Railway Ministry's Discrepancy: Funds Spent vs. Progress Made

The PAC report reveals the railway ministry has spent 56% of funds yet achieved only 26% progress on the CST-Kurla project. The report highlights misalignment, delays, coordination issues, and land problems impacting project goals. Recommendations include audit enhancements, financial management, and prompt feasibility studies for future phases.

The railway ministry has spent more than half of its allocated funds, yet progress on the fifth and sixth railway lines between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) and Kurla falls short, as noted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in their recent report. This was tabled in Parliament on Friday, showcasing a significant gap between financial expenditure and actual project milestones.

Highlighted in the PAC report are various issues derailing the project's advancement, including delays in land acquisition, poor coordination among stakeholders, contract irregularities, and repeat encroachments on railway property. The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Limited, in collaboration with the Maharashtra government, aimed to enhance capacity and efficiency on this saturated route since 2009. However, the expected completion slated for March 2021 has far overshot its deadline.

The PAC suggests implementing a structured financial management system to track expenditures against physical progress monthly. They recommend periodic audits and prompt corrective measures to align funds usage efficiently, eyeing the December 2026 milestone for Phase I completion. Furthermore, a comprehensive feasibility study for Phase II is advised, with considerations for alternative methods to ease disruption and costs.