Centre flags delays in rail projects over land, fund gaps
Vaishnaw says state’s pending land acquisition, unpaid share slowing Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri line
The Union Government on Wednesday raised concerns over inadequate cooperation from the Himachal Pradesh government, saying delays in land acquisition and pending financial contributions are slowing key railway projects in the state.
In a written reply to a question by Rajeev Bharadwaj, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said several connectivity projects are progressing, but others remain stuck due to unmet commitments by the state.
He said the 60-km Nangal Dam-Una-Andaura-Daulatpur Chowk section of the Nangal Dam-Talwara-Mukerian new line project has been commissioned. Work is underway on the 52-km Daulatpur Chowk-Kartoli (Punjab)-Talwara stretch. The 28-km Chandigarh-Baddi new line has also been taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 1,540 crore.
However, the 63-km Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri new rail line is facing significant hurdles. The project was sanctioned with a 75:25 cost-sharing arrangement between the Centre and the state. Of the 124 hectares required, only 82 hectares have been handed over so far. The remaining land, particularly on the Bilaspur-Beri stretch, is yet to be transferred, hampering construction activity.
Financial contributions from the state have also fallen short. Against its committed share of Rs 2,781 crore, Himachal Pradesh has deposited only Rs 847 crore, leaving a gap of Rs 1,934 crore. The total expenditure incurred on the project so far stands at Rs 7,729 crore. The Railways maintained that non-deposition of the state’s share is adversely affecting progress and underlined that timely completion depends on active participation from the state government.
Vaishnaw reiterated that the Centre remains committed to strengthening rail connectivity in Himachal. A survey for the 25-km Baddi-Ghanauli new line has been completed and a Detailed Project Report is ready. Further steps, however, require necessary approvals and consultations, including with the state.
The Railways has also selected four stations in Himachal — Amb Andaura, Baijnath Paprola, Palampur Himachal and Shimla — for redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Work has been completed at Amb Andaura and Baijnath Paprola, while Palampur and Shimla are in the master planning stage.
The Centre has urged the state to expedite land acquisition and clear its financial dues to avoid further delays in projects seen as crucial for the region’s connectivity and economic growth.
