The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link was supposed to be completed by 2001 at a cost of 2500 crore rupees. People were sceptic from the very beginning about the project keeping its date. We have a long history of delayed completion of projects, reasons need not be listed. Politicians are impatient to dole out ambitious plans and projects but the bureaucracy knows its limitations. Latest assertion of the Government that has emanated from the statement of the Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme given on the floor of the Parliament is that this project will be completed in 2017 and cost escalation would touch 8000 crore rupees. A hike of 5000 crore rupees as cost overrun is whooping and should have been avoided. However, we are aware that this is a very challenging project because the rail line is to be laid over extremely rugged terrain and difficult topography. Besides that, a difficult tunnel in Riasi sector had to be abandoned and new survey made for the alternate tunnel which took considerable time and cost. Nevertheless, the importance of this strategic link need not be over-emphasised. Let us hope that the schedule of 2017 for its complete and delivery will be adhered to.
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