OREANDA-NEWS. December 07, 2012. For introduction of High Speed Passenger trains in the country, the Ministry has identified seven corridors for carrying out prefeasibility studies. For three corridors, prefeasibility studies have been completed; prefeasibility studies are in progress for two corridors and in balance two corridors, Consultant to carry out prefeasibility study is yet to be engaged. The status of three corridors, where prefeasibility studies have been completed is as under:

 (i) Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad-650 km – The final report submitted by the Consultant has been accepted by the Ministry of Railways. The construction cost is estimated to be Rs. 49076 crore, and cost of rolling stock as Rs. 6783 crore (both at 2009 price level). The Internal Rate of Return (IRR) comes to 11.42 per cent.

 (ii) Delhi-Agra-Lucknow-Varanasi-Patna – 991 km – The Consultant has submitted the Final Report to Ministry and the same is under examination.

 (iii) Howrah-Haldia – 135 km – The Consultant has submitted the Final Report to Ministry and the same is under examination.

 Government of India through the Ministry of Railways has signed a Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) with Kingdom of Spain, Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Austria, for cooperation in various areas of rail technology.