Bangalore, Jan 3 (DHNS): The State Government has urged the Railways to sanction nine new, key railway projects in the coming Railway budget 2010-11, to provide the much-needed railway connectivity to the proposed 10 industrial zones. 
 
They are Tumkur-Davanagere, Gadag-Haveri, Bijapur-Shahbad, Kudachi-Bagalkot, Almatti-Koppal, Londa-Goa, Shimoga-Harihar, Hubli-Ankola and Whitefield-Kolar-Mulbagal. These projects are estimated to cost Rs 5,809 crore, covering a total distance of 1,138 kms. The State Government has expressed its readiness to implement these projects on a cost-sharing basis with the Railways.

Minister for Infrastructure Development Janardhana Reddy gave a petition in this regard to the Union Minister of State for Railways Muniyappa on Saturday, on the sidelines of review of railway infrastructure in the State.

The Government will formally submit a memorandum to the Union Railway Minister in this regard on January 10.

Briefing reporters, Janardhana Reddy said the Railways is chalking out a policy for taking up projects on PPP model. Once the policy is ready, the State will make a complete use of it.

World class stations

Reddy also said projects are being chalked out to upgrade Bangalore, Byappanahalli and Mangalore railway stations to international standard.

“I have requested the Minister (Muniyappa) not to stop implementation of projects due to delay in giving alternative sites. I assure you the Government will keep its promise on handing over the alternative sites to the Railways,” Janardhana Reddy added.