Media Coverage | 02-02-2024
The Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded railway line, to be a boon for development of backward regions of Vidarbha and Marathwada, got a major boost when the interim Budget was presented in the Parliament on Thursday. An amount of `750 crore has been allocated for the project. An expenditure of `3,445.48 crore is estimated for the railway line.
When the 284.65-km-long railway line was approved, its estimated expenditure was around `274.55 crore. However, the cost went on increasing due to the slow pace of work.
It is pertinent to mention that the Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded railway line is the dream project of chairman of the editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda.
Dr Darda has been actively involved in pushing for the completion of the project. He has been in constant touch with officials of State and Central governments as well as railway ministry.
It was for Dr Darda’s efforts that led to the creation of a special war room dedicated to monitor the project. This ensured a coordinated and focused approach to address any challenges that could have arisen during the construction. Special instructions were given to ensure that no obstacles came in the way of the project.
As a result of the coordinated efforts of Dr Darda, the project gained momentum and now a budgetary provision of Rs 750 crore has been made.
Welcome move, but not sufficient: Dr Vijay Darda
n Thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for allocation of ₹750 crore for Wardha-Yavatmal-Nanded railway line, Dr Darda said Maharashtra government also should contribute for the project. However, this too may not be sufficient as more funds would be required for the completion of the project.
n Railway minister Vaishnaw has taken good initiatives to fulfil the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railways is the backbone of public transport system and the government has taken steps to improve it, Dr Darda said. To prevent accidents, Dr Darda said modern technology should be put to use. Escalators must be installed at all railway stations for the convenience of senior citizens. Dr Darda also demanded closure of all railway crossings and construction of overbridges/ underbridges for the safety of commuters.
₹15,554 cr
for railway projects
in Maharashtra
New Delhi: The interim Budget presented in the Parliament on Thursday proposes remarkable increase of 1,300% for various railway projects in Maharashtra.
A total of ₹15,554 crore have been allocated for the development of railway projectss. Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Maharashtra holds a significant share in the proposed 40,000 km long railway corridor mentioned in the current budget.
From 2009 to 2014, only ₹1,171 crore were allocated for railway projects in Maharashtra. However, looking at the present announcement, the figure is increased by 13 times. Vaishnaw said that an investment of ₹18,000 crore has been made for railway projects in Maharashtra.
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