers in English, Hindi and other vernacular languages throughout
the country during the month of November, 2010. In response, the Committee
received a large number of memoranda from all across the country with
overwhelming majority of them pointing out the inadequate railway infrastructure
in the hilly States and the move for development of railway network in the
Himalayan States. The views expressed by the stakeholders are summarized as
under:-
(i)
A large number of representations insisted on the security aspect with
the main intent to safeguard the border areas;
(ii)
Need to develop the infrastructure in border areas so as to promote
both trade and tourism;
(iii) Enhancement in our ability to move our armed forces and defence
equipment to the border areas so as the 1962 war kind of an
experience is not repeated;
(iv) Fast movement of people from one corner of the State to another;
(v)
Faster movements of flowers, fruits, vegetables and herbal plants to
reach Haldwani, Ramnagar and Rishikesh Mandi in the shortest time
to give better financial gain to the farmers;
(vi) Several requests were received for various other railway lines viz.
Kathgodam to Bhawali, from Bhawali to Ramgarh, Mukteshwar and
Champavat;
(vii) Requests were received for railway lines from Almora to Ranikhet,
from Ranikhet to Bageshwar, from Begeshwar to Chaukhutiya;
(viii) Similar requests were received for projects in Sikkim, Arunchal
Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh;
(ix) Need for railway network so that raw material could be transported
from the hilly States on economical basis which include fruits, herbal
plants and handicrafts;
(x)
Requests were also received for converting the single line stretch on
Delhi-Dehradun railway line to a double line so that the additional
time taken from Haridwar to Dehradun could be saved;
(xi) Requests were received to declare the pending projects as National
Projects;
(xii) Several representations were received seeking stoppage of Shatabdi
Express and Jan Shatabdi Express at Doiwala railway station so that
critically ill patients could be taken to the nearby Himalayan Institute
of Medical Sciences which happens to be one of the best medical
facilities in Uttarakhand;
(xiii) Requests were also received to upgrade the station facilities at
Doiwala;
(xiv) Requests were also received to bring all railway lines in the State of
Uttarakhand under one zone i.e. Northern Railway so as to facilitate
better coordination and service;
(xv) Requests were received to start a train facility from Kathgodam to
Western part of India specifically Mumbai/Gujarat;
(xvi) Requests were also received from direct connectivity between
Muzaffarnagar and Roorkee/Hardwar (via Luxar) instead of the
present alignment through Deoband, Saharanpur and Tapri. This will
make the Delhi-Dehradun route much shorter; and
(xvii) Anand Vihar-Kathgodam AC special (Train No. 14011/14012) may
be started on daily basis.
Deposition of Chairman, Railway Board (Ministry of Railways) (22.12.2010)
6.
The Committee recorded the oral evidence of the Chairman, Railway Board
and other representatives of Ministry of Railways on 22nd December, 2010. The
Member (Engineering) briefed the Committee about each of the project beginning
with Bhanupalli - Bilaspur - Beri Railway Project stating that the project would
cost around 3000 crores and final location survey of the project has been
completed. He informed the Committee that the major hindrance they were facing
was the fund sharing arrangement in which the Himachal Pradesh Government
was to bear 25 per cent of the cost and whenever funds are released by the State
Government work on the Railway line would be expeditiously done. He also
informed that preliminary engineering-cum-traffic survey of the Ghanauli-Baddi
has been done and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) was minus 3.5 per cent. The
Railway Board is examining the proposal and accordingly necessary action will be
taken.
6.1 The next project he mentioned in Himachal Pradesh was Nangal-Talwara
line which was sanctioned in 1990 with a total length of 84 km. of which 33 km.
have been completed and work on the remaining is underway. He informed the
Committee that the land acquisition cost has increased tremendously, but in case
the Himachal Pradesh Government agreed to bear the balance 50 per cent cost,
work on the project could be expedited. The fourth project in Himachal Pradesh
was the Bilaspur-Manali-Leh railway line for which survey has been done. The
total estimated cost of the project was 22,803 crores with a negative rate of return
minus 4.5 per cent. He apprised the Committee that it would be difficult for the
Railways to undertake such a high cost project and it could be taken only if it was
declared as a national project and funds allocated from the general exchequer.
6.2 In context of State of Uttarakhand, he stated that the Rishikesh-Karanprayag
Railway line was of 125 kms. and the total expenditure i.e. likely to be incurred
was 4,300 crores. He mentioned that the final location survey is underway and
work would be undertaken when the survey is completed. The second project was
of Tanakpur-Ghat-Bageshwar with a total distance of 230 km. The cost of the
project is to be updated along with the traffic projection. Railways would be able
to complete the updating survey by the end of this year and necessary discussion
would be done on the project after the updating survey.
6.3 He further apprised the Committee that on the Dehradun-Kalsi Railway line
which was of 47 km., the survey has already been done. The cost of the railway
line would be 676 crores with a positive rate of return of 4 per cent. He apprised
the Committee that a final decision on this is yet to be taken. The other project
was Ram Nagar-Chaukhutiya for which the cost was approximately 400 crores.
However, in view of the negative rate of returns, a decision has been taken not to
do the project for the present. The other project was Haridwar-KotdwarRamnagar-Kathgodam for which survey had been sanctioned. Survey was also
underway for the Rishikesh-Dehradun project and once the survey report is
obtained, a final decision on the project would be taken.
6.4 In the context of Arunachal Pradesh, the Member (Engineering) said that
work are underway on the Hirumati-Itanagar project and almost 60 per cent of it
had been completed. The other project i.e. Rupai-Parasuramkund had been
included in the survey this year. The project would be considered after the survey
is completed. The most project i.e. the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch project was a very
capital intensive and updating survey was underway on the same. A final decision
will be taken after the survey is completed. In Sikkim, the Mirik-Gangtok project
survey had been done but it had negative rate of return of 10 per cent with its cost
being over 12000 crores. The project was under examination but it would be
difficult for Railways to complete such an expensive project. The issue of
extending Sevoke-Rangpu line upto Gangtok had been taken up. The project
would cost 4,853 crores with a negative rate of return of 12 per cent. The project
has already been sanctioned and has been sent for in principle approval of the
Planning Commission. It would be feasible for them to complete the project in
case the Finance Ministry gave them the necessary funding for this project.
6.5 The Chairman, Railway Board agreed with the views of the petitioners that
arterial network of Railways needs to be developed for development of that area.
He stated that since independence, more than 50 per cent of the railway system
was not on broad gauge and the Railways took a substantial amount of time and
resources to convert the narrow gauge into broad gauge. He stated that in India we
have best of engineers and the examples are in the form of railway lines in
Konkan Railway and Jammu and Kashmir. The tunnel work that has been done in
this area is one of the most difficult in the entire world. The Britishers had termed
the Konkan Railway as impossible. However, Indian Railways have managed to
build the Konkan Railway line. The Chairman, Railway Board stressed upon the
fact that after the Sixth Pay Commission, the Railways have been left with very
little fund to work on the expansion programme. The entire Railway reserves have
been exhausted due to the Sixth Pay Commission and in the absence of financial
resources, it is almost impossible for Railways to undertake projects. He requested
the Committee to make a provision of a special fund of 5000 to 8000 crores
which should be given to Railways for such projects on a regular basis and he
assured that Railways would make sure that the railway lines mentioned in the
petition are built in the minimum time possible. The Member (Engineering)
mentioned that they have only 4000 crores in the budget for the year 2010-11 for
development of new railway lines and practically then were no funds for
development of rail network in hilly areas.
Study visit of the Committee to Konkan Railway
7.
After the evidence of the petitioners and the Railway Ministry, the
Committee decided to visit Mumbai and Goa to interact with the representatives
of Konkan Railway and to see some of the projects in the Konkan Railway
network and to access the manner in which the technology was used in the
Konkan Railways so that it could be replicated in the Himalayan States. A
detailed study report is at Annexure-B.
Deposition of Defence Secretary and Finance Secretary (8.4.2011)
8.
The Secretary, Ministry of Defence in his deposition before the Committee
stated that as far as the Defence Ministry is concerned, they would always be in
favour of good infrastructure as this would facilitate the movement of troops to
the border areas, which would facilitate the movement of weapons, rations and
other things needed for providing logistical support to the troops. He also stated
that if the troops are to be moved from the Eastern Sector to the Western Sector,
the railway infrastructure would be of paramount importance. He further stated
that the Defence Ministry has done an assessment of the 15 railway lines
mentioned in the petition and concluded that six of these were strategically
important from the national security perspective. He requested the Vice Chief of
the Armed Forces to elaborate upon the strategic railway lines.
