Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav Highlights Delays in Himachal Pradesh Railway Projects Due to State Government’s Financial Lapses
In a recent session of Parliament, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav revealed significant delays in key railway projects in Himachal Pradesh, attributing these setbacks to the state government’s failure to meet its financial obligations. Responding to a query from Rajya Sabha MP Indu Goswami, Vaishnav provided a detailed update on the progress and challenges faced by the railway development projects in the state. The ongoing delays in vital railway infrastructure are raising concerns over their potential impact on regional connectivity and economic development.
1. Key Railway Projects Held Back by Financial Delays
Several major railway projects in Himachal Pradesh, including the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri and Chandigarh-Baddi railway lines, are encountering significant setbacks due to pending payments from the state government. These projects are being developed on a cost-sharing basis between the state and the central government, with Himachal Pradesh failing to fulfill its financial responsibilities, thus stalling further progress.
Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri Line: Progress and Roadblocks
The Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri railway line, estimated to cost ₹13,168 crore, has already seen an expenditure of ₹5205 crore. However, the project’s progress is being hampered by the Himachal Pradesh government’s outstanding liability of ₹1351 crore. Although 79.57 hectares of the required 124.02 hectares of land have been acquired, the incomplete land acquisition process has contributed to further delays in the construction of this critical railway line.
Chandigarh-Baddi Line: Slow Progress Due to Pending Payments
The Chandigarh-Baddi railway line, with an expenditure of ₹727 crore so far, is also facing a slowdown due to pending dues of ₹146 crore owed by the state government. Despite the successful completion of land acquisition for this project, the delay in payments is hindering the timely construction and development of the railway line.
Minister Vaishnav stressed the importance of timely payments from the Himachal Pradesh government to expedite the completion of these vital projects. Without fulfilling their financial obligations, further delays in infrastructure development are likely, impacting the state’s growth and connectivity.
2. Advancements Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Despite the setbacks faced in the major railway projects, the Railway Ministry has made notable progress under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, aimed at upgrading and redeveloping railway stations across the country. Five stations in Himachal Pradesh—Amb Andaura, Baijnath, Paprola, Palampur, and Shimla—have been selected for redevelopment under this initiative.
Ongoing Station Redevelopment Works
Tenders for the redevelopment of Amb Andaura and Baijnath stations have already been awarded, with work underway on improving essential passenger facilities such as parking, waiting halls, toilets, and more. Additionally, plans for the redevelopment of Palampur and Shimla stations include the introduction of ultra-modern facilities, including city-center development, dual-side access, and enhanced accessibility features for differently-abled passengers.
The redevelopment of these stations is expected to significantly improve passenger experience and promote tourism and local economic growth in these regions.
3. Increased Budget Allocation for Himachal Pradesh’s Railway Development
The Railway Ministry has significantly boosted its budgetary allocations for the railway development in Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the state’s infrastructure. For the financial year 2023-24, a total of ₹3448.34 crore has been allocated for passenger facilities under Northern Railway, with ₹2698 crore specifically earmarked for railway projects in Himachal Pradesh. This allocation marks a substantial increase, being 25 times higher than the funds allocated between 2009 and 2014.
Current and Upcoming Railway Developments
Currently, the state has 255 km of railway lines approved for construction, with an estimated cost of ₹13,168 crore. Of this, 61 km of railway lines have already been completed at a cost of ₹6225 crore. This demonstrates tangible progress, though delays in financial contributions from the state continue to be a significant barrier to faster expansion.
4. Upgrading Daulatpur Chowk Railway Station
In response to concerns about the state of railway stations, Minister Vaishnav also addressed the development of the Daulatpur Chowk railway station. He assured that all necessary amenities, including waiting halls, high-level platforms, shelters, and toilets, have been provided to meet the needs of the passengers. The improvement in such stations is part of the broader efforts to ensure better facilities for railway travelers across the state.
5. The Role of Himachal Pradesh Government in Expediting Railway Projects
Minister Vaishnav emphasized the critical role the Himachal Pradesh government plays in the successful and timely completion of railway projects in the state. He urged the state government to fulfill its financial commitments without delay, as failure to do so would only result in further project delays that would hamper the region’s connectivity and economic development. Railway development, particularly in hilly and remote regions like Himachal Pradesh, holds immense potential to enhance transportation, tourism, and overall economic growth.
By ensuring financial obligations are met and streamlining the land acquisition processes, the state government can accelerate the completion of these projects and contribute significantly to improving infrastructure and connectivity.
The delays in crucial railway projects in Himachal Pradesh due to the state government’s failure to meet its financial obligations have raised concerns about the region’s development. While the central government is making significant strides under schemes like the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and increasing budget allocations for railway infrastructure, the state’s timely financial support is essential to prevent further setbacks. Minister Ashwini Vaishnav’s comments underscore the urgent need for collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure the timely completion of railway projects that are pivotal for the state’s connectivity and economic growth.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
