New Delhi (Metro Rail News): Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that a shortfall of ₹2,264 crore in cost-sharing contributions from the Himachal Pradesh government is linked to the progress of two railway infrastructure projects in the state. The information was provided in a written reply to a question from Member of Parliament Shri Anurag Sharma. The new major projects on delay are
- Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri New Rail Line
- Chandigarh-Baddi New Rail Line.
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri New Rail Line (63 km)
The project was sanctioned on a cost-sharing basis, with 25% to be contributed by the Himachal Pradesh government and 75% by the Central Government.
The weekly brief metro & rail professionals read.
Total expenditure incurred on the project so far is ₹8,237 crore. As per the cost-sharing arrangement, ₹2,910 crore was to be provided by the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The state has deposited ₹847 crore, leaving a balance of ₹2,063 crore. An additional amount of ₹70 crore is also to be given by the state government. Non-deposition of the state’s share is stated to be affecting the progress of the project.
Chandigarh-Baddi New Rail Line (28 km)
This project was sanctioned at a cost of ₹1,540 crore on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis with the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Total expenditure incurred so far is ₹1,099 crore. As per the arrangement, ₹549 crore was to be contributed by the state government. It has deposited ₹348 crore, leaving a balance of ₹201 crore. Non-deposition of the state’s share is stated to be affecting the progress of the project.
The minister stated that the progress of both projects is affected due to non-fulfilment of commitments by the state government. The Government of India is prepared to execute the projects, and their success depends on support from the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
Completion of the projects depends on various factors. These include land acquisition, forest clearance, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of the area, the law and order situation at the project site, and the number of working months available in a year for the particular project site. These factors influence both the timeline and the cost of the work.
Also Read: L&T Bags ₹1,234 Cr Noida Metro Aqua Line’s Civil Contract