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While last mile connectivity projects continue to be accorded the highest priority, the Railways intend to fast track the sanctioned works on 7,000 kms of double/third/fourth lines and commission 1200 km in 2015-16 at an investment of Rs 8686 crore (Rs 86.86 billion).
Presenting the Railway Budget 2015-16 in Parliament on Thursday Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said this budgetary allotment under capital is 84 per cent higher than 2014-15.
He said, “We also intend commissioning 800 km of gauge conversion. Additionally, we have sanctioned 77 projects covering 9,400 km of doubling/tripling/quadrupling works along with their electrification at a total cost of Rs 96,182 crore (Rs 961.82 billion) which is over 2,700 per cent higher in terms of amount sanctioned in 2013-14, 2014-15 being a Plan holiday”.
The minister said the priority for undertaking projects has been determined by a designated committee for capacity enhancement, revenue generation and decongestion. He said negotiations are on with financial institutions for funding these projects through extra budgetary resources. These projects cover almost all states, the minister added.