Bangalore track to be doubled

Bangalore track to be doubled
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

24 Dec, 2006 2346hrs IST

HUBLI: Union Minister of state for railways R Velu has assured to accord priority for doubling of tracks between Hubli and Bangalore to decongest traffic and also to expedite the travelling time of the existing trains on this route.

After laying the foundation stone for the new railway station complex in Hubli on Sunday, Velu said Indian Railways, in the last few years, has given utmost priority regarding its ambitious attempt to develop a uni-gauge system across the country, which has resulted in substantial decongestion.

However, he said that the railways has been not able to take up all the routes it desired as it involves substantial investment in track, rolling stock and other rail infrastructure. "Hopefully, we may succeed in including Hubli-Bangalore route in the upcoming railway budget," he said with a sense of optimism.

The minister, however, said the gauge conversion work between Bijapur and Gadag and doubling of track between Bellary and Torangallu will be completed by 2007.

On the long-pending Hubli-Ankola project, Velu said the project has hit a road block over the question of environmental clearance for the construction of railway line along some parts of the Western Ghats. The matter is now pending before the Supreme Court Empowerment Committee and the railways cannot pursue the project until the court makes a decision, he pointed out.

On the recent controversial order pertaining to the language to be used in writing destination boards on trains, Velu said, "It was just a misunderstanding." The Indian Railways has given clear directions to all the zones to adopt a triple language (Hindi, English and Regional Languages) policy and a government order to this effect will be issued soon, he added.

About the demand of shifting of the Railway Recruit Board (RRB) office from Bangalore to Hubli, Velu said there was no such proposal before the railways and added that it was unwarranted at this juncture. On the allegation of Kannada organisations that Biharis have been given prominence in the recruitment of 'D' group employees ahead of Kannadigas, Velu quipped, "Kannadigas and Tamilians are no doubt very intelligent people, but they are not as hardworking as Biharis. So they are preferred for such jobs that involves a lot of muscle power."

He said a Rs 150 crore proposal has been sent to the railway ministry for the upgradation of the workshop and hopefully the ministry will release adequate funds, at least to take up the first phase of the project in the forthcoming budget.

Illegal buildings get 24 hours from HDMC

Illegal buildings get 24 hours from HDMC
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

24 Dec, 2006 2349hrs IST

HUBLI: The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation is all set to do a Delhi in terms of regularising illegal commercial buildings. But before that, it is giving one final chance (24 hours) for the owners to fall in line.

The first phase of the sealing drive will start on Tuesday against 24 unauthorised commercial buildings having a built-up area of over 2,000 sqft. The HDMC on Sunday slapped notices on all 24 buildings, giving them 24 hours to either vacate the building or take corrective steps. The HDMC has formed 24 teams to take up sealing, with full protection from the police.

The drive has been initiated as part of its endeavour to regularise illegal commercial buildings in the twincities. HDMC commissioner P Manivannan said that under Section 310 of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, occupation of any building without a valid CC from the municipal corporation is illegal and a punishable offence. Also, such buildings are liable to be sealed by the corporation after evicting the occupants.

Such action is necessary in the interest of citizens as buildings which are occupied without CC are generally not certified by the HDMC, fire department or electrical inspectorate, and hence they are prone to cause problems like traffic bottlenecks and fire tragedies, among others, he asserted.

New railway station complex to come up in Hubli

New railway station complex to come up in Hubli
The Hindu - Staff Correspondent

The project estimated to cost Rs. 36 crore will be implemented in two phases

AMBITIOUS: Union Minister of State for Railways R. Velu (extreme left) laying foundation stone for the New Hubli Railway Station Complex in Hubli on Sunday.

HUBLI: Union Minister of State for Railways R. Velu laid foundation stone for the new Hubli railway station complex here on Sunday.

He also performed the "bhoomi puja" which was attended by Revenue Minister Jagadish Shettar; former Minister Jabbarkhan Honnalli; MP Pralhad Joshi; journalist Patil Puttappa and others.

Mr. Velu told said presspersons that South-western Railway (SWR) had set a target of 44 million tonnes of goods traffic in 2006-07. Passenger traffic had increased from 61.5 lakhs a month in 2003-04 to a projected 91.3 lakhs a month in the current year, with a projected growth of 48.5 per cent in three years. Gross earning in the current year was likely to touch Rs. 3,112.96 crore, he said.

SWR had been sanctioned Rs. 12.17 crore for improving passenger amenities during the current year and accordingly works were being taken up, he said.

The cost of the project, which would be taken up in two phases, was estimated to be around Rs. 36 crore. The first phase would be taken up at a cost of Rs. 5.3 crore and was likely to be completed in one year.

Lot of developmental works would be taken up during the second phase at a cost of Rs. 30 crore. Sources said that the time required for completion of the second phase would depend on the sanction and mode of release of funds, Mr. Velu said.

Works under the first phase involved conversion of the existing platform number 1 of Hubli Railway Station into a "through platform" (18 bogies), construction of a new high-level platform with a through line for 18 bogies and a short platform for nine bogies; construction of a foot overbridge; platform shelter; concourse; booking counters; and yard remodelling including signalling works.

According to the plan, the concourse measuring about 551 sq.m. will comprise a booking office, stalls/ booths, vending outlets, help desk, information facilitation counter, current reservation booking counter, IRCTC food plaza, tourist facilitation centre, cyber cafe and modular booths. The concourse will have an AC waiting hall with 150 seats, non-AC sleeper class with 300 seats and a ladies waiting hall with 100 seats.

Master plan

During the second phase, the remaining portion of the station according to the master plan will be built. It will include five high-level platforms (26 bogies, through) and two high-level platforms (22 bogies), saloon siding (16 bogies), new subway, new foot overbridge, six pit lines, yard remodelling for Hubli-Hebsur doubling and Hubli Ankola new line and bypass line. With the completion of both phases of the project, the Hubli Railway Station will have eight platforms.