8.1 The Vice Chief of Army Staff stated that infrastructure development,
particularly opposite the China Border is extremely critical to the Armed Forces.
He further mentioned that this infrastructure would be needed for every State that
borders China. He mentioned that the capability of Army is two-fold – one is in
terms of combat power which means our weapon system, our men and our
fighting machine and the other was infrastructure. He stressed upon the need to
give the Armed Forces the cutting edge and cutting teeth to make sure that the
improvements made by China which have been exponential in the last 10 years
must be made in combat ratios. He mentioned that there were two options – one is
to spend on modernization of weapons and second being infrastructural
development. In context of railway lines, he mentioned that the Armed Forces
have anaylsed in depth the requirements and projections for the strategic railway
lines. However, he added that the Defence Ministry did not have funds to pay for
any of these strategic road or strategic railway lines. He mentioned that all the
available funds are being spent on modernization. They had no funds to
accommodate these railway lines. The representatives of Armed Forces mentioned
that 14 railway lines were strategically important. These railway lines have been
categorized and three different priorities were given to them (Annexure-C).
8.2 He mentioned that in Himachal Pradesh the strategic lines as far as defence
is concerned is the Pathankot-Leh line and for this, survey had been ordered by
Ministry of Railways. In case of Uttarakhand, he mentioned that there were three
railway lines which were of strategic importance the first one being the RishikeshKaranprayag line, the second one being Tanakpur-Ghat-Bageshwar line and third
was from Dehradun to Uttarakashi. He mentioned that Dehradun-Kalsi and
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Kathgodam or Haridwar-Ram Nagar-Chaukhutiya
in the inter-land were not essentially required by the Armed Forces. In case of
Arunachal Pradesh, he mentioned that railway line being looked as a strategic
railway line from the defence perspective was the line coming from
Parasuramkund to Rupai that means connecting the Northern lines to the Southern
lines of Brahamputra. He mentioned that as far as this railway line was concerned,
Murkongselek to Pasighat had already been approved and a survey had been
ordered from Pasighat to Brahamkund. The extension of this line from
Brahamkund to Rupai will be done subsequently. In case of Jammu and Kashmir
the representatives of the Armed Forces mentioned that the line from Jammu to
Poonch was strategic railway line for which survey had already been done and this
railway line was of utmost priority from the defence point of view.
8.3 Coming to Sikkim, he informed the Committee that Siliguri-Rangpo railway
line was being developed as a national project and as far as Mirik-Gangtok
Railway line is concerned, it was not required by the defence forces. The Defence
Secretary assured that their focus on defence preparedness was absolute.
However, from a wider perspective like tourism, etc. some of these railway lines
were very important. He further stated that the progress made by the China was
phenomenal and there was every effort on part of Armed Forces to ensure that
Confidence Building Measures were taken so that border areas remained peaceful
and tranquil. He also mentioned that it was easier for China to build railway line
on border areas as it has got the Tibetan Plateau which by its very nature was flat.
He also mentioned that tremendous effort was going on the road side
infrastructure and two divisions of Armed Forces were specifically being raised
and air landing grounds were being upgraded in Arunachal Pradesh. He also
mentioned that under rules of business, the railways are entrusted with the
responsibility of building the Railways.
8.4 The Finance Secretary mentioned that till date twelve projects have been
taken as national projects (Annexure-A) and around 10,000 crores have been
spent on them. The Ministry assumes that to complete these 12 national projects,
additional requirements of 26,000 crores would be needed. The Secretary
mentioned that it is a fact that China was developing its road and railway
infrastructure at a very fast pace and that there was a Committee under the
Chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary which decided which roads have to be
treated as strategic road and whatever roads have been classified by the Defence
Ministry as strategic roads or by the Home Ministry they were taken on priority
basis. In this context, 10,000 kms. of roads have been taken on priority basis in
Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, North East and several other
States. The Finance Secretary further mentioned that it is up to the Railway
Ministry and the Defence Ministry to see which of the railway lines are of
strategic importance and need to be completed on priority basis. She added that
incidentally the Twelfth Plan is likely to be released soon and it would be better to
include these projects in the Twelfth Plan. It would then be up to the Planning
Commission to ensure that funds were made available for these projects be it in
the name of national projects or by any other name and the Plan could be of Five
Year Plan or a Ten Year Plan as the topography was very difficult. China has an
advantage in this context that the terrain on their side was comparatively a flat
terrain. However, on the Indian side it is a hilly terrain and it is difficult to make
tunnels and roads on the Indian side. However she added that it was a question of
priority.
8.5 Finance Secretary added that once the priorities are made and the
strategically importance railway lines are identified which are then included by
the Planning Commission, then a gross budgetary support could be ensured. She
added that it was a decision that had to be taken by the Planning Commission. As
far as the Finance Ministry is concerned, they make provision for the total gross
budgetary support like for the Eleventh Five Year Plan out of the total 16 lakh
crores, the Railway got a gross budgetary support of around 14,000 crores which
was then increased to roughly 54,000 crores. She added that it was to be decided
by the Planning Commission so that an integrated Plan could be made and
budgetary support could accordingly be provided. The Finance Secretary stated
that in case the Defence Ministry states that these are the railway lines needed for
strategic reasons, then the Railway should clearly state and stress that these
railway lines were needed for strategic reasons. As per certain process which is
known to be Ministry of Railways proposal for strategic lines are prepared. She
further added that as far as Finance Ministry is concerned, it had never been a
roadblock and in case of things which are needed on priority basis the Cabinet
Committee on Security decides and then the issue is taken by the Railways.
Study visit of the Committee to Srinagar
9.
The Committee thereafter visited Srinagar to see some of the projects in the
State of Jammu and Kashmir and to interact with the representatives of Ministry
of Railways to see how advance technology has been used in Jammu and Kashmir
so that it could be replicated in the development of Railway projects in Himalayan
States. A detailed study report is at Annexure-D.
Deposition of the Member Secretary, Planning Commission (4.5.2011)
10. The Member Secretary, Planning Commission appeared before the
Committee on 4th May, 2011. The Member Secretary stated that there is a special
arrangement for the North Eastern States wherein a non-lapsable pool of resources
have been made which is spent on infrastructure. However, in case of other
Himalayan States, in case the Committee so recommends and the Finance
Secretary agrees that financial resources were not going to be a problem then a
special provision can be made. She stated that the Planning Commission make
every effort to ensure that gross budgetary support is provided. However, there
were certain railway lines which were not considered financially viable still the
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs generally gave approval. She stated that
the requirements of different States are so many that this method cannot be
adopted in this case as it would be a time consuming process. In case of
Himalayan States, the matter needs to be taken on priority basis and a specific
decision had to be taken so that funds could be allotted and railways could take
work immediately. The Member Secretary stated that she would be apprising the
Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission about the thrust of the Committee. She
also added that in case of gross budgetary support to railways, the Planning
Commission did not specify the railway lines but there was a specific Committee
for different States which recommended the specific railway lines. The Member
Secretary, Planning Commission also stated that the suggestions given by the
Committee would be taken with the Finance Ministry on priority basis and with
the Ministry of Railways and decision in this regard would be taken as soon as
possible.
10.1 The Chairman and the Members of the Committee met Prime Minister on
10th August, 2011 and apprised him of the request contained in the petition in the
light of the Committee deliberations with different Ministries/Departments so far.
The Chairman and Members of the Committee requested him to declare the
strategically identified projects as National Projects. The Chairman of the
Committee also wrote to the Chairman, Planning Commission on
8th July, 2011 requesting him to take up the strategically important railway
projects as identified by Ministry of Defence and incorporate the same in the
Twelfth Five Year Plan. These projects may be declared as National Projects so
that they get a dedicated financial backup.
10.2 In response, the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India has
informed the Chairman, Committee on Petitions that following four projects have
been identified as strategically important railway line projects from defence point
of view.
i.
Rupai-Parasuramkund
ii.
Rishikesh-Karanprayag-Chamoli
iii.
Tanakpur-Bageshwar
iv.
Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch
10.3 He has further informed that the Planning Commission has requested
Ministry of Railways to submit the requirement of funds, technical inputs, time
schedule for completion of these strategically important railway projects to
Planning Commission in order to facilitate taking the matter forward in terms of
finding sources of funding and other modalities for these projects.
Second appearance of Chairman, Railway Board before the Committee
(18.10.2011)
11. Based on the inputs received during examination of the petition, the
Committee heard the Chairman, Railway Board once again. The Chairman,
Railway Board apprised the Committee about the latest status of the projects
likely to be taken in the Himalayan States. The Member (Engineering) apprised
the Committee about the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri line and stated that this project
has been sanctioned. The cost of the project has increased from 1047 crores in
2008 to 2964 crores at present. He also stated that the land cost has increased
tremendously from 70 crores to 500 crores. He also informed that the Cabinet
Committee on Economic Affairs had stated that the land acquisition cost would be
borne by the State Government besides 25 per cent of the cost would be given by
Ministry of Railways and 50 per cent by Ministry of Finance. The State
Government informed that there was a meeting held in the Prime Minister Office
in 2007 and it was decided that only 25 per cent of the cost would be borne by the
State Government. He stated that the financial conditions of Railways are not
good and they are not in the position to share the portions of cost of the State
Government. He also stated that the Railway Minister has written a letter to the
Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh to release 25 per cent of the cost and also to
provide land for the project. The Member (Engineering) also informed that the
State Government of Himachal Pradesh has agreed to give 25 per cent of the
original cost and not 25 per cent of the present completion cost. He further
requested that the State Government should acquire land and give 25 per cent of
the present cost so that the project can be initiated. The next two projects of
Himachal Pradesh mentioned by the Member (Engineering) were Ghanauli-Baddi
Project, which is 26 km. and at a cost of 541 crores. He stated that the project was
earlier approved from Chandigarh-Baddi but the State Government said that it
would be difficult to find land in Baddi and hence an alternative route may be
suggested. The second scheme proposed was the Kalka-Baddi route which is a 20
km. line with a cost of 385 crores and survey has already been done by the
Ministry in this regard. However, the Planning Commission and the Ministry of
Defence has now considered this project as a strategic project and it has a negative
rate of return and so taking it up would be difficult.
11.1 The next project, he mentioned was of the Nangal-Talwara Project which
was approved in 1981-82 and work only started in 1990-91 as 44 km. work having
been done the cost has increased tremendously as the land cost has increased
heavily in Punjab. The State Government had been requested to intervene and
provide funds for the remaining portion. The third railway line he mentioned was
of Bilaspur-Manali-Leh which is a 500 km. railway line with a total cost of
22,800 crores and this would be a very expensive railway line with a negative rate
of return of minus 5 per cent. Defence Ministry has also not considered this
project as strategic and the Planning Commission has considered it as unviable
project and asked Ministry of Railways to arrange fund for it. In case of
Uttarakhand, the Member (Engineering) informed that the next railway line is of
Rishikesh - Karanprayag railway line for which work has been handed over to
RBLL which is organization meant for fast track execution and for which work
shall begin next year i.e. around June, 2012. He apprised the Committee that the
funding for this project is given by Ministry of Finance. He apprised that the
railway line is at present till Karanprayag only and a survey from Karanprayag to
Chamauli is being done. The Member (Engineering) apprised that the final
location survey would be done for the Rishikesh - Karanprayag line and papers
would be submitted for land acquisition in the next three months and immediately
after land acquisition, work would start. He further apprised the Committee that
Tanakpur-Ghat-Bageshwar railway line which is a 155 km. railway line with a
total cost of 2800 crores and a negative IRR. However, Ministry of Defence has
classified this railway line as strategically important and the railways would be
taking up the matter with the Planning Commission on priority basis.
11.2 The Member (Engineering) apprised that the survey of Rupai Parasuramkund railway line has been completed and the requirement of funds,
technical inputs and time schedule for completion shall be submitted within a
month. He also apprised that the survey for the Jammu - Rajauri - Poonch railway
line has been completed and necessary input would be sent within a month and the
detailed survey along with schedule time targets would be send till May-June,
2012 for the Karanprayag-Chamauli railway line. He also apprised that the report
on Tanakpur - Bageshwar railway line is also be sent within a month. He informed
that the work on Hirumati - Itanagar Project would be completed by this year. The
project is being completed at Naharlagun as per the request of the State
Government. Work on Sevoke railway line has also been initiated and work has
been allocated to IRCON.
Deliberations of the Committee
12.0 The Committee noted that there has not been any addition to the existing
railway lines in the Himalayan States after independence. The Britishers could
take the railway line to Darjeeling and Shimla but during the last 63 years the
Government has not been able to add any railway track to the existing line in the
Himalayan region. Some progress has been made in Jammu & Kashmir only. In
other Himalayan States additional railway network are still in the planning stage.
The Committee noted that it was a long cherished desire of the people in the hilly
areas that they should be connected by Railway network. Not withstanding the
role of the Ministry of Railways as the nodal ministry, the Committee appreciates
the effort made by the Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance and the
Ministry of Defence in addressing the issue of development of railway network in
the Himalayan states in context of this Petition. The Committee acknowledges the
significant initiative of the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India who
has been instrumental in ensuring that the following four projects have been
identified as strategically important railway line projects from the defence point of
view:
i.
Rupai - Parasuramkund
ii.
Rishikesh - Karanprayag - Chamoli
iii.
Tanakpur - Bageshwar
iv.
Jammu - Akhnoor –Poonch
The Committee considers this as a significant step forward and appreciates
the coordinated effort of the concerned Ministries. The Committee is optimistic
that this coordinated governmental effort would ensure that these four railway
lines are completed within the next five years.
12.1 The Committee is, however, constrained to note that the feasibility of even
the strategically important railway lines was being measured in terms the
commercial viability and rate of return on investments made. As far as the issue of
negative rate of return is concerned, the Committee observes that once railway
lines are constructed there would be no negative rate of return at least in case of
some of the projects like the Rishikesh - Karanprayag and the Tanakpur Bageshwar, Tanakpur-Jaujilbi Projects as goods and traffic would then be
facilitated on a commercial scale between India and Nepal from this border area.
12.2 The Committee observed that if railways could come with a concrete plan
and adequate will power could be mustered then it is definitely feasible to lay
these railway lines. The Committee also felt that in case of strategically important
railway lines of the Himalayan States, it would be very difficult for the States to
provide for their share of funds for these railway lines and in case of projects
where the State Government is required to pool in resources, the projects will
definitely get delayed. The work gets struck time and again as the State
Governments are not able to provide the necessary funds. It was also observed
that the Railways need to look at these railway lines beyond business terms as
they are very important not only from the angle of security but also facilitate the
people of the region. The Committee felt that China has built up a tremendous
railway networks on the borders and can easily move its troops within a short time
in stark contrast to the situation in India. The Committee was also of the view that
railways would help in integrating the country and the important railway lines
should be taken up as National Projects. The Committee noted that the extension
of railway line to Jammu and Kashmir was done with the main motive of
integrating Jammu & Kashmir with the country. The Committee observed that the
Britishers had built 53000 km. of railway line and we have been able to add only
10,000 km. in all these years. It was, however, an achievement on part of
Railways to convert almost all of the railway lines from narrow gauge to broad
gauge. The Committee felt that budgetary constraints cannot be an excuse and
provision for funds in small quantums at different stages may also be made so that
at least some works could commence. The Committee also felt that in case the
country needs to be developed, we need to take the railway network in every nook
and corner of the country. The Committee referred to be adage “Where there is a
will there is railway; where there is no will, there is survey”.
12.3 The Committee, however, appreciated the constraints of the Railway Board
in view of its fiscal health and felt that some ways need to be found to finance the
projects. The Committee feels that under no circumstances the defence needs of
the country can be compromised. The Committee held the view that in border
areas the development of Railways would help from the economic, tourism, trade
and commerce point of view. The Committee felt that during the 1962 war India
had to cut a sorry figure because of inadequate infrastructure in the border areas.
The Committee observes that it’s a matter of great concern that China has almost
encircled India on the border areas through the railway and road network. The
Committee observes that there has been a complete lackadaisical approach in
developing the railway and road infrastructure in the Himalayan States. The
Committee observed that the issue is of great significance in view of the fact that
China has grown exponentially in both the economic field and the defence areas
and the Government needs to be extremely cautious on both these counts. The
Committee stressed that all the railway lines mentioned in the petition need to be
given priority in phases.
