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Lalitpur-Singrauli rail project crawls for lack of funds
By A Business Correspondent
The implementation of the 541-km long Lalitpur-Satna and Rewa-Singrauli railway line project is progressing at a snail's pace owing to scarcity of funds.
To date less than 10 per cent of the total estimated cost of Rs 925 crore has been spent on the project, which was approved by the CCEA as far back as 1998. A mere Rs 2.96 crore has been spent on the project till December 31, 2001. In 2002-03, an estimated Rs 10 crore would be spent on the project. Experts warn that the cost of the project could snowball due to the slow pace of implementation.
The project would be completed in three phases: Phase I - Lalitpur-Satna, Phase II - Mahoba-Khajuraho and Phase III - Rewa-Singrauli. According to Central Railway sources, necessary clearances have already been obtained. The final location survey for 167-km Lalitpur-Khajurao line, 64-km Mahoba-Khajurao line and 22 km line from the Rewa end have been completed. Tenders have also been invited for the balance portion between Rewa and Singrauli.
Further, the land acquisition process for the first block portion of Lalitpur-Udaipur, a stretch of 33 km, is in progress. The estimated cost of Rs 61,05 crore for this section has been sanctioned. Tenders for 5 major and 29 minor bridges have already been issued.
(1/2/02)
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