In what could be termed as ‘Tatkal’ scheme of the Centre, Minister of State for Railways K H Muniyappa on Monday requested the state government to contribute 50 per cent to the cost of new lines and gauge conversion projects for their speedy implementation or be ready for delays. The six-time MP from Kolar in Karnataka was on his first visit to Gujarat.

He told reporters at the Circuit House Annexe that states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Jharkhand had already made such contributions. “The states will have to contribute if they want faster progress of the projects,” he said, denying that this suggested the Railways was facing a financial crunch.

Muniyappa said that over 2,000 km of metre gauge and narrow gauge lines in Gujarat will be converted into broad gauge in the next three to four years. The allocation for gauge conversion and electrification is to the tune of Rs 442.62 crore.

He added that Ahmedabad and Porbandar stations have been included for upgrade to world class standards, while Gandhidham and Vadodara have been identified for establishing multi-functional complexes. Besides, 30 railway stations in Gujarat are being developed as Model Stations. These include Anand, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Nadiad, Rajkot, Surendranagar and Okha. “Of these, work has already been completed at 11 stations,” he said.

He added that rail overbridges and underbridges were sanctioned at a cost of Rs 227 crore. “The state government has agreed to share the cost. An amount of Rs 19.04 crore has been earmarked in the current budget. Five railway overbridges were commissioned last year and six more are planned this year,” he said.

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