Himachal Government responsible for delay in Railway projects: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Dec 13,
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has told the Rajya Sabha that delays in the implementation of railway projects in Himachal Pradesh are primarily due to the state government’s failure to transfer required land and to release its committed share of project funding.
Replying to a question raised by Rajya Sabha MP Indu Bala Goswami, the minister said the Bhanupli–Bilaspur–Beri railway line requires 124 hectares of land in Himachal Pradesh, but the state government has so far transferred only 82 hectares to the Railways. Construction work is currently underway only on the land that has been handed over. He added that land between Bilaspur and Beri has not yet been transferred, which is directly affecting the progress of the project.
Vaishnaw informed the House that the 63-kilometre-long Bhanupli–Bilaspur–Beri railway line is being developed under a cost-sharing arrangement, under which 25 per cent of the construction cost is to be borne by the Himachal Pradesh government, while the remaining 75 per cent is funded by the Centre. The total approved cost of the project is Rs 6,753 crore, which includes Rs 1,617 crore towards land acquisition.
So far, Rs 5,252 crore has been spent on the project. Of this, the state government’s liability works out to Rs 2,711 crore. However, the state has paid only Rs 847 crore so far, leaving an outstanding amount of Rs 1,863 crore. The minister said that the non-payment of the state’s share is a major reason for delays in construction.
He reiterated that the Central government is fully committed to completing the project, but its timely execution depends on active cooperation from the state government.
Highlighting the Centre’s increased investment in Himachal Pradesh, Vaishnaw said that between 2009 and 2014, only Rs 108 crore was provided for railway infrastructure development in the state, whereas a budgetary provision of Rs 2,716 crore has been made for railway projects in Himachal Pradesh for the year 2025–26.
The minister further informed the Rajya Sabha that work has begun on the 52-kilometre-long Daulatpur Chowk–Kartaroli–Talwara railway line as part of efforts to strengthen rail infrastructure in the state. Construction has also started on the new 28-kilometre Chandigarh–Baddi railway line, being built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,540 crore.
He also said that the Bilaspur–Leh railway line has been identified by the Ministry of Defence as a strategically important project. The survey for the line has been completed and a detailed project report has been prepared. The project, estimated to cost Rs 1.31 lakh crore, envisages the construction of a 489-kilometre-long railway line, of which around 270 kilometres will pass through tunnels.
Vaishnaw said the Centre remains committed to expanding railway connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, but stressed that timely land transfer and financial participation by the state government are crucial for the success of these projects.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.