Kharge lays foundation for Chikmagalur Sakleshpura rly line

Union Minister for Railways Mallikarjuna Kharge has said that the work on 47 km-long Chikmagalur - Sakleshpura broad gauge railway line will be taken up in cost sharing basis with State governments and Union government each sharing 50 per cent of the cost of the project. The project will be completed in three years. 

Speaking to mediapersons after laying foundation for the Chikmagalur - Sakleshpura broad gauge railway line here on Sunday, he said that the state government will give free land and Rs 352 crore required for the project. The Railways will bear Rs 292 crore. The total cost of the project is Rs 644 crore. 

“As the State government had shown keen interest in taking up the project in cost sharing basis, the Railways could take up lot of works. Similarly, governments in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthana have agreed for taking up project in cost sharing basis. To reduce level crossing, the railways have taken up ROBs and RUBs across the country on priority basis. 

“Before I took charge as the Minister, the State was getting only Rs 700 crore. Now, it has been doubled. Modernisation of railway lines, railway station and upgradation of platforms have been taken up at a cost of Rs 1,300 crore. Along with announcing new trains to Karnataka, additional Rs 120 crore has been earmarked. A few railway line works could not be initiated owing to technical glitches in the country.” 

Kharge said that highest trains have been announced to the State in the interim budget. Karnataka will get 17 Jai Hind Expresses. Chikmagalur-Kadur-Bangalore Express service has been included in the budget. The train will be started during 2014-15.” 

The railways security deposit was zero in 2010-11, 2011-12. Now, the profit has been increased from Rs 7,000 crore to Rs 8,000 crore. The security deposit is likely to be increased to Rs 13,000 crore in the next budget. 

High speed train

The railways have proposed to start a high speed train in India. “The railways have already entered into a talk with Japan Internal Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is planning to start high speed train services between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The Maharashtra government has given its nod for the proposal. A joint survey is in progress. If it is viable, then we are planning to extend it till New Delhi. A sum of Rs 67,000 crore would be required to implement the project. The final decision will be taken after the joint survey is complete.” 

Kharge said that work on constructing maintenance facilities at the Binny Mill land adjacent to the Bangalore City railway station would commence within a few. The railways have purchased the land at Rs 80 crore. 

There are demands for introducing new trains from Bangalore to connect to other parts of the country. “There is lack of space in the railways station. Hence, the maintenance facilities will be shifted, to increase the platforms.” 

MP Jayaprakash Hegde, Council Chairperson D H Shankaramurthy, MLA C T Ravi , District-in-Charge Minister Abhayachandra Jain among others were present at the occasion. Kharge handed over keys of tourist taxis to beneficiaries under SEP and TSP project. Jain laid foundation for Pradhanmanthri Gram Sadak Yojane on the occasion.