The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Rise in cement prices has delayed railway projects: Velu

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Monday, Jan 28, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Rise in cement prices has delayed railway projects: Velu

Special Correspondent

Minister warns of action against defaulting contractors

Gauge conversion work on the Villupuram—Mayiladuthurai section to be over by June 2008
Study to be carried out to provide a rail link between Chennai and Cuddalore

CHIDAMBARAM: Union Minister of State for Railways R. Velu said on Sunday that increase in the prices of cement and iron bars had delayed execution of railway projects.

As a result, many contractors and sub-contractors have left works midway, causing further delay. Appropriate action would be initiated against them, he said.

Conversion work

Mr. Velu said gauge conversion work on the 122-km Villupuram—Mayiladuthurai section, to be executed at an estimated cost of Rs.270 crore, would be completed by June 2008.

The stretch would have 15 crossing stations and five halt stations.

Work on the 2,100-ft long bridge across the Old Kollidam was delayed owing to rough terrain and flooding of the river due to the recent rain spell.

Of the 100 bores to be sunk for laying the pile foundation, 45 had been completed. Work on the remaining was hampered owing to the rocky terrain.

Hence, alternative technology was being adopted to raise the pillars. Gauge conversion work on the Mayiladuthurai—Sirkzhi section would be completed by February.

Railway officials had been instructed to submit a report on the progress of works on the Villupuram—Mayiladuthurai, Karaikudi—Manamadurai and Vellore—Katpadi sections.

Flyover

As for the construction of the Rs.13-crore flyover at Chidambaram, Mr. Velu said the Southern Railway had completed its share of work. The State Highways Department had been asked to expedite its portion of work. It would be ready by March 31.

When his attention was drawn to the problem faced by students of the Annamalai University in booking train tickets in advance due to limited working hours of the counter, Mr. Velu said the reservation counter would hereafter work from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A study would be carried out to provide a rail link between Chennai and Cuddalore via Mahabalipuram and Puducherry.

Pradip Gaur, Chief Administrative Officer, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd; R.C. Jat, Divisional Railway Manager, Tiruchi division, and P.V.V. Reddy, Senior Divisional Manager, Tiruchi division, accompanied the Minister.

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