The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Bangalore-Mettupalayam rail plan to go before panel

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 04, 2006

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Bangalore-Mettupalayam rail plan to go before panel

Staff Reporter

Feasibility study completed in all areas, barring a 58-km stretch

CHENNAI: Union Minister of State for Railways R.Velu said here on Saturday that his Ministry would place before the Central Empowered Committee, a proposal to take up feasibility study on laying a track between Bangalore and Mettupalayam.

It would pass through Samraj Nagar, Balavady, Bannary, Sathyamangalam and Mettupalayam, covering a distance of 318 km.

The project was conceived a decade ago, at an estimated cost of Rs. 565 crore and the authorities concerned approved it and sanctioned funds. But, the previous State Government refused to approve the project.

Forest area

The Minister said the feasibility study had been completed in all areas, barring a 58-km stretch between Geddavadi and Bannari. As this was prime forest area and an important elephant reserve in the Eastern Ghats, it was mandatory to get the approval of the Committee besides clearance from the State Government.

A national highway was passing through the area and the proposed line would go alongside, Mr. Velu said.

The Ministry would take steps to protect the forest. Wherever necessary, it was proposed to construct elevated structures, which would, in no way, affect the migratory movement of elephants.

The railways had planned nearly 102 tunnels on the 318 km stretch.

Tamil Nadu Forest Minister N. Selvaraj said the project would be useful to the State.

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