The Indian Railways (IR) hopes to complete land acquisition by October 2009 for constructing about 60 km out of the total 95 km of railway line between the present Dallia-Rajhara iron ore mines and the proposed Raoghat iron mines to be developed in Chhattisgarh to meet the increased iron ore requirement of SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant.
The SPV between SAIL, the IR and the Chhattisgarh Government, formed to execute the Raoghat iron ore mines project, has entrusted Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) with the implementation of the railway project to be complete with construction of tracks over a stretch of 95 km, stations and the merry-go-round system.
The South East Central Railway (SECR) has been given the responsibility of acquiring the land for handing over to RVNL.
SECR, has reportedly nearly completed land acquisition belonging to the state government, including some belonging to SAIL, and has handed it over to RVNL. The land so acquired will help RVNL construct about 18 km of railway track.
On the other hand, the process of acquisition of revenue land, sufficient for construction of another 40-42 km of railway track, according to railway sources, is in final stage and, most probably, will be over by October.
However, the problem persists with forest land. A 35-km long railway line is expected to pass through forests, of which 25 km through 259 ha of reserve forest and another 10 km through 83 ha of revenue forest. SECR has been unable to receive clearances by the environment and various statutory authorities.
The cost of constructing railway lines and creating other rail-related facilities for Raoghat iron ore mines project is expected to cost more than Rs 650 crore. The targeted date of completion of the project is December 2012.
Source : ProjectsToday
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