DIMAPUR — In line with the central government’s Capital Expenditure (Capex) plans to prioritise spending on infrastructure, Indian Railways is ahead with the spending by 46.6 % while Highways occupies the second position with spending of 46.4%.
An update from the Northeast Frontier Railway zone (NFR) issued on Wednesday informed that the Railway Ministry has spent around INR 1.13 trillion (46.6%) of the capex target of approximately INR 2.44 trillion.
‘Most of the spending is going into improving ease of movement and providing a safer rail network. Another focus of spending will be long-term infra projects like high-speed trains, freight corridors and modernisation of trains and stations,’ the update informed.
Railways is also speeding up its electrification works, aiming to make the entire network electric by this year while the laying of new tracks and doubling of tracks is expected to go up in the current financial year.
The NFR has incurred a total of 48.21% of Capex for capacity augmentation works. 47.85% of spending has been done for laying new lines and 51.93% for doubling works. To enhance safety-related works 59.84% has been spent on the construction of new ROB’s/RUB’s and 74.90% on bridge-related works. Also, Capex of 57.58% has been spent for purchasing and upgrading machinery and plants in different workshops and depots under NFR.
‘Capex is used to create assets like infrastructure and has a multiplier effect on the economy, creating demand, income and employment’, the update further informed.
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