opensansad/lok-sabha-qa huggingface dataset:
Lok Sabha Question No. 2872 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Rail Coach Factory in Kazipet
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Uttam Kumar Nalamada Reddy

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2872 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## RAIL COACH FACTORY IN KAZIPET

## 2872.  SHRI UTTAM KUMAR REDDY NALAMADA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the  Government  has any proposal to set up a Railway Coach  Factory  in  Kazipet,  Warangal  in  the  State  of  Telangana; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) & (b) No, Sir. A pre-requisite to setting up Railway coach factory is a sustained demand of coaches in the future. The requirement of coaches vis-à-vis available manufacturing capacity has been reviewed  recently  and  requirement  of  main  line  coaches  in  near future does not justify immediately initiating construction of a new coach factory.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2869 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Anti-India activity on Indo-Nepal Border
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Ramapati Ram Tripathi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2869 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## ANTI-INDIA ACTIVITY ON INDO-NEPAL BORDER

† 2869. DR. RAMAPATI RAM TRIPATHI:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Anti-India activities have increased reportedly at IndoNepal border;
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the   steps   taken/being   taken   by   the   Government   to   check   such activities?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

(a) & (b) India-Nepal border is an open border allowing free movement for citizens of both the countries. Although from time to time the open border is misused by unscrupulous elements for smuggling contraband items, fake currency and other criminal activities, there has been no substantial increase thereof.

(c) Both   sides   cooperate   closely   to   counter   such   activities.   A comprehensive bilateral   institutional   framework   has   been   established, with regular meetings at the levels of Home Secretaries, border guarding forces, i.e. Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) of India and Armed Police Force (APF) of Nepal, and at the district administration level, to strengthen cross-border cooperation to curb such activities. The Government of Nepal has assured that it will not allow its territory to be used for any activity inimical to India.

***
Lok Sabha Question No. 2868 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Nuclear Reactors
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Rajendra Dhedya  Gavit

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2868

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## NUCLEAR REACTORS

2868.  SHRI RAJENDRA DHEDYA GAVIT:

Will the PRIME MINISTERbe pleased to state:

- (a) the  details  and  the  number  of  nuclear  power  reactors  operating  across  the country;
- (b) whether the Government  has recently  formulated  any  plan  for  setting  up  of nuclear power reactors in Maharashtra; and
- (c) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (DR.JITENDRA SINGH):

- (a) The present installed nuclear power capacity comprises of 22 reactors with a total capacity of 6780 MW. Of these, one reactor RAPS-1 (100 MW) is under extended shutdown and 21 reactors [including MAPS-1 (220MW), which is in project mode] with a capacity of 6680 MW are presently operational.
- (b)&(c) A site at Jaitapur in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra has been accorded 'in principle'  approval  for  setting  up  6  units  of  1650  MW  each  in  cooperation with  France.  Land  has  been  acquired,  statutory  clearances  obtained  and infrastructure works are in progress at the site. Presently, discussions are in progress  with  M/s. Electricite  de  France (EDF)  of  France  to  arrive  at  a project proposal. On  finalization of the proposal and accord of its administrative approval and financial sanction by the Government, work on the project will commence.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2865 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: New Intercity Train
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2865 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## NEW INTERCITY TRAIN

## 2865. SHRI SAPTAGIRI SANKAR ULAKA:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Railways have any proposal to start new Rayagada to  Bhubaneshwar  Intercity  train,  new  Visakhapatnam  to  Jeypore Intercity train, Visakhapatnam to Mumbai via Rayagada train and Jeypore to Raipur Jn. Intercity train;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be provided  or  the  steps  taken/being  taken  by  the  Railways  to augment the above train services;
- (c) whether the Railways are considering stoppage of all express trains/  important  trains  of  Bissam  Cuttack  Ambadola  (Rayagada district); and
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  thereof  and  the  time  by  which  these stoppages are likely to be provided?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a)  &  (b)  Presently,  4  pairs  of  trains  connect  Rayagada  with Bhubaneswar.  Further, 3 pairs of train services for  Mumbai (including one pair via Rayagada), and 2 pairs of train services for

Jeypore  are  available  from  Visakhapatnam.  One  pair  of  Express train  connects  Jeypore  with  Raipur.  Introduction  of  additional trains on these routes is not feasible, at present, due to operational and resource constraints including terminal constraints at Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Mumbai & Raipur and line capacity constraints on sections en-route.

(c)  &  (d)  At  present,  Bissam  Cuttack  and  Ambodala  stations  are being served by 4 pairs & 11 pairs of train services respectively. Stoppage  of  additional  Mail/Express  services  at  these  stations  is presently,  not  operationally  expedient.  However,  passengers  of these stations may avail changeover at Titlagarh/Rayagada. Besides,  provision  of  stoppage  of  train  services  is  an  ongoing process on Indian Railways, subject to operational feasibility and commercial justification.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2862 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Upgradation of Railway Stations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Faizal P.P. Mohammed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2862 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## UPGRADATION OF RAILWAY STATIONS

2862.MOHAMMED FAIZAL P.P.:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a)  the details of railway stations that have been selected to be upgraded to provided facilities at par with the airports;

(b) whether Railways have fixed the criteria on the basis of which these railway stations would be redeveloped; and

- (c)   if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

(SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (c): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

******

STATEMENT  REFERRED  TO  IN  REPLY  TO  PARTS  (a)  TO  (c)  OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  2862  BY  MOHAMMED  FAIZAL  P.P.  TO  BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 10.07.2019 REGARDING UPGRADATION OF RAILWAY STATIONS

(a) to (c) : Ministry of Railways through various agencies is undertaking techno-economic  feasibility  studies  of  Railway  stations.    Based  on  the outcome of these feasibility studies, stations are planned to be taken up for  redevelopment  in  phases,  especially  the  stations  located  in  major cities, pilgrimage centres and important tourist destinations.  The cost of station  redevelopment  project  is  to  be  met  by  leveraging  commercial development  of  land  and  air  space  in  and  around  the  stations.    The railway  stations  are  taken  up  for  redevelopment  based  on  financial viability. Presently, work of redevelopment is in progress at Gandhinagar(Gujarat) and Habibganj(Bhopal) stations. Contracts for redevelopment have been awarded for Gomtinagar, Charbagh(Lucknow) and Puducherry stations.

