OREANDA-NEWS. December 07, 2012. As on April 1, 2012, there are 347 ongoing new line, gauge conversion and doubling projects requiring Rs. 1.47 lakh crore for their completion. Projects are progressing as per availability of resources.

 During 2011-12, four new line, five gauge conversion and 19 doubling projects were completed out of 340 projects, In Supplementary Budget 2011-12, 2 new line and three doubling projects was sanctioned. Five new line projects, two gauge conversion projects and 23 doubling projects are included in the Railway Budget 2012-13. Target for completion of all projects has not been fixed.

 Cost escalation of Railway projects is on account of large shelf of ongoing projects having huge throwforward with limited availability of resources. As a result, funds are thinly spread out among ongoing projects thus prolonging period of completion.