Proposed Over Bridge Through Forest

The night traffic ban imposed by the honorable high court of Karnataka along the stretches that  passing through Bandipur national park in NH 212 wide order no; WP17498/2009 Karnataka HC (09-03-2010) has seriously and adversely affected the economic, healthcare, educational and agricultural sectors of Wayanad district.

                   The night travel ban has evoked an insecurity feeling and a sort of anti-environmental mindset among the people of the district. The Kutta - Gonikkuppa road which was suggested as the alternative to divert the night traffic of nj212 also passes a stretch of 19 km through Wayanad wild life sanctuary. In effect the order of the honorable Karnataka high court has resulted in shifting the entire night traffic from the Bandipur national park region to the Wayanad wild life sanctuary. The solution for the alleged night traffic resulted problems through the wild life sanctuary is the construction of over bridges in national park area.

NANJANGUD-SULTHAN BATHERY- NILAMBUR RAILWAY

Prospects of Wayanad railway

History

        A rail line to connect Wayanad with Mysore was under active consideration since 1880 as evident from the records of Mysore people’s council.  Surveys for Nanjangud - Wayanad railway line was conducted in the years 1906, 1916-17 and 1924.  (Copy of Reports are available at Us )

                During 1999 survey of Nanjangud - Badakara line was held.  The proposed line passes through Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta, Vythiri, Poozhithode and Nadapuram. 

                During 2004 survey of Nanjangud-Sulthan Bathery- Nilambur line was conducted.  Thereafter during 2009 survey for this  line was again held  as 2 sectors ie. Nanjangud- Sulthan Bathery (72 k.m.) and Sulthan Bathery - Nilambur road (164 k.m).  During 2010 Railway Bord  has accorded in principal sanction for this line. 

Whether fund a constraint?

                There is a popular fallacy that constraint of fund prevents railways from taking up new projects.  But the 2012-13 railway budget has allocated Rs. 6872 cores for new lines.  The budget has sanctioned 45 new lines with own fund and 11 new lines with state governments participation.  The rail budget specifically  states despite of constrains new lines would be considered.  ( Para 45 of railway budget 2012-13)

               VISION 2020 for Railways categorically states that Railways must reach the remote and underserved areas of the country, aiming at improving the connectivity to far-flung areas and large districts unconnected by the Railways today, to bring them into the national mainstream of development. The Vision 2020  also proposes to add 25,000 kms of new Lines by 2020,of which,at least 10,000 kms would be socially desirable lines regardless of their economic viability in the short run.

                     People of Kerala have  two  main rail routes linking it to the other parts of India-ie the Konkan line and the Palakkad-Coimbatore line.The Palakkad-Coimbatore line is already saturated and Konkan line which is a single line is prone to natural calamities.The frequent land slides at Konkan Railway has thrown train services out of gear,as there is no alternate route to divert trains.In other words a new ‘OPENING’ is required for the growing demands of Kerala for new trains and routes.

                 The 236 kms long Nilambur Road-Sulthan Bathery-Nanjangud Town Rail line is the ideal solution for these problems and will be a boon to the people of Wayanad,who are facing lot of difficulties due to the over night road traffic ban.

                                                     

                 The proposed new line between Nilambur and Nanjangud Town is of national importance and will cater to the needs of the people across geographies and income strata as well as ethnic,religious and social diversities.It will better connect centres of commerce and industry,places of pilgrimage, historical sites, and tourist attractions,as also ports to hinterland.Hence the proposed line  linking the remotest South Indian districts of Wayanad,Nilgiris and Malappuram to the National BG rail network deserves top priority as accorded to Konkan line.

