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The people of Assam and North-east appreciate the metre gauge conversion from Guwahati to Dibrugarh. The work is also in progressing from Lumding to Silcher. It will go a long way in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of Assam. The problem is, though metre gauge has been converted into broad gauge, the other related works has not been done. Because of the conversion the railway track has become very high and the platform is low. It is hazardous for the passengers to even get into the train because the platform remains at a lower level whereas the track is at a higher level because of gauge conversion. On my enquiring, the officials of the NF Railways have told me that this was not included in the Plan. I, therefore, wish to draw the attention at the highest level and say that when you take up the gauge conversion the work on platforms should also be taken up so that it does not become hazardous for the passengers.

I just want to mention about the Bokajan-Diphu line. Bokajan is the Sub-Divisional Headquarters. It is an important station where one of the biggest public sector cement factories in India is located. However, after the conversion of the track from metre gauge to broad gauge, most of the important mail and passenger trains ceased to stop at that station which has put the people of that area to a hardship. While the gauge conversion is appreciated by the people, the consequential effects of the conversion have proved to be counter-productive to them. I would like to draw the attention of the hon. Minister of Railways to these anomalies and request him that the Autonomous District Council Headquarters should be properly connected by rail and all major trains should be stopped at Bokajan station.

Telangana is the most backward area in Andhra Pradesh. I would request the hon. Minister to give emphasis on this issue. Similarly, Nanded to Muthked broad gauge line has to be completed.

As per the Ninth Plan National Guidelines, all meter gauge lines should be converted into broad gauge ones. But in Andhra Pradesh, the gauge conversion is not taking place. For example, the work on the conversion of Nizamabad to Bollaram broad gauge line has not started. Muthked to Nizamabad (80 km.) line is also pending due to problems in the acquisition of agricultural land.

After the gauge conversion from Chennai to Madurai the people hailing from the grannery areas of South India namely Thanjavur District Mayiladudurai, Kumbhakonam, Cuddalore and Chidambaram will have no facility to travel direct from these places by broad gauge train to Chennai. The tourists who wish to go to Rameswaram and Pondicherry will also be denied direct travel by train from Chennai.

There is substantial increase in transporting of goods from 23 million tonnes in 1996-97 to 27 million tonnes in 1997-98. It may increase to 30 million tonnes. At present, because of gauge conversion, coal is transported by road. The conversion of broad gauge will provide more efficient option for moving coal.