An ambitious plan to start Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train has run into rough weather with railway minister Mamata Banerjee dragging feet in providing funds.
After conducting pre-feasibility study of the Bullet Train project, the railway minister has declined to give any commitment to take the project further.
Though the UPA government had taken a decision to construct this most-crowded and revenue generating corridor connecting Maharashtra and Gujrat, the ministry is still examining the report submitted by a committee which submitted pre-feasibility report long ago.
Banerjee avoided a direct reply in the Rajya Sabha when Shantaram Laxman Naik sought a commitment on time-frame to launch this bullet train at this stage.
She merely said that report was under examination of the railways and the two state governments.
This internationally funded project will need funds from railways in addition to the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat respectively. However, she assured the member that the proposal will be considered further on receipt of reports.
