Rlys stops new projects,to sift out old works

According to the ministrys assessment,it has pending works worth Rs 4 lakh crore.

This is perhaps the most opportune time for a surgical intervention and a holistic and realistic review of the ongoing works… our various proposals requiring Cabinet approval are also being questioned during inter-ministerial consultation on the premise that the Railways already have a very bulky shelf of projects and a huge throw-forward, Mittal wrote in his letter. Ordinarily,Railways will be expected to propose no new works, he added.

As a temporary measure,the ministry has also taken over the power of the zonal railways to sanction works for doubling of lines.

However,Mittal has said that some exceptions,including projects for easing traffic bottlenecks and safety-oriented works involving replacements and renewals,can be considered.

The national transporter has been under pressure from the Planning Commission to increase passenger fares. In the 12th Plan outlay,the ministry got Rs 4.56 lakh crore although it had sought Rs 5.48 lakh crore. The Trinamool Congresss exit from the ministry has sparked hopes that the fares will be hiked next year.

While national projects like the railway link to Kashmir are funded directly by the Centre,the ministry has to pay for the various projects announced by its ministers during Rail Budgets.