                

The salient advantages of this ‘VITAL MISSING LINK’ ie Nilambur-Sulthan Bathery-Nanjangud rail line are mentioned below:

i)Will serve as an effective alternative  rail route to Konkan Railway which is exposed to traffic blocks during monsoon land slides and in emergencies.(See the map enclosed)

View Nanjangud -Sulthan Bathey Railway in a larger map

ii)Significant distance reduction between Kanyakumari, Kerala and the cities of Mysore,Hubli,Bangalore,Hyderabad and New Delhi.(Saves about 350 kms to Mysore,Hubli,Hyderabad,Delhi and 70 kms to Bangalore)

iii)Provides easy connectivity between Inland Container Terminal,Bangalore and the Container ports of Vallarpadam, Kochi and proposed Vizhinjam port,near Trivandrum.

iv)Immense tourist and pilgrimage potential as it links Mysore, Wayanad, Nilgiris,Guruvayur and Sabarimala.

v)Will bring the backward districts of Wayanad, Malappuram, Chamarajanagar and Nilgiris into the national BG Rail network boosting their economic development.

vi)Wayanad will be linked to Mysore Airport and the IT cities of Mysore and Bangalore by rail.

vii)Will boost national integration by linking the hinterland of Kerala,Tamilnadu and Karnataka states.

                         It will accelerate economic growth,open up new avenues for employment in the primary,secondary and tertiary sectors and also promote geographically and socially balanced growth.

                      The proposed line via Chungathara, Vazhikkadavu,Venthekkumpotty,Birlavanam,Glenrock,Devala (Gudalur Road),Pandalur,Cheeral and Sulthan Bathery benefits the districts of Malappuram,Wayanad and Nilgiris.

                     The proposed route runs parallel to NH 212 between Bathery and Nanjangud as it traverses forest areas,thus avoiding vast destruction of forest land.

                  Overbridges or elevated corridors can be built at elephant crossings to avoid harm to wild animals,as done across wild life sanctuaries in North India.By carrying more people and goods than other modes of transport,Railways can help protect the environment while promoting balanced development.A train can replace about 60 lorries/buses in the route and thus can significantly bring down pollution.

                  The latest estimate of this 238 kms long line is about Rs 3385 crores.The Railway Board and Central Planning Commission has accorded ‘sanction in principle’ for this line (vide F.No 7/29/2010-Tpt,Planning Commission,Govt of India,dated 06.04.2010.) and is awaiting approval from the CCEA. 

Why 1^st stage is more viable ?

                As per the 2009 survey the distance between Nilambur road-Sulthan Bathery stretch is 164 k.m. and cost would be Rs. 2,579 crores, where as the distance by road between these two stations are 82 k.m.  Reasons for the escalation of distance and costs in this stretch is that the height from sea level at Nilambur is 43 meters  and    at Sulthan Bathery  878 meters respectively and the terrain between these points are too difficult which require 7 viaducts, 14 major bridges and 21 tunnels.  The report says this line would not be economically viable. 

                But the distance between Sulthan Bathery - Nanjangud stretch is only 72 k.m. and the cost would be Rs.805 crores.  This line passes only 10 k.m. through the wild life sanctuary.  The survey propose 30  over bridges  in this stretch to address environmental problem and a sum of Rs.393 crores has been set apart for the over bridges out of Rs 805 crores.  

Enviornment and law

        There are several rulings of High courts and Supreme Court that forest and environmental laws are not applicable to draw railway lines through wild life sanctuary and National parks.  Recently Hon’ble supreme court has declined to interfere with the railway line in Rajaji National Park in Uttaraghand and opined that it is desirable to draw railway lines through over bridges or underground passages in National parks (Godavarmman Thirumulpad Vs Union of India 2009 (16) SCC 775) Also see Goa Foundation VS Konkan Railway Corporation (AIR 1992 BOM 471)

               
    At present 4 major roads including 2 N.H.s are reaching to Wayanad and Gudallur from Mysore through forests among which night traffic ban exist in three. If the 72 k.m. Nanjangud Sulthan Bathery railway is introduced a major portion of traffic from these roads would shift to the railway, which would immaterialize the night traffic ban.  So this railway passing through over bridge in the forest would reduce impacts from roads to the forests and also cause reduction of pollution and save environment.  Besides railway is the most environmental friendly conveyance in the world.

