SHRAVANABELAGOLA: Minister of State for Railways R. Velu admitted on Tuesday that there are regional imbalances in the development of the railway network in the country.

Inaugurating the Hassan-Shravanabelagola railway line and a railway station on the outskirts of Shravanabelagola, he said there are regional imbalances because of paucity of resources. Cooperation of the State Government and the people is necessary to correct the imbalances, he added.

Mr. Velu said the Railways is not in a position to take up work on over 240 railway projects which were sanctioned long ago as these require an investment of Rs. 47,000 crores. Because of the funds crunch, the Railways is studying various ways of implementing projects, including private participation, he added.

"We are making efforts to dispel the notion that the Railways cannot grow beyond a point. It is trying to shed its age-old concepts and beliefs. Now, the commuter is the priority," he said.

The Railways has recorded phenomenal growth, Mr. Velu said. There is 10 per cent growth in passenger traffic and 15 per cent in freight traffic.

The Railways is using marketing strategies to attract business customers, who have been given the option of owning their own wagons, warehouses, tracks and systems.

The concept of special purpose vehicle has been implemented in some parts of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh, he added.

Referring to the delay in completing five projects in Karnataka, he said this is because of lack of cooperation from the State Government.

Mr. Velu dismissed reports that gauge conversion between Bangalore-Mangalore is being delayed because of interference of the transporters' lobby. He said the Hassan-Mangalore line has been completed and trial runs have been conducted. Adequate steps against landslips in the Ghat section are being taken, and some time is needed to make the track safe.

The rail line is likely to be commissioned by March-end, he added.

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