Railways might miss capex target by over 20%

But rail officials expect to achieve at least last year's actual, which is close to Rs 1 lakh crore

The Indian Railways (IR) is likely to miss its capital expenditure (capex) target for a second consecutive year — this time by about 20 per cent. Sources said the railways could miss the 2016-17 target of Rs 1.17 lakh crore by at least Rs 25,000 crore. 

According to the sources, IR has spent Rs 68,059 crore till December 31, the first nine months of the financial year. “Normally, activities pick up during the last two months of the financial year due to late start of work on account of the budgeting cycle and slowing during the monsoon cycle. We expect