K-RIDE PROJECTS IN KARNATAKA
As a sequel to the
Shareholder Agreement between the Ministry of Railways and the
Government of Karnataka to operationalise K-RIDE in November 2002,
four ongoing sanctioned railway projects have been identified
under K-RIDE. These are Hubli-Ankola New Line, Solapur-Gadag gauge
conversion, Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion and Guntakal-Hospet
doubling.
As for Hubli-Ankola
New Line, final location survey has been completed. Land acquisition
plans have been submitted to the State Government for part length
of 47.75 kilometres. Earthwork and bridgework are in progress
where land is made available.
For Solapur-Gadag
gauge conversion, work has been taken up on phases. Solapur-Hotgi
(16 kilometres) and Hotgi-Bijapur (94 kilometres) have been completed.
Earthwork, bridgework and ballast collection are in progress on
rest of the section from Bijapur-Gadag.
In the area of
Hassan-Mangalore gauge conversion, Arsikere-Hassan-Saklespur section
has been completed and commissioned. Work is in progress in balance
length. Track linking is in advanced stage between Kankanadi-Kabakaputtur.
Subramanya Road-Kabakaputtur section is targeted for completion
during the current financial year 2003-2004.
For Guntakal-Hospet
doubling, final location survey has been completed. Thirty kilometre
long Bellary-Tornagallu is being given priority and targeted for
completion in the current financial year. Earthwork, minor and
major bridges are in progress.
Solapur-Gadag
gauge conversion will be done on cost sharing between Ministry
of Railways and Government of Karnataka. Hassan-Mangalore gauge
conversion project will be taken up under Special Purpose Vehicle
(SPV) route.
