BELAGAVI
After getting a huge budgetary allocation to expedite ongoing projects and develop rail infrastructure, the South Western Railways (SWR) plans to complete ongoing double tracking and electrification on priority.
Accelerating the work on the Vasco-Miraj railway line, the SWR has targeted completion of the electrification of Vasco-Kulem railway line by March 23, while the double tracking of the Londa-Suldhal railway track is likely to complete by March 22, sources told The Goan.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday, SWR General Manager Sanjeev Kishore said a total budgetary allocation to SWR for capital expenditure is Rs 6,900 crore, which he said, was the highest ever grant after inception of SWR.
During the last financial year, the capital expenditure allotted was Rs 4,900 crore.
“The Budget 2022 has focused on prioritising connectivity, safety and infusion of new technology encouraging innovation. Priority is given to complete the ongoing line capacity and route electrification works which were sanctioned in previous years. A budget of Rs 871 crores has been allotted for a new line, Rs 1,455 crore for doubling and Rs 611 crore allotted for electrification,” Kishore said.
“So far, 61 kms doubling work has been commissioned and by the end of March 2022, 204 kms of doubling is planned to be commissioned. The SWR also plans to commission 22 kms of the new railway line by March 2022,” he said.
“With record allocation to doubling and electrification, major routes of SWR will be decongested, environmental friendly and provide quantum boost to connectivity,” Kishore added.
He also informed that the freight and parcel revenue earned by the SWR has increased compared to last year and that zone is likely to earn much higher freight revenues at the end of the current financial year.