12.4 On the issue of the Karanprayag railway line, the Committee is of the
opinion that the railway line needs to be extended to Chamauli. Similarly, the
Tanakpur- Bageshwar railway line which has been classified as second priority
railway line even though keeping in view the proximity of the Nepal and Chinese
border, it should have been kept as a first priority railway line and should be
extended to Jaujilbi. Similarly, the railway line in Sikkim also needs to be
classified as strategically important railway line. The Committee appreciated the
fact that Defence Ministry had considered the Arunachal Pradesh railway line up
to Parasuramkund from Rupai as a strategically important railway line. The
Committee was of the opinion that Planning Commission also need to be apprised
on this so that these projects can be taken on priority basis. In this context, the
Committee took note of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGYS)
initiated by the former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Committee
felt that it was a matter of pride that resources have never been a constraint for this
centrally sponsored scheme. A similar mechanism for railways could be worked
upon. A methodology like imposing some sort of cess could be considered as has
been done on petrol and diesel which funds the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak
Yojana.
12.5 The Committee was of the opinion that the Defence Ministry has to play
critical and pro-active role in ensuring that the issue is taken up in the right
manner and the strategically important railway lines do not suffer from resource
constraints even though a special provision may be needed on this. The
Committee appreciated the presentation of the Defence Ministry and stressed that
the first requirement was defence, second was the social need, third was tourism
and fourth was the ripple down effect of the better infrastructure. The Committee
felt concerned about the situation in Arunachal Pradesh, viz. the Chinese progress
to bring railway line to almost Indian borders and India’s need to counter this by
building its infrastructure. The Committee was also of the opinion that the stand
taken by railways regarding feasibility and viability cannot be at the cost of
national security and viability, feasibility and commercial aspects should be
secondary while considering these strategic railway lines. The Committee was
also concerned that Defence Ministry has not brought this matter to the notice of
railways and the Finance Ministry till date and even though despite the stand of
the Defence Ministry that we are having positive engagement with China, the
country needs to be alert as there was much more engagement during the days of
the slogan ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai’ and we should not forget the ‘Historical
blunders’. The Committee noted that even USA was concerned about the Chinese
intention and it can be a miscalculation on part of India to not remain concerned.
No amount of sacrifice was big enough where the defence and security of the
country are involved. The Committee stressed upon the need to build a special
corpus for the railway lines and was of the opinion that the initiative should come
from the Defence Ministry and the Defence Ministry should, on immediate
priority, bring it to the attention of the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister.
The Committee was of the opinion that if railway line could be brought by China
in Tibet and in Lhasa, there is no reason that India cannot initiate the similar
efforts on its borders. The Committee during its visit to Konkan Railway saw in
the first hand that our Indian Engineers were capable of bringing world class
railway line at much lesser cost in extremely difficult terrain. The Committee also
felt that instead of concentrating on all the railway lines, it would be important
that only those railway lines which are strategically important should be taken up
on priority basis in the first phase.
12.6 The Committee is also constrained to note that in several areas long delays
take place due to delay in land acquisition and hence some modalities need to be
worked out so that project execution time period could be reduced. A scrutiny of
the projects under execution by the Committee clearly reveals that delay in land
acquisition is the major factor behind the vast cost escalation of projects and in
majority of the cases this escalation makes the entire project unfeasible.
12.7 The Committee records that the problem of resource allocation could be
addressed in the manner that instead of asking for one time allocation if it is done
in a phase-wise manner then budgetary allocation could be done. The Committee
is of the view that all the Himalayan States are special category States with very
limited revenue sources and it is almost impossible for the State Governments to
share the cost of the projects. The Committee took up the issue of funding by the
State Government, on the issue of land acquisition and the cost escalation
resulting in delays in implementing the project. The Committee also found that in
case of projects where 25% of the cost is borne by the State Government, 25% by
the Railways and 50% by the Finance Ministry there have been delays as the State
Governments have not been very forthcoming with the required financial
resources. Hence, the only way out would be to take these projects as National
Projects.
12.8 The Committee was also distressed to note that since 1996 under the
Backward Area Development Scheme hardly any progress has been made and no
money has been sanctioned for the backward areas. Another viable option which
was considered by the Committee was that instead of funding the whole project
initially a certain amount i.e. 10%, 20% or 25% of the project cost may be given
and project may be initiated and completed in phases. However, the Planning
Commission had to provide budgetary support to the railways to complete such
project. The Committee also wanted to know from the Planning Commission
whether they had made any field assessment or undertaken any consultation with
the railways or the State Governments so that some sort of a initiative and a
special allocation could be made keeping in view the public interest. The
Committee wanted to know if some sort of a priority allotment could be made for
the strategically important railway lines or some fund like PMGSY could be
created so that some sort of a corpus could be created and this corpus could
finance these railway lines even if they made losses. The Committee also wanted
to know what provisions could be made under the Twelfth Plan. The Committee
also referred to the Pradhan Mantri Rail Vikas Yojana under which a fund would
be created to implement the socially desirable projects during the Twelfth Plan.
The Committee also wanted to know whether some mechanism needs to be
worked without putting any financial implication on the State Government and the
Planning Commission should take up the matter immediately.
12.9 The Committee appreciated the fact that railway lines in the State of Jammu
and Kashmir have been classified as national project and was of the opinion that a
separate pool of resources may be made for the Himalayan States also. The
Committee was of the opinion that with the help of Planning Commission and
Finance Ministry, this work should not be difficult. The Committee was of the
opinion that several countries have used the latest technologies to build railways
in almost impossible topographic conditions viz. the undersea railway line which
links Paris with London. The Committee short-listed six railway lines out of the
fifteen railway lines (Annexure C) as originally demanded in the petition as per
the classification of the Defence Ministry and stressed upon the need to provide
financial resources for these railway lines. The Committee was of the opinion that
the railway line in Sikkim should also be taken as strategically important, besides,
the other railway lines mentioned by the Ministry of Defence.
12.10
The Chairman and Members of the Committee met the Prime
Minister and apprised him about the necessity of declaring the strategically
important railway projects in Himalayan States as National Projects. In the course
of its meeting they referred to the four Projects i.e. Rupai-Parasuramkund,
Rishikesh- Karanprayag - Chamauli; Tanakpur - Bageshwar and Jammu –
Akhnoor- Punj which had been finally listed as strategically important project as
per the communication received from the Deputy Chairman of the Planning
Commission.
12.11 The Committee felt that out of the 15 railway lines even if these 4
strategically important railway lines are taken in the first phase for time bound
execution, it would be a tremendous achievement. The Committee also wanted to
know that even though finance has been arranged for the Rishikesh - Karanprayag
railway lines, it was of paramount importance that necessary resource allocation
for the Tanakpur - Ghat - Bageshwar, Rupai - Parasuramkund and Jammu Rajauri - Poonch railway line be made by the Planning Commission. The
Committee also felt that the seriousness shown by the Ministry of Finance and
Planning Commission has helped in making the remarkable progress in taking up
these projects as strategically important project. The Committee also felt that
timely execution of the projects is of utmost importance as delays would result in
tremendous cost escalation.
Observations/ Recommendations of the Committee
13. Notwithstanding the role of the Ministry of Railways as the nodal
ministry, the Committee appreciates the effort made by the Planning
Commission, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence which have
been instrumental in addressing the issue of development of railway network
in the Himalayan States. The Committee acknowledges the significant
initiative of the Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India who has
informed the Chairman, Committee on Petitions that following four projects
have been identified as strategically important railway line projects from the
defence point of view:
(i)
Rupai - Parasuramkund
(ii)
Rishikesh - Karanprayag
(iii) Tanakpur - Bageshwar
(iv) Jammu - Akhnoor -Poonch
13.1 The Committee expresses its gratitude for the initiative taken by the
Government for initiating the exercise to implement the finally listed four
strategically important projects. The Committee hopes that the Prime
Minister Office would coordinate the effort to build these strategically
important railway lines so that they are implemented within the next five
years. The Committee strongly recommends that the other strategically
important railway lines as prioritised by the Ministry of Defence may also be
taken up in the subsequent phases. The Committee recommends that the
Ministry of Railways may submit a report in terms of the four above
mentioned railway lines on quarterly basis till the completion of these
projects so as the Committee is apprised of the status of these projects.
13.2 The Committee takes note of the recent developments regarding the
Rishikesh-Karanprayag railway line which was inaugurated, recently. The
Committee appreciates the fact that the process of construction of RishikeshKaranprayag railway line has been initiated as this is a very important
strategic railway line. However, the Committee is of the opinion that this
railway line should be extended up to Chamoli. Similarly the Tanakpur –
Bageshwar railway line needs to be extended to Jaujilbi. The Committee
recommends that the construction work of Rishikesh - Karanprayag project
and the Tanakpur - Bageshwar-Jaujibli Project may be initiated at the
earliest, and the Ministry of Railways must take up the matter with the
Ministry of Finance on urgent basis, so that the projects do not get delayed.
