Title - Elevated AC track deal may be delayed

The Mantralaya blaze may delay a deal concerning the Churchgate-Virar elevated corridor railway project that was to be signed between the state government and the railways next week. In fact, not just the Churchgate-Virar, but movement of several other infrastructure projects was likely to be delayed because of the fire, said Mantralaya officials.
After the infrastructure summit chaired by the prime minister in June, it was decided to give priority to the Churchgate-Virar elevated corridor project following which the railway board chairman Vinay Mittal visited Mumbai to review it. The joint deal with the state government, which would have helped sort out various issues like shifting utilities, rehabilitation, land and such works on the ground, was expected to be signe d this week. But, now it seems it will take more time. Once the joint agreement is in place, consultants for the financial and legal aspects of the project will be appointed.
A top railways official, who is in touch with the state government officials, said it was too early to say anything. Stating that the urban development department officials were still assessing the damage, a state government official assured that, "There is no need to worry, as most documents are at multiple places.''
WR officials said the Churchgate-Virar elevated railway project to run air-conditioned local trains in Mumbai above the existing network is being taken up with an investment in Rs20,000 crore and the work is likely to be awarded before March 2013.