Title: Need to provide funds for early completion of gauge conversion work between Hassan and Mangalore, Karnataka.
(UDUPI): Sir, since the metre-gauge rail line between Hassan and Mangalore was closed for gauge conversion work, the people of the area had been suffering a lot. Because of disruption of rail service on this route, about 6,000 daily passengers are forced to travel by more than 200 buses plying on the route. Because of this dislocation, the Railways have been deprived of passenger and freight traffic revenue, and the cargo container capacity of Mangalore Port has also been severely hit.
Surprisingly, no allocation has been made for this ongoing project although 60 per cent of the conversion work is complete with 100 per cent completion of major bridges and tunnels en route. There is no other bottleneck, like acquisition of land. The main problem is about funds.
I would, therefore, urge upon the Central Government to mop up funds through issue of bonds and teaming up with KRFL and HUDCO. An immense revenue potential has been blocked apart from stoppage of developmental work in the region. I urge upon the Central Government to give topmost priority for completion of this project in the interest of both the Railways and the public.
श्री राजो सिंह (बेगूसराय): हम आपसे एक मिनट का समय चाहते हैं। हमारा आपसे अनुरोध है कि नियम ३७७ के अन्तर्गत काफी माननीय सदस्य अपनी समस्या को रखने का प्रयास करते हैं, लेकिन कम ही लोगों को मौका मिलता है, कम ही लोगों को अवसर मिलता है। मेरा निवेदन है कि जो इश्यू नियम ३७७ के अन्तर्गत उठाये जाते हैं, उन्हें विभाग में भेज दिया जाये तो माननीय सदस्यों के क्षेत्र का कुछ काम हो सकता है। यह इश्यू आपके सामने है, इस पर विचार किया जाये।