The Committee strongly recommends for enhanced coordination between the
Planning Commission and the Ministry of Finance so that these projects are
executed in proper time- frame without any cost escalation.
13.3 The Committee expressed concern over the role of the Defence Ministry
in the past in taking up the matter in the right earnest for execution of
strategically important railway line. The Committee taking note of the
situation on the Chinese side of the border and has deliberated at great
length on the pros and cons of the developments initiated by China in the
border areas. The Committee appreciates the stress placed by Ministry of
Defence on defence preparedness. However, the Committee strongly
recommends the Defence Ministry should be actively involved in atleast
bringing the urgency of the strategically important railway lines to the notice
of the Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance and the Cabinet Committee
on Economic Affairs on a regular basis so that our infrastructure does not lag
behind in our total defence preparedness. The Committee strongly
recommends that commercial aspects should be treated as secondary when it
comes to the question of national security. The Committee urges upon the
Government to draw up a time bound plan of action to execute and
implement the strategically important projects in coordination with the
concerned Ministries of the Central Government, State Government and
other stake holders in a time bound manner.
13.4 The Committee is dismayed to note that the prolonged land acquisition
process is responsible in many of the cases for the huge escalation in the cost
of any particular project. The Committee recommends that the approach
adopted by the Konkan Railway, which managed to resolve land acquisition
issues expeditiously must be taken including provision of welfare means for
land oustees.
13.5 The Committee feels that the issue of negative rate of return i.e.
negative Internal Rate of Return (IRR) should not be the sole criteria for
determining the need for construction of a railway line. A holistic approach
needs to be adopted and strategically important lines should be taken up on
priority basis. The Committee is distressed to note that even the strategically
important projects have been delayed due to financial constraints with the
Ministry of Railways. The Committee is of the opinion that the fiscal health
of the State Governments specifically in the case of Himalayan States does
not permit them to make financial provisions for the railway lines, causing
delays. The Committee strongly recommends that the Government should
create a separate pool of resources in terms of a separate corpus fund instead
of seeking funds from the State Governments. This should be a non-lapsable
plan fund to be utilized for strategically important railway lines. The
Committee deliberated at length on the issue of funding by the State
Government and the resultant cost escalation due to delays in allocation of
resources by the State Government. The Committee feels that the only way
out is to declare these projects as ‘National Projects’ or ‘strategically
important projects’ with dedicated financial linkage.
13.6 The Committee appreciates the fact that the Ministry of Railways has a
Backward Area Development Programme. However it is of utmost concern
that hardly any progress has been made under this programme in the
Himalayan State. The Committee was extremely concerned to note that since
1996, under the Backward Areas Development Scheme, no progress has been
made and no financial resources have been sanctioned for the backward
areas. The Committee feels that providing total budgetary support for
projects in backward areas may be difficult but at least phase-wise allocation
may be made so that the rail projects may be initiated. The Committee feels
that the Pradhan Manti Rail Vikas Yojana (PMRVY) may be integrated with
the Backward Area Development Scheme and instead of having multiple
schemes only one Scheme preferably under the nomenclature of PMRVY
may be made, for which a fund should be created to implement the backward
area and the socially desirable projects. The Committee appreciates the issue
regarding the fiscal constraints as far as funding of strategically important
railway line is concerned and advocates that some sort of a methodology like
imposing a cess could be done on lines of PMGSY so that a corpus fund could
be created to fund the strategically important lines.
General Recommendations:
13.7 The Committee appreciates the initiative of the petitioners in bringing
these very important issues to Parliament through this petition. The
Committee takes this opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders to come
together in this national effort to bring railways to all border areas of the
country. The Committee on going through all the responses of the stake
holders and against in given backdrop makes the following
recommendations:(i)
The railway line from Delhi to Dehradun may be converted into a
double line from Haridwar to Dehradun so that the additional
time taken from Haridwar to Dehradun could be saved. The
possibility of direct connectivity between Muzaffarnagar –
Roorkie - Haridwar (via Luxar) instead of present alignment
through Deoband – Saharanpur - Tapri may be explored. This
will help in substantially reducing the travel time between
Dehradun and Delhi.
(ii)
A new train may be started from Kathgodam to parts of Western
India (Mumbai/Gujarat) to facilitate a large section of the
population which does not have any train connectivity between
these areas at present.
(iii) Anand Vihar-Kathgodam AC Special (14011/14012) should be
extended to all seven days instead of the present three days in a
week. The seating arrangement may be made in the pattern of the
Shatabdi Express i.e. having Chair Cars so that this train can be a
very good alternative to Shatabdi Express.
(iv) For proper coordination all railway lines in the State of
Uttarakhand may be brought under one zone i.e. Northern
Railway so as to facilitate better coordination and service.
Placement of officers of the rank of DRMs may be made for both
Dehradun and Haldwani.
(v)
Train No.15035 i.e. Uttar Sampark Kranti express going from
Delhi to Ramnagar should have a brief halt at Pirumadara so that
a large per centage of population of both Kashipur and
Ramnagar is benefitted.
(vi) All trains passing through Doiwala Railway Station such as
Shatabdi Express, Jan Shatabdi Express should have a brief
stoppage at Doiwala Railway Station so as critically ill patients
can be taken to the nearby Himalayan Institute of Medical
Sciences. The Doiwala Railway Station may be suitably upgraded,
keeping in view the fact that Railway Station provides the nearest
linkage to the Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun. Adequate
provisions for a proper waiting room, toilet facilities, food stalls
and transport desks may be made at Doiwala Station. The Station
may be upgraded to the level of Dehradun Railway station in a
specific time bound manner.
APPENDIX‐I
PETITION SIGNED BY SHRI KEDAR SINGH
FONIA, MLA, UTTARAKHAND AND SIX
OTHER PERSONS PRAYING FOR
DEVELOPMENT OF RAILWAY NETWORKS
IN UTTARAKHAND, HIMACHAL PRADESH
AND OTHER HIMALAYAN STATES
To
The Council of States (Rajya Sabha),
Parliament of India.
Petition of SHRI KEDAR SINGH FONIA, MLA, UTTARAKHAND
SHRI CHANDAN RAM DAS, MLA
SHRI KHAJAN DAS, MLA
SHRI GOPAL SINGH RAWAT, MLA,
SHRI LAXMAN SINGH PATWAL, MLA
SHRI VIJA Y BAHUGUNA, M.P., LOK SABHA AND
SHRI K.C. SINGH BABA, M.P., LOK SABHA
for development of railway network in Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh and other Himalayan States bordering China.
Sheweth
The Himalayan States are the guardians of the country's borders and
contribute largely to conservation of its environment as well as security. To
strengthen the security network in the Western Himalayas, there is a strong need
for development of railway network. Such a rail network would not only benefit
the States through which it passes in terms of economy and tourism but would
facilitate fast movement of men and material in times of natural calamity and meet
defense needs.
Transportation needs in Himalayan States
2.
The Himalayan States present a dismal picture in terms of transportation
networks. This region has the lowest road and railway density in the country. The
mode of transport and communication are not developed to the desired level
resulting in lack of economic and industrial development of this region.
Inadequate road and rail links have left many areas inaccessible and their great
potential in forest products, cash crops, hydropower, animal husbandry and
tourism remain unexploited. Railways being the principal mode of transport in the
country can act as catalyst for socio-economic development of this region
Although difficult terrain, severe climatic conditions and sparse population are
often cited as reasons for the apparent lack of interest in constructing roads and
railway network-short, sighted Government policies have also equally contributed
to the poor-development of infrastructure in the region.
Position of Railway network
3.
The British left behind a track lane of 55596 km. in 62 years. Since
independence the total railway track stands at 63,940 km. This works around
addition of l30 km. in a year which is very pathetic. The situation in Himalayan
States is even worse as not even a single Kilometer has been added there since
independence. Almost all the network existing in this region is a legacy of British
period. The major initiatives of Indian Railways since independence are the
Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway line in J&K and railway line connecting
Sevoke in West Bengal to Rangpo in Sikkim.
Development of railroad network by China on Indian border
4.
China has completed its 3,900 km. Beijing-Lhasa rail link and is pushing
ahead with seven other railroad projects adjoining the Indian border. China
proposes to build 5,000 km. of rail links, with emphasis on establishing
connectivity in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The country has also proposed to
build a rail network in Nepal. Besides this, China is said to be considering an
extension of the Golmu-Lhasa line up to Xigaze, south of Lhasa and from there to
Yatung, a trading center, barely a few kilometers from Nathu La, a mountain pass
that connects Tibet with Sikkim. There is a proposal too to extend the line to
Nyingchi, an important trading town north of Arunachal Pradesh, at the trijunction with Myanmar. These rail lines will bring Chinese trains up to Sikkim
and Arunachal Pradesh - two Indian States that figure prominently on the radar of
Sino-Indian disputes.
