K'taka seeks more funds for Rlys' cost-sharing projects

Karnataka government has sought additional funds to execute projects initiated with the Indian Railways on a cost-sharing basis, on time.

According to V P Baligar, Principal Secretary, Karnataka's Infrastructure Development Department, "Some of the projects are vital as they provide good connectivity to boost tourism and trade, and facilitates the growth of smaller towns," he added.

The state government on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis has initiated the doubling of track between Bangalore and Ramanagara. This project is expected to be completed by March 2008.

Meanwhile, the entire Bangalore-Mysore track doubling work is expected to be completed within two years.

To give a boost to tourism in north Karnataka, Bijapur-Gadag line has been taken up. When this is completed by end of 2008, towns like Bijapur, Badami, Aihole, Pattadkal and Hampi will be connected.

The Harihar-Kottur line being built at a cost of Rs 124.13 crore will facilitate smooth transport of iron ore to the ports. For early completion of this project, the state government has agreed to share two-thirds cost (that is Rs 82.67 crore) towards as states share and Railways has to bring in Rs 41.33 crore.

"We have already released Rs 30 crore as part of our share and we are requesting the Railways to contribute the rest and completed the project on time," said Baligar.

The Gadag-Solapur gauge conversion is expected to completed by February 2008. This route is to facilitates smooth movement of commodities to various centres in Maharashtra and north India.

Another important cost-sharing project, the 167 kilometres Hubli-Ankola line, costing Rs 998 crore has hit a roadblock due to environment issue as the Railways has been directed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to stop work due to a case filed in the Supreme Court.

"State government has initiated a move to apprise various central government departments on the importance of this railway line," said Baligar.