Land  acquisition:

              
    This railway is passing only 12 k.m. through Kerala, out of which major portion through revenue lands.  Since this railway passes through the plateau lands in Karnataka no person need to be evicted for this railway.

Developmental prospects, Defense significance and National Integration

        Through this railway Mysore is reachable from Sulthan Bathery in 2 hour and Banglore in 4 hours.  From all-most all parts of Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram, Sulthan Bathery is reachable by road in 3 hours. Since Tamilnadu border is just 10 k.m. away from Sulthan Bathery this railway is also going to benefit the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.  So this railway would connect 3 states, 3 languages and different cultures and thus contribute to National integration.  This railway would cause to the comprehensive development of Wayanad as well as adjoining Chamaraj Nagar, Mysore, Coorg, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram and the Nilgiris districts.   This railway has a defense significance also since it will provide an access to the army cantonment at Ootty which is 92 k.m. away from Sulthan Bathery.

Kerala govt to oppose ban on night traffic

Home › Kerala govt to oppose ban on night traffic

Karnataka High Court had ordered ban in March, following reports of tigers, deer and elephants being run over by vehicles

GN Bureau | June 28 2010

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The Kerala government has filed a petition to oppose the ban on night traffic on parts of two National Highways that pass through Karnataka’s Bandipur tiger reserve in the Supreme Court, said a report in The Indian Express.

The Karnataka High Court had ordered the ban in March, following reports of tigers, deer and elephants being run over by vehicles. Traffic had been banned between 9 pm and 6 am over 13 km of NH 212 and 20 km of NH 67. In its petition, the Kerala government has argued that the ban will seriously impact the state’s economy, and claimed Karnataka’s stand was “myopic” and “smacking of romantic notions”. Among the suggestions Kerala offered in return are – a convoy of vehicles from the forest department to accompany commercial trucks at night, or a new elevated road made on pillars.

The National Tiger Conservation Authority, which is headed by the ministry of environment and forests, has decided to oppose the petition, suggesting that the issue will escalate. Rajesh Gopal, member secretary of the Authority, said, “This is an issue of all kinds of animals dying because of traffic through the tiger reserve.”

While Kerala has claimed that the ban on night traffic on the two highways will affect the vegetable markets and lead to the inconvenience of lakhs of people in the state, wildlife activists point out that the existing routes which create a diversion of 30-40 km can be used instead. “The two highways are winding roads that pass through the park. Even if the driver is cautious it is difficult to prevent the death of wild animals, as they freeze when caught in the headlights of the vehicle,” said Sanjay Gubbi of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which was involved in the original petition in the HC to impose the ban. “Kerala’s argument that the vegetable market is affected is factually incorrect. The vegetable batches leave during the day as they have to reach neighbouring states early in the morning.”

Night traffic has been effectively banned only in the Nagarhole tiger reserve so far, which is part of a contiguous corridor with Bandipur. Being both tiger and elephant habitat, Bandipur is one of the richest biodiversity spots in the country.

Sat Jul 10, 2010

12:29 PM IST

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Call for ordinance to overrule night traffic ban ratification

Kozhikode, March 23, 2010

Staff Reporter

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has asked the Union government to issue an ordinance overruling a recent verdict of the Karnataka High Court that ratified the ban on the movement of vehicles during night through NH-212 (Kozhikode-Kollegal) and NH-67 (Ooty-Gundlupet) which pass through the Bandipur National Park.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, DYFI State secretary T.V. Rajesh said the Union government should intervene in the issue and find an immediate solution as it concerned people in more than one state.

Mr. Rajesh alleged that there was “serious negligence” on the part of MPs from the region, including M.I. Shanavas and M.K. Raghavan, on the issue.

He said traffic and trade between Karnataka and Kerala through these highways had a long history and a ban on night traffic would have a serious effect on several sectors, including tourism, of the State.

Mr. Rajesh said the federation had decided to strengthen its agitation in the coming days. It would organise road blockades of half an hour at 15 key spots on NH 212 and NH 67 from Nilambur to Gudallur from 5 p.m. on April 1.