Need for Indian initiatives for development of railway network
5.
Economists and security experts have been warning that Indian Government
is napping while China is set to extend its railway network upto the Sino-Indian
border. India's rail network is the world's most extensive but it does not penetrate
the border-states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim
and Arunachal Pradesh. Although the feasibility of some rail links is being
studied, some projects. have been sanctioned and others are being executed by
Indian Railway, their completion targets may prove fickle, if the experience of the
strife-torn States of Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur is any guide. Trains were
supposed to be running in the Kashmir Valley by last August but that now looks
unlikely to happen for another five years at least. Indian Railways' officials blame
difficult, mountainous terrain for the delay in projects. About 120 kilometer of the
292 kilometer Kashmir railway line consists of tunnels; delaying matters further,
several are reported to have collapsed during construction. Yet, the much longer
Golmud-Lhasa rail runs through far more treacherous terrain and climatic
conditions and was completed on time.
Local demands for railway lines
6.
Social organizations, MPs, MLAs and State Governments of these States
have since long been raising the issue of discrimination and step-motherly
treatment in terms of expansion of railway network by successive Governments in
this region. Some specific demands from different States is as under:(a)
Himachal Pradesh
(i)
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri;
(ii)
Ghanauli- Baddi;
(iii) Nangal- Talwara; and
(iv) Bilaspur- Manali-Leh.
(b)
Uttarakhand
(i)
Rishikesh - Karanprayag;
(ii)
Tanakpur -Ghat- Bageshwar;
(iii) Dehradun - Kalsi;
(iv) Ram Nagar -Chaukhutiya;
(v)
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Kathgodam; and
(vi) Rishikesh- Dehradun.
(c)
(d)
Arunachal Pradesh
(i)
Hirumati - Itanagar; and
(ii)
Rupai - Parasuramkund,
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu-Rajauri-Poonch.
(e)
Sikkim
(i)
Mirik -Gangtok; and
(ii)
Extention of Sevoke-Rangpu line upto Gangtok
7.
Unless there is an expansion of railway network and Himalayan States are
linked with better rail infrastructure, the industrialization and economic
development cannot take place to desired level. It is, therefore, prayed that the
Ministry of Railways should declare projects for development of railway
network in Himalayan States as NATIONAL PROJECTS and initiate work
on above mentioned railway lines on priority.
Sl.N.
Name
Address
Signature
1.
Shri Kedar Singh Fonia,
D-9 Nehru Colony,
Sd/-
MLA, Badrinath
Dehradun
Shri Chandan Ram Dass
Village Post
MLA
Bageshwar
Shri Khajandas
Village Jhageri, Post Srikot
MLA, Dhanauti
Distt. Tehri Garhwal
2.
3.
Sd/-
Sd/-
Uttarakhand
4.
Shri Gopal Singh Rawat
Purani Kachari Road,
S/o K.S. Rawat,
Uttarkashi (Gangotri)
Sd/-
MLA
5.
6.
Shri Vijay Bahuguna
3 HCM
M.P. (Lok Sabha)
New Delhi
Shri K.C. Singh (Baba)
4 Mahadev Road
M.P. (Lok Sabha)
New Delhi
Sd/-
Sd/-
7.
Shri Laxman S.Patwal
Dubanni Foundation
C-2/92, Sec.-36 Noida
Sd/-
APPENDIX-II
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS,
RAILWAY BOARD
No.2010/W2/NR/PQR/5
New Delhi, Dated:
10.05.2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Petition praying for development of railway network in Uttarakhand,
Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan States bordering China.
The undersigned is directed to refer to Rajya Sabha Sectt.'s O.M. No.
R.S.7(3)/2010-Com-II dated 19.03.2010.
As desired, please find enclosed a detailed note on the railway projects
mentioned in para 6 of the petition submitted by Shri Kedar Singh Fonia,
MLA/Uttarakhand and others.
Sd/(P.K. Sanghi)
Executive Director (Works)
Railway Board
Shri Ashok K. Sahoo,
Deputy Director / Rajya Sabha Sectt.,
Parliament House Annexe,
New Delhi.
NOTE
It is a fact that since independence about 11000 km of new rail lines has
been constructed. However, Railways have also strengthened the existing network
by laying additional lines on the congested corridors to increase the carrying
capacity. Gauge Conversion have also been done in a big way since 1992 and
16917 km. of Meter Gauge/Narrow Gauge lines have been converted to Broad
Gauge. The track structure on all the routes have been upgraded and track
renewals have been done from time-to-time. All these efforts have increased the
carrying capacity on IR network.
A number of projects have been taken up all over the country. The details of
ongoing new line, gauge conversion and doubling projects as on 1.4.2010 is as
under:
Plan Head
No. of
Projects
Throwforward as on
01.04.2010
( in crore)
New Line
122
59,875
Gauge Conversion
45
17,261
Doubling
160
21,545
Total:
327
98,681
The majority of new lines projects have been taken up for providing
connectivity to various backward, under developed, hilly and other far flung areas
to bring such areas into main stream. However, the projects are facing severe
financial constraints resulting into very long gestation periods. Efforts have been
made to generate additional resources through participation by the Beneficiaries/
State Governments, additionality for National Projects and also taking up some
projects through Rail Vikas Nigam Limited.
As regards the line in the J&K, it is mehtioned that the line from Jammu to
Udhampur and from Quazigund to Baramulla has already been commissioned.
There have been certain geo-technical difficulties faced in Udhampur-Quazigund
section as the alignment is passing through very difficult Himalayan terrain.
Necessary steps have been taken and it is expected that Udhampur-Katra will get
completed by December, 2011 and Katra-Quazigund by 2017-18.
The status of specific demands mentioned in the petition are as under:
(a)
HIMACHAL PRADESH
(i)
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri new line work
The work of new line Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri is already
sanctioned. Final Location Survey (FLS) for the project has
been completed and part detailed estimate for the first 20 km. of
the project section (Bhanupalli-Dharot) has already been
sanctioned. Contract for earthwork and minor bridges for the
first 3 km. has been awarded and MoU signed with GSI for
geological investigation. 'Land acquisition for the project is also
under process. An outlay of 41 crore has been provided for the
work in Railway Budget 2010-11.
(ii)
Ghanauli-Baddi new line work
The work of Chandigarh-Baddi was included in Budget 200708. State Government of Punjab and U.T. of Chandigarh
expressed inability to 'provide land for the project in the U.T.
area. Himachal Pradesh Govt. then requested for examining the
alternate alignment connecting Baddi to Ghanauli. The survey
has been completed and the survey report is presently under
examination in the Ministry. As per the said survey report, the
cost of construction of this 26 km. long line has been assessed
as 541 crore with a Rate of Return of (-) 3.44%. Further
decision on the project will be taken based on the examination
of the survey report.
(iii) Nangal Dam-Talwara new line
33 Km. stretch from Nangal Dam to Churaru Takrala has
already been completed and opened to traffic. The work on
Churaru Takrala-Amb Anduara (11.6 Km.) has also been
completed and the mandatory safety clearance for the section is
awaited. The next phase of the project is being planned from
Amb Anduara to Kartoli Punjab (20 Km). In view of the huge
escalation in the cost of the project, State Govt. of Himachal
Pradesh was approached with proposals of cost sharing for the
remaining work. The State Govt. has shown inability to fund the
project. The cost of this project is 730 crore. Expenditure upto
March, 2010 is 269 crore and an amount of 50 crore has been
provided for the work in Railway Budget 2010-11.
(iv) Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh new line
The survey for construction of Bilaspur-Mandi-Manali-Leh new
B.G. line has been completed. As per the said survey report, the
cost of construction of this 498 km. long line has been assessed
as 22831 crore with Rate of Return of (-) 4.42%. The survey
report is presently under examination in the Ministry. This is
one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects mentioned by
Hon'ble Minister of Railways in her Budget Speech 2010-11 for
processing through Planning Commission for approval.
Necessary action is being taken accordingly.
(b)
UTTARAKHAND
(i)
Rishikesh-Karanprayag new line
The work of new line from Rishikesh to Karanprayag
(125 km.) has been included in Railway Budget 2010-11 at an
anticipated cost of 4295.30 crore. The funding for this project
will be through additionality by Ministry of Finance to
Railway's Budgetary support.
