‘Target for DC to AC conversion is Dec 2012’

The major constraint was rehabilitation of hutments. It is a very complicated issue involving the state government too. It is a dream project,being done without disturbing train traffic. New designs,innovative methods and modifications are being adopted for this project. The target for DC to AC conversion is December 2012 and CR is progressing systematically in a phased manner. The Kalyan yard is ready now,conversion between Kalyan to Thane will be done by June this year. Then conversion from Thane yard to Kurla will take six months. That means work will be completed by March 2012.

After you took charge,most major projects undertaken have been related to electrical engineering. Are these your choice as you are an electrical engineer?

I am not just an electrical engineer. I have handled diverse responsibilities in different departments. For instance,as director of Railway Board,I dealt with World Bank,Asian Development Bank,etc for funding new railway projects. This experience has enabled me to think globally. On my priority list now are the projects to convert all nine-car rakes into 12-car rakes. From July onwards,all trains between CST and Kalyan will be 12-car rakes. Harbour Line will follow suit. Currently all Karjat,Kasara and Thane-Vashi trains are 12-car rakes. Completing the new terminus building at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) by September will directly benefit commuters. Also,remodelling of the Thane yard and extension of existing platforms 5 and 6 at Thane to accommodate 24-coach outstation trains will be done. To speed up suburban and mail/express trains,the 15 kmph turnouts will be converted to 30 kmph.

When will the Thane-Diva fifth and sixth lines be completed? In the absence of additional lines on the Thane-Diva route,will the fifth and sixth lines on the Thane-Kurla route be of any use?

The MRVC is doing the work of laying fifth and sixth lines between Diva and Thane. These lines between Kurla and CST have already been sanctioned,but the major problem is to remove encroachments. We are working towards resolving the issues in this regard.

Do you think the potential of Kurla and Thane can be utilised without fifth and sixth lines from Thane to Diva?

Of course. At present at LTT,there are three major transportation activities —freight,suburban traffic and mail/express traffic. Coal and fertiliser are brought here from Mumbai Port Trust and commuters’ crowd at LTT,which comes from CST,will disperse towards Karjat,Kasara and Panvel via Konkan Railway and Southern Railway. It is a great relief. There will also be capacity for additional trains.

At present you are looking after two railways. In your opinion,what are the main issues at WR?

Major issues at WR are DC to AC conversion,improving infrastructure at Andheri,Bandra and Borivali,construction of foot overbridges,etc.

What is the status of work on turning CST into a world-class station?

This is a PPP project worth Rs 3,500 crore. A proposal has been sent to the Railway Board and we are waiting for a sanction. On this project,the state government is extending all necessary cooperation.