Parliament Question: Quantity of Minerals Processed in Dhule–Nardana Railway Project

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2819 TO BE ANSWERED ON 05.08.2026 QUANTITY OF MINERALS PROCESSED IN DHULE–NARDANA RAILWAY PROJECT 2819. DR. BACHHAV SHOBHA DINESH: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has verified the quantity of earth, murum, stone, sand, ballast and other minor minerals excavated, procured and utilized in the Dhule (Borvihir)–Nardana New BG Railway Line Project; (b) whether the contractor/sub-contractors have furnished proof of valid quarry permits, source approvals, transit passes, royalty, District Mineral Foundation (DMF) contributions, other statutory compliances under the MMDR Act, 1957 and the applicable Maharashtra Minor Mineral Rules; (c) whether the Government have reconciled such quantities and statutory payments with the records of the District Mining Officer, Dhule and if so, the details thereof; and (d) whether the Government propose to ensure verification of such statutory compliance before the release of final payments under the contract? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (d): The quantity of earth, murum, stone, sand, ballast and other minor minerals excavated, procured and utilized in the Dhule (Borvihir)– Nardana New Broad Gauge Line Project (51 Km) are measured, duly accounted for and paid as per the agreement. The valid quarry permits and other statutory compliances as stipulated in the agreement are furnished by the respective agency. § Page 1 of 3Payment of all statutory charges including Payment of Royalty is the responsibility of the concerned agency. However, if any discrepancy is brought to the notice of Railway by concerned State Government officials before completion of contract agreement then appropriate action including deduction is taken accordingly. The Dhule (Borvihir) – Nardana New Line Project (51 Km) has been sanctioned at a cost of ₹1,251 crore. The details are as under:- S.No. Name of the Status Project 1. Dhule (Borvihir) – An expenditure of ₹367 crore has been Nardana New Line incurred upto March, 2026 and an Outlay of (51 Km) ₹120 crore has been provided for the year 2026-27. Land has largely been acquired but there is a local resistance in work due to demand of higher compensation by local farmers. 22 out of 40 Minor Bridges have been completed. 27 out of 46 Road under Bridge (RUB) have been completed. Works of Earthwork, Formation, Major Bridges, ROBs and Station Buildings’ have been taken up. Completion of Railway project/s depends on various factors which include the following: Page 2 of 3 Land acquisition by State Government  Forest clearance  Shifting of infringing utilities  Statutory clearances from various authorities  Geological and topographical conditions of area  Law and order situation in the area of project site  Number of working months in a year for particular project site etc. All these factors affect the completion time and cost of the project/s. Various steps taken by the Government for effective and speedy implementation of rail projects include:  Substantial increase in allocation of funds.  Delegation of powers at field level.  Close monitoring of progress of project at various levels.  Regular follow up with State Governments and concerned authorities for expeditious land acquisition, forestry and Wildlife clearances and for resolving other issues pertaining to projects. ***** Page 3 of 3