(ii)
Tanakpur-Bageshwar new line
Survey for construction of Tanakpur-Bageshwar new BG line
(155 km.) has been proposed in Railway Budget 2010-11.
Further action will be taken once the survey report is received.
(iii) Dehradun-Kalsi new line
This is one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects
mentioned by Hon'ble Minister of Railways in her Budget
Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning Commission
for approval. Survey for the above new line' has been completed
in Jan. 2010. Two alignments have considered in the survey
report. As per the first alignment, the cost of construction of 43
km. long line has been assessed as 557 crore with a Rate of
Return of (-) 3.90%. As per the second alignment, the cost of
construction of 47 km. long line has been assessed as 676 crore
with a Rate of Retum of (-) 4.08%. The survey report is
presently under examination in the Ministry.
(iv) Ramnagar-Chaukhutiya new line
Survey for construction of Ramnagar-Chaukhutiya new BG line
(86 km.) has been proposed in Railway Budget
2010-11. This is one of the 114 socially desirable new line
projects mentioned by Hon'ble Minister of Railways in her
Budget Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning
Commission for approval. Earlier survey was completed in
1994-95. As per the said survey report, the cost of construction
of this 87 km. long line was assessed as
400 crore with a negative Rate of Return. The project was not
taken up.
(v)
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Katgodam new line
This is one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects
mentioned by Hon'ble Minister of Railways in her Budget
Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning Commission
for approval. Updating survey for the above new line will be
taken up and further necessary action will be taken thereafter.
(vi) Rishikesh-Dehradun new line
Rishikesh-Doiwala new line is one of the 114 socially desirable
new line projects mentioned by Hon'ble Minister of Railways in
her Budget Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning
Commission for approval. Updating survey for the above new
line will be taken up and further necessary action will be taken
thereafter.
(c)
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
(i)
Railway line to Itanagar
Work is in progress in Harmuti-Naharlagun section (22 km.).
An amount of
28.98 crore has been paid to District
Commissioner Papumpara, Arunachal Pradesh towards
compensation for land. The land in Arunachal Pradesh has been
handed over but is pending in Assam. 10.70 lakh cum of
earthwork done out of 40 lakh cum., eleven minor bridges and
sub structure of three major bridges have been completed. Final
location survey from Naharlagun to Itanagar has been
completed. A reference was made to State Government to give
their views regarding termination of line at Naharlagun. State
Government has agreed to terminate the line at Naharlagun.
(ii)
Railway line to Pasighat-Rupai
No survey has so far been done for new line between Pasighat
and Rupai. However, a survey for construction of a new broad
gauge line between Rupai to Parsuramkund via Mahadevpur,
Namsai and Chaingkham (97.80 km) has been completed and
the report is under examination. The cost of construction of this
line has been assessed as 1036.94 crore with a negative Rate of
Return of (-) 6.45%.
(d)
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
(i)
Jammu-Poonch new line
This is also one of the 114 socially desirable new line projects
mentioned by Hon'ble Minister of Railways in her Budget
Speech 2010-11 for processing through Planning Commission
for approval. Updating survey for the above new line has been
completed in 2008-09. As per the said survey report, the cost of
construction of this 223 Km. long line has been assessed as
10459 crore with a Rate of Return of (-) 4.24%. As mentioned
in the Hon'ble Minister's Budget Speech, the survey report will
be sent to Planning Commission after suitable updation.
(e)
SIKKIM
(i)
Mirik-Ganktok line
A survey for construction of a new line from Mirik to Gangtok
has recently been completed. As per the survey, the cost of
construction of this 163.45 km long line has been assessed as
11684.29 crore. The survey report is under examination.
(ii)
Expediting the Sivok-Rangpo-Gangtok national project.
Sivok-Rangpo is a National Project. Final location survey has
been taken up. The work has been entrusted to M/s IRCON for
execution. Target of completion is 2015-16. The survey for
Rangpo-Gangtok railway line has been completed recently and
proposal is under process for seeking necessary approval.
Declaration of project as National Project
As per extant rules, only projects important from strategic view point
in J&K and NE region or developmental projects which result in
greater integration of these regions with the rest of India, can be
categorized as National Projects. Accordingly, projects in these
regions have been declared as National Projects.
APPENDIX-III
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No.2010/W-I/Genl./CoP
New Delhi, 12th October, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Petition praying for development of Railway network in Uttarakhand,
Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan States.
The undersigned is directed to refer to Rajya Sabha Secretariat (Petitions
Committee Branch)'s O.M. No. RS7(3)/2010-Com. II dated 28.09.2011
forwarding a copy of the Petition from Sh. K.S. Fonia, MLA (Uttarakhand) and
Others seeking information with regard to expansion of railway network from
different Himalayan States and to forward hereunder the status of the all the 15
sections as mentioned in the Petition, (in bilingual form), in the enclosed Note.
Receipt of the same may kindly be acknowledged and the item may please be
deleted from the list of pending Petitions.
DA/As above.
(A.K. Maheshwari)
Deputy Director (Works)-IV
for Jt. Director (Works)
Tel/Fax: 011-2307 0335
Rajya Sabha Secretariat,
Petitions Committee Branch,
{Shri Deepak Goyal,
Joint Secretary},
Parliament House Annexe,
New Delhi
1.
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri, New Line
(i)
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri new line project was approved by CCEA in Feb.,
2008 and funding pattern approved was as under:-
(ii)
(a)
25% by State Government including cost of land acquisition assessed
as 70 crore (any increase in land cost will have to be funded extra by
State Government)
(b)
25% by M/o Railways through normal GBS.
(c)
50% by Ministry of Finance as additionality.
Earlier, a meeting was taken by PS to PM on 08.08.2007 on this project
which was attended by Railway and State Government As per the minutes
of the meeting Himachal Government would contribute 25% cost of the
project, with balance funding coming from Ministry of Railways. Cost
overrun would be taken care of by MoR.
(iii) State Government has been raising the issue of variance of the funding
pattern approved by CCEA and funding pattern approved by PMO in
August, 2007 and stating that they will contribute to only 25% of original
sanctioned cost.
(iv) With the approval of Hon'ble Minister of Railways, State Government was
requested in March, 2010 to agree for sharing 25% of completion cost.
(v)
In the meantime, detailed estimate for the project has been prepared and the
cost of the project which was initially sanctioned at a cost of
1047 crore is now estimated to be 2964 crore with cost of land as Rs. 558
crore.
(vi) Hon'ble Minister of Railways vide his letter dated 09.08.2011 has again
requested Hon'ble Chief Minister/Himachal Pradesh for agreeing to bear
25% of completion cost as well as to provide the entire current cost of land.
State Government's reply is awaited.
(vii) Final Location Survey of the project has been completed. Detailed Estimate
of the first 3 km. has been sanctioned and Detailed Estimate of the
remaining portion is in process. Contracts for earthwork and bridges for the
first 3 km. have been awarded. MoU has been signed with GSI for
geotechnical investigation of the project alignment.
2.
Ghanauli-Baddi, New Line
Survey for Ghanauli-Baddi and Kalka-Baddi new lines were sanctioned in
lieu of already sanctioned Chandigarh-Baddi new line project, since the same was
not found to be feasible due to land acquisition problems. Survey for both the new
lines have since been completed and survey reports received in the Ministry are
under examination. Further action will be taken after evaluation of various
alternatives.
3.
Nangal Dam-Talwara, New Line
(i)
Construction of Nangaldam-Talwara new line was included in Railway
Budget 1981-82. The work remained frozen for about 8 years as the State
Government of Himachal Pradesh backed out from their initial commitment
to provide land free of cost for the project. The work restarted after the State
Government agreed to provide Government land free of cost.
(ii)
The Nangaldam-Amb Andaura (44 km) section of the project has already
been completed and commissioned.
(iii) Due to unduly long gestation period of the project, the cost of the project
has increased manifold. There has been an abrupt and huge increase in land
cost on Amb Andaura-Kartoli Punjab portion also. The progress of the work
has been reviewed by Board in view of such cost escalation and it has been
held that Railway cannot complete the remaining portion of the project at
desired speed through its normal GBS. State Government was accordingly
requested to share 50% cost of the remaining portion of the project to which
they have not agreed to. A letter to the Hon 'ble Chief Minister of Himachal
Pradesh requesting reconsideration of MOR's cost sharing proposal is under
process.
4.
