Shri Suresh Angadi, Minister of State of Railways, Government of India held a meeting on 06.06.2020 with the Officers of South Western Railway in Bengaluru to review the progress of various Railway Projects in SWR.
Progress pertaining to projects such as Doubling and Electrification of Pune – Miraj – Londa Railway Section, Second Terminal commissioning work at Baiyyappanahalli, Coaching Shed at Krishnarajapuram, Setting up of Composite Carriage Repair Work Shop at Kolar and other works were discussed in the meeting.
Shri Ajay Kumar Singh, General Manager, South Western Railway, Shri K.C. Swami, Chief Administrative Officer, Construction, Shri Ashok Kumar Verma, Divisional Railway Manager, Bengaluru and other Senior Officers from South Western Railway were present in the Meeting.
Hon’ble Minister released “COVID Warriors of Bengaluru Division” a book showcasing the philanthropic services rendered by the Staff and their families to fight COVID-19 pandemic during national lockdown period.
Lockdown Affects Work Due to Unavailability of Labour
It was conveyed that the progress of works was affected due to lock-down. Now after lockdown, because of non-availability of adequate labour, works couldn’t be started in full swing. However, works on important projects have commenced and the pace of execution is expected to pick up gradually.
The Minister enquired about the availability of funds for works. It was informed that for doubling projects, the budget grant is sufficient. It was also appraised to Hon’ble Minister that works pertaining to commissioning of New lines are largely dependent on making land available by Government of Karnataka.
Chikkodi-Kudhachi and Khanapur-Belagavi Double Line Commissioning Targeted for March 2021
It was informed to Hon’ble Minister in the course of meeting that Work on doubling of Londa – Miraj section (31 Km between Chikkodi road-Kudhachi and 27 Km between Khanapur – Belagavi) will be executed on priority. A target has been set to commission Double line in this section by March 2021.
Regarding Progress of setting up of Composite Carriage Repair Shop at Kolar, the officers concerned informed Minister that the work is entrusted to Workshops Projects Organization, Patna. A detailed estimate is under preparation. Land is also awaited from the Government of Karnataka.
Hon’ble Minister advised that local labourers shall be trained as a part of skill development and their services be utilized in various Railway Projects as chances of bringing labourers from other states is grim at present.
He said that the Government of Karnataka has handed over land required for doubling of projects. This was possible due to continuous efforts and constant deliberations by Railways and Government of Karnataka authorities with the Revenue Department of the State. Hon’ble Minister was informed that it is targeted to commission 230 Km of the double line during the current financial year. He instructed to expedite the work as sufficient funds are available for doubling of lines.
Regaring Bagalkot – Kudachchi new line, it was informed that Railways have submitted the alignment plan between Kajjidoni – Yadawada to Government of Karnataka. The land acquisition is to be done by the State Government.
Hon’ble Minister instructed to pursue the clearance of National Wild Life Board for taking up Hubballi – Ankola new line. State Wild Life Board has already recommended the Project and forwarded the proposal for clearance of National Wild Life Board.