Coal news and updates

Land hurdles delay DFC projects in some areas

September 3: It seems land acquisitions issues are delaying completion of the dedicated freight corridor (DFC) projects in certain areas of the country. For instance, the Azimganj-Jiagarh line still remains incomplete because of land hurdles concerning a small stretch of 466 metres while the railway track between Nabadwipdham and Nabadwipghat has not been yet laid because of similar problems.

R K Gupta, General Manager, Eastern Raiway, Kolkata, corroborating these facts at a recent interactive session conducted by the MCC Chamber of Industry, said: “Due to land acquisition issues relating to only a 466-metre stretch, the Azimganj-Jiagarh line could not be completed. Similarly, the railway track from Nabadwipdham to Nabadwipghat could not be laid down due to land and other issues.”

Gupta further said the Son Nagar-Gomoh stretch will be taken up soon but the stretch from Gomoh to Dankuni has to be funded through public-private partnerships (PPP) for which eight parties have already submitted proposals and modalities are being worked out.

He also said plans are afoot to electrify 500 km of tracks this year and 550 km by next year.