What is the exact position of the Railways’ famed dedicated freight corridor? A year after forming a company for the purpose, there are serious differences not only on the technical aspects of the corridor but also on what this important project is going to cost. The first problem is the estimate of Japan’s JICA of around Rs 50,000 crore contradicting the Railways’ figure of Rs 28,000 crore. There is pressure from Tokyo to accept the Japanese estimate, 30 per cent of which will be through a debt commitment. India feels it is being pressured into accepting a higher loan. In fact, some feel the Railways’ estimate itself is too high. A revised cost sheet will now be drawn up. Last heard, a high-level Japanese team’s visit to India to discuss the project this month has been put off.
