FM Sitharaman reviews Railways Ministry's capex plan
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

FM Sitharaman reviews Railways Ministry's capex plan

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the capital expenditure (capex) plan of the Railways Ministry, emphasising the importance of enhancing commuter safety and convenience. She urged officials to expedite the phased implementation of Kavach, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, and meet the allocated capex targets within the stipulated timeframe.

Railways Ministry officials informed Sitharaman that Kavach-related works are currently underway on over 3,000 route kilometers, including the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai sections.

Highlighting the government's focus on improving citizens' "ease of living," Sitharaman urged the Ministry to prioritise capacity augmentation, safety measures, and commuter convenience. This includes doubling and electrifying existing tracks, as well as laying new railway lines according to the Union Budget's capex provisions.

She also called for the accelerated conversion of 40,000 standard rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards, as announced in the Interim Budget 2024-25, to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and convenience.

This meeting is part of a series of reviews with ministries and departments that have significant capex allocations in the Union Budget. Sitharaman stressed the importance of achieving the FY 2024-25 capex targets and building on the progress made during the government's first 100 days. (ET)

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviewed the capital expenditure (capex) plan of the Railways Ministry, emphasising the importance of enhancing commuter safety and convenience. She urged officials to expedite the phased implementation of Kavach, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, and meet the allocated capex targets within the stipulated timeframe. Railways Ministry officials informed Sitharaman that Kavach-related works are currently underway on over 3,000 route kilometers, including the Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai sections. Highlighting the government's focus on improving citizens' ease of living, Sitharaman urged the Ministry to prioritise capacity augmentation, safety measures, and commuter convenience. This includes doubling and electrifying existing tracks, as well as laying new railway lines according to the Union Budget's capex provisions. She also called for the accelerated conversion of 40,000 standard rail bogies to Vande Bharat standards, as announced in the Interim Budget 2024-25, to enhance passenger safety, comfort, and convenience. This meeting is part of a series of reviews with ministries and departments that have significant capex allocations in the Union Budget. Sitharaman stressed the importance of achieving the FY 2024-25 capex targets and building on the progress made during the government's first 100 days. (ET)

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement