Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/130-increase-in-railways-allocation-for-himachal/articleshow/89331309.cms
Publisher: Times of India
Himachal Pradesh has got the sharpest increase of nearly 130% in budgetary allocation for railway works for 2022-23 compared to the current financial year and barring Punjab where the increase is by 57%, in all other poll-bound states the hike is moderate. The railway ministry has proposed more allocation of funds for all states and UTs for ongoing works.
The state-wise allocation of funds shows that Rs 1,780 crore will be spent in Himachal Pradesh during the next financial year compared to Rs 777 crore during 2021-22. Odisha has got the second maximum jump of nearly 76%. Against the Rs 5,528 crore allocation for the current financial year, the railways has proposed to spend Rs 9,734 crore during 2022-23 for the ongoing projects, which include 37 new lines/ gauge conversion/ doubling projects, covering 4643 km.
While Uttar Pradesh has got the maximum allocation of Rs 14,761 crore considering the size of the state, the increase is barely 16% over the current financial year. Similarly, the allocation for Uttarakhand is estimated to be Rs 4,948 crore, an increase of only 11.6%. Both the states, crucial for BJP, are going for polls
However, in the case of Punjab, the railways has proposed Rs 3,543 crore for 2022-23 where the works are 15 new lines and doubling projects are underway.
Officials said the railways follow a system while making budgetary allocation for ongoing works and this should not be seen from any election point of view.
