WORLD BANK AND ADB ASSISTANCE FOR GOLDEN QUADRILATERAL RAIL ROUTE

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In order to expedite works on high density routes, a proposal for strengthening the Golden Quadrilateral and Diagonals connecting the metropolitan cities of Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai is being developed by the Railways for multilateral funding. A consolidated plan for identifying all the inputs wherever required, e.g., doubling/laying additional lines, electrification, improvement in signalling, track structure, rolling stock etc., including the funds required is being prepared. It was mentioned in the Budget speech 2002-03 that a major focus for the Railways will be the augmentation of capacity of the saturated Golden Quadrilateral and its Diagonals. Funds have already been provided in 2002-03 Budget for the sanctioned projects for strengthening the Golden Quadrilateral and the diagonals. For other works funds will be provided after obtaining the necessary sanctions.

This information was given by Shri O.Rajagopal, Minister of State for Railways in a written reply to a question by S/shri P.Prabhakar Reddy and K.B.Krishna Murthy in the Rajya Sabha today.