A project report on Kozhikode Mysore Railway line

Railway line connecting large cities are the need of this time and it is economically viable also. A mere 160 km railway line would connect Mysore to Calicut via wynd. The proposed rly line beginning from najngud near Mysore passing through begur –maddur- moolehole- sby- kpt- meppady- kodanchery- thamarassery- and reaching at elathur near Calicut would connect Mysore and Calicut. In this proposed rout there are no hazardous Ghats or steepness. While completing this rly the distance between mys-clt will shrink to 180 kms and Bangalore –Cochin distance will limit to 520 kms. Through this rout one can travel from Calicut to Mysore in 2 hours. And to Bangalore in 4 hours. The travel time from Bangalore to Cochin 7 hours.

This rly line give a giant leap to the development prospects of Calicut wynd,chamraj nagar and Mysore districts through which the proposed rly line is passing through . This line would be beneficial to adjoining coorg neelagiri ,kannur and malappuram districts also. Above one crore fifty five lakhs people are residing in these 8 distdiricts which is coming under the consumer limits of this proposed line. On completion this rly line would become the major goods carriage rout of s India. This line would connect Cochin ,vizhinjam and Beppur ports with Bangalore ,Mysore ,Hyderabad, Pune , Nagpur cities as the shortest route . The proposed rly line would contribute much to the tourism development of this region also .
Financial implications
On this 160 kms stretch only 120 kms are passing through private properties. Construction of line land is to be acquired in a width of 15 mts. So the required area to be acquired is 15 mX 120 Km =1.8 Km2
That is equevalent to 180 hectors only .
Amount required for land accusation can be calculated as

Average price of 1 hector land =250,00,00 rs
So price of 180 hr of land 45 crore rs

Cost of construction of line (rs 4 crore /km) 160 X 4 = 640 Crore
Cost of over bridge (rs 5 crore / km ) 30 X 5 =150 crore
Cost for construction of 8 rly stations and ancillary expenses 8 X 3 = 24 crore
Other incidental expenses 16 crores

Total 875 crore .

Income prospects

1. Income prospects from 2 trains playing between Calicut- Mysore and sby –Calicut in three trips is given below.
Clt to Mysore with 2000 passengers in 2 up and down trips

2000 X 4 X 100= 80,00,00v rs
A train playing 3 up and down trips between sby and Calicut 2000X 50 X 6 = 6 lakhs
daily income this short rout only from 14 laks
income of one year =58 .4 crore a

Expected income from passenger trains Bangalore – cochin , Bangalore – Trivandrum etc.. newly operating or diverting to this rout 100 crore /year.


Income from cargo moving (3 times of passenger income ) 474 crore rupees .

Total income in a year 642 crore .

So within 2 years the entire project cost could be reimbursed . this rly line would become a major profit contributor of the rlys .


Challenges ;

In between Maddur – sby , and meppady –Kodanchery the proposed line would pass through forest areas of a length of 25 kms and 5 kms respectively . but the environmental problems could be avoiding through underground tunnels or elevated bridges.
If the line is drawing through elevated bridges through the forest it would be a major tourism attraction.
Advantages
Since this line does not require waste area of land rly could not face accuisission and eviction related problems .from nanjangud to maddur uninhibited from maddur to muthanga no aquisition required since the line is passing through forest area. From Sulthan Bathery to meppady the proposed line is passing through plantations. So that it requires minimum number of displacement of common people.
The proposed line is going to benefit the completing container terminal at cochin port . The major beneficiary of cochin port is the north western parts of kntaka southern Maharashtra and south west of Andhra . the container movement of from this part and Bangalore city could be deviated through this shortest rout at the benefit of time and expense.
The connectivity to Mysore from wynd kkd and mpm districts will contribute to the economic development of Mysore .At present Mysore is the nearest airport of the people of wynd and nilgiri. A large number of nris especially those are working in gulf hail from this area .they could resort upon the newly opened Mysore airport.
The proximity of granite quarries at cham nagar, gpet, and ambalavyal will ensure the supply of row stone which is a major ingredient of rly construction, without much expense .