Bilaspur-Manali-Leh, New Line
Survey for Bilaspur-Manali-Leh new line has been completed. As per the
survey report, the cost of construction of this 498 km. long rail line has been
assessed as 22831 crore with an ROR of (-) 4.46%. The project proposal was
accordingly sent to Planning Commission for approval. Planning Commission in
their reply have pointed out that the project is unviable and can be implemented
only through appropriate financing and operational arrangements to be worked out
by MOR in consultation with MOF and Planning Commission. Another survey for
construction of new line from Pathankot to Leh has been taken up. Further
decision on the project will be taken based on survey results.
5.
Rishikesh-Karanprayag, New Line
Construction of Rishikesh-Karanprayag new line (125 km.) has been
included in Railway Budget 2010-11 at an anticipated cost of 4295 crore. The
project is being funded by Ministry of Finance as an additionality. Preliminary
activities like final location survey, preparation of plan/estimates etc. have been
taken up.
6.
Tanakpur-Ghat-Bageshwar, New Line
An Updating survey for Tanakpur-Bageshwar (155 km.) new line project
has been included in the Budget 2010-11 and completed in October, 2010. As per
its survey report, cost of construction of 155 km. long line has been assessed as
2791 cr. with Rate of Return (ROJR) of (-) 1.16%. The report is under
examination in Board Office.
7.
Dehradun-Kalsi, New Line
Dehradun-Kalsi new line survey has been completed and survey report
examined in the Ministry. Two alignments have been considered in the said
survey report. As per the first alignment, the cost of construction of 43.5 km. long
rail line (from Dehradun to Barawala Kalsi) has been assessed as
557.18 crore with a rate of return of (-) 3.90%. As per the second alignment, the
cost of construction of 47 km. long rail line (from Dehradun to Haripur Kalsi) has
been assessed as 676 crore with a rate of return of (-) 4.08%. In view of the high
cost and strategic importance of the project, State Government of Uttrakhand and
M/o Defence have been requested to share 50% cost of the project. Their response
is awaited.
8.
Ramnagar-Chaukhutiya, New Line
An updating PET survey for construction of new line from RamnagarChaukhutiya (87.300 Km.) has been completed in August, 2011. As per survey
report the cost of construction of 87.30 Km. long line has been assessed as
1378.73 crore with the rate of return of (-) 3.03%. The report is under
examination.
9.
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar-Kathgodam, New Line
Haridwar-Kotdwar-Ramnagar new line survey has been completed. As per
the survey report, the cost of construction of this 143 km. long rail line has been
assessed as 1245.54 crore with a ROR of (-) 5.98%. The survey report is
presently under examination in the Ministry.
10.
Rishikesh-Dehradun, New Line
No survey for a direct rail link between Rishikesh and Dehradun has been
conducted. However, Doiwala is connected to Dehradun through a B.G. rail link
and Rishikesh-Doiwala new line survey has been completed. As per the survey
report, the cost of construction of this 19.26 km. long rail line has been assessed
as 260.28 crore with a negative ROR. The survey report is presently under
examination in the Ministry.
11.
Harmuti-Itanagar, New Line
Government of Arunachal Pradesh has accepted the proposal of termination
of line at Naharlagun. Work is in progress in the entire section falling in
Arunachal Pradesh and in part section in Assam where land has been handed over.
An amount of 37.81 Crore towards compensation for land and assets in
Arunachal Pradesh has been paid. Earthwork, bridge work and ballast supply are
in progress. The Harmuti-Naharlagun new line project is expected to be completed
by March, 2012.
12.
Rupai-Parsuramkund, New Line
A survey for construction of a new broad gauge line between Rupai to
Parsuramkund via Mahadevpur, Namsai and Chaingkham (97.8 Km.) was
completed during 2007-08. As per the report, the cost of construction of this line
has been assessed as 1036.94 crore with a negative Rate of Return of (-) 6.45%.
Due to unremunerative nature of the line and constraint of resources, it was not
found feasible to take up the proposed line. However, an updating survey for a
new line between Rupai and Parsuramkund has been included in the Budget 201112.
13.
Jammu-Rajauri-Poonch, New Line
Survey for Jammu-Poonch (via Rajauri) new line was completed in
2010-11. As per the survey report, the cost of construction of this 223 km long rail
line has been assessed as 13612.81 crore with an ROR of (-) 4.61 %. In view of
the huge cost and strategic importance of the project, Ministry of Defence and
Ministry of Finance have been requested to provide funds for the project. Their
response is awaited.
14.
Mirik-Gangtok, New Line
A survey for construction of new line from Mirik to Gangtok
(163.45 Km.) has been completed and the report is under examination. Further
consideration of the proposal would be feasible once results of the survey report
are finalized.
15.
Extension of Sivok-Rangpo line upto Gangtok
Construction of 50.87 Km. long Sivok-Rangpo new line project was
sanctioned in 2009-10 as a "National Project" at an anticipated cost of
3380.57 crore. The project is being executed with 25% funding from Railways
Gross Budgetary Support and 75% funding by Ministry of Finance as
additionality. An outlay of 200 crore has been sanctioned for 2011-12. The
project has been entrusted to M/s IRCON for execution and MoU has been signed
on 07.05.2010. A survey for construction of line between Rangpo to Gangtok has
already been completed. The proposal was sent to Planning Commission and
Ministry of Finance. However, Ministry of Finance has not supported the
proposal.
APPENDIX-IV
Comments on the petition received
from Ministry of Defence
(Vide OM No.H-11013/9/2011/D(Parl. dated 6th April, 2011)
Subject:
Examination by Committee of Petitions, Rajya Sabha, of Petition
praying for development of railway network in Uttarakhand,
Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan States.
Background
Construction of all weather railway lines greatly enhances military
capability. It has the following operational implications:
(a)
All weather connectivity to remote areas like Ladakh, Tawang etc.
with rapid mass transportation capability.
(b)
Advance winter stocking, logistic sustenance and relief of troops.
(c)
Facilitation of operations by rapid induction and switching of forces.
2.
Indian Railways aims at augmentation of existing capacity through new
constructions, doubling and up-gauging of railway lines. This process is largely
dependent upon the economic viability of the intended project. As a corollary,
planned capacity enhancement of the Indian Railways takes place in sectors which
are financially viable. At the same time, certain railway projects are important for
the armed forces from operational and logistics perspective. Such railway lines are
categorised as strategic.
Comments on Railway Lines Raised in the Petition
3.
The petition requesting for development of Railways network in
Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and other Himalayan States has been examined in
the Ministry in consultation with Army Headquarters. A total of 15 railway lines
have been mentioned in the Petition. These relate to 4 lines in Himachal Pradesh,
6 lines in Uttarakhand, 2 lines in Arunachal Pradesh, 1 line in Jammu and
Kashmir and 2 lines in Sikkim. Out of these, only 5 lines are strategic from the
national security perspective.
4.
These five strategic lines are as follows:
(a)
Himachal Pradesh:
Pathankot-Leh alignment
(b)
Uttarakhand:
(i)
Rishikesh-Karanprayag
(ii) Tanakpur-Ghat- Bhageshwar
(c)
Arunachal Pradesh:
Rupai - Parashuramkund
(d)
J&K:
Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch
5.
The status of the railway projects proposed in the Petition from the
perspective of strategic needs of the armed forces, as also the status of their
development by Railways, is indicated below:
State
Himachal
Pradesh
Project
Strategic Appraisal
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Bhanupalli- Bilaspur- Beri
Ghanauli - Baddi
Nangal- Talwara
Bilaspur- Manali- Leh
khand
v.
Rishikesh- Karanprayag
Uttara-
vi.
TanakpurBhageshwar
khand
vii.
Dehradun- Kalsi
Uttara-
Ghat-
Not strategic.
Pathankot-Leh alignment is
Strategic.
1,56,00,000 has been allocated
by Ministry of Railways for
survey in FY 2010-11.
Strategic.
Survey for the 125 kms. line is
in progress.
13,65,000 has been allocated by
Ministry of Railways for survey
work relating to the 35 km.
extension to Chamoli in FY
2010-11.
Strategic.
Not strategic.
However, Dehradun-
Uttarkashi line is Strategic,
and the alignment may be
through Rishikesh.
viii.
Rishikesh- Dehradun
35,10,000 has been
allocated by Ministry of
Railways for survey in FY
2010-11.
ix.
Ramnagar- Chaukhutiya
x.
Haridwar- KotdwarRamnagar- Katgodham
Not strategic.
Arunachal
xi.
Hirumati - Itanagar
Not strategic.
Pradesh
xii.
Rupai- Parashuramkund
Strategic.
42,90,000 has been allocated by Ministry of Railways for
survey in FY 2010-11 for
Pasighat-Parashu-ramkund.