BANGALORE: The State’s railway network is going to increase by another 2,200 kms at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore in the next five years, Union Minister of State for Railways K H Mniyappa said on Saturday. Speaking to reporters after reviewing the ongoing railway projects with the State government officials, Muniyappa said the state government has come forward to share Rs 1,500 crore -50 per cent of the total cost - besides making the land available. “I am confident that we will be able to complete 3,000 kms of new network by taking up 500 to 600 kms per year. I will discuss with the Railway Board members about the logistics and finance,” Muniyappa added.He said he would try to include any new projects in the forthcoming railway budget if the State government sends proposals according to the needs and priorities. “I must compliment the State government as the trend of cost-sharing the projects was initiated by Karnataka. In fact, in 2008 the State government got us 2,300 acres of land in four months which we could not get it during the previous four years.” The new lines that are likely to be taken up in the coming financial year are Gutti-Bagalkot, Davangere-Tumkur, Gadag-Wadi, Shimoga-Harihar and Whitefield-Kolar-Nangli besides a rail coach factory in Kolar. On Circular Railway for City Muniappa said study was still going on about the ways and means to synchronise Monorail with other infrastructural facilities like Metro, Elevated Roads. “It is not that it (Monorail) project has been shelved. The thought process is going on at the highest level, both at the Centre as well in State,” he added. Meanwhile, it was agreed in the meeting presided over by Muniyappa that the Metro, BBMP and Railways will work out the project of constructing an underpass from Yeshwanthpur station to Govardhan theatre. Muniyappa directed officials to work out modalities to open another entrance-exit to city railway station from its backside from Magadi Road.
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