The facilities proposed in a redeveloped station include congestion free non-conflicting entry/exit to the station premises, segregation  of  arrival/departure  of  passengers,  adequate  concourse without  overcrowding,  integration  of  both  sides  of  the  city  wherever feasible,  integration  with  other  modes  of  transport  systems  e.g.  Bus, Metro, etc., user friendly international signage, well illuminated circulating  area  and  sufficient  provision  for  drop  off,  pick  up  &  parking etc.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2861 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: IT Park in Darbhanga
Ministry: ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Asked by: Gopal Jee Thakur

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  2861

TO BE ANSWERED ON: 10.07.2019

## IT PARK IN DARBHANGA

## 2861.    SHRI GOPAL JEE THAKUR:

Will the Minister of ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to set up an 'IT Park' in the Parliamentary Constituency of Darbhanga (Bihar);
- (b) if so, the details thereof; and
- (c) the time by which the said park will be set up?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) to  (c):  Software  Technology  Parks  of  India  (STPI),  an  autonomous  society  under Ministry of  Electronics  and  Information  Technology  is  establishing STPI  center  at Darbhanga (Bihar).  The  STPI  centre  is  funded  from  internal  accruals.  STPI  has  engaged services  of  a  project  consultant  to  design  the  STPI  centre.  Timelines  of  STPI  Centre  are dependent upon the finalised design.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2857 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Railway Connectivity to Char Dham
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Ajay Bhatt

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2857 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## RAILWAY CONNECTIVITY TO CHAR DHAM

†2857. SHRI AJAY BHATT :

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) the  budget  sanctioned  for  the  rail  line  being  laid  to  connect  the Char Dham from Rishikesh, Uttarakhand as on date;
- (b) whether  the  work  of  railway  line  has  since  been  started  and  the details of the length of rail line laid so far; and
- (c) whether the said project is likely to be completed on time and if so, the details thereof?

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## ANSWER (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to  (c)      Final  Location  Survey  (FLS)  has  been  sanctioned  to connect  Char  Dham,  which  is  under  progress.    Further  appropriate action shall be taken after FLS is completed.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2855 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Conversion of Thorium into Uranium
Ministry: ATOMIC ENERGY
Asked by: Chandan Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2855

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## CONVERSION OF THORIUM INTO URANIUM

2855.  SHRI CHANDAN SINGH:

Will the PRIME MINISTER be pleased to state:

- (a)      whether  any  success has been achieved in converting Thorium into Uranium and to use it as fuel in Atomic Energy production in the country;
- (b)    If so, the details thereof; and
- (c)   the installed capacity to convert Thorium in the Country?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER  OF  STATE  FOR  PERSONNEL,  PUBLIC  GRIEVANCES  & PENSIONS AND PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE (Dr. JITENDRA SINGH):

(a),(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. For conversion of Thorium into Uranium (Uranium-233), Thorium has to be first irradiated in nuclear reactors and the spent Thorium based fuel has to be reprocessed to obtain Uranium-233. Fuel bundles containing pure Thorium Oxide (Thoria) pellets have been irradiated in the initial cores of our operating Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Thoria based fuels have also been irradiated  in  the  research reactors.    The  irradiated  Thoria  pins  of  research  reactors  have  been reprocessed  to  obtain  Uranium-233.  The  recovered  Uranium-233  has been fabricated as fuel for the 30 kW (thermal) KAMINI reactor which is in operation  at  Indira  Gandhi  Centre  for  Atomic  Research  (IGCAR)  at Kalpakkam.    KAMINI  is  the  only  reactor  in  the  world  operating  with Uranium-233  fuel.  A  facility  called  Power  Reactor  Thoria  Reprocessing Facility  (PRTRF)  has  been  setup  in  Bhabha  Atomic  Research  Centre (BARC) and a few of the Thoria bundles, irradiated in PHWRs, have also been reprocessed to obtain Uranium-233.

******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2852 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Sustainable Development Goals
Ministry: STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION
Asked by: Amar Singh, Sukanta Majumdar, Raja Amareshwara Naik, Vinod Kumar Sonkar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2852 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

2852. DR. AMAR SINGH:

DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR:

SHRI RAJA AMARESHWARA NAIK:

SHRI VINOD KUMAR SONKAR:

Will the Minister of STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether  the  Government  has  approved  the  National  Indicator Framework (NIF) for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs);
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c)  whether  India  is  lagging  behind  to  meet  targets  under  the
- Sustainable Development Goals;
- (d)  if  so,  the  details  of  India's  progress  in  meeting  the  various
- targets set under the SDGs; and
- (e) the steps being taken by the Government in this regard?

## ANSWER

MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY AND MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  OF  THE  MINISTRY

OF STATISTICS AND PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION OF PLANNING (RAO INDERJIT SINGH)

- (a) & (b): The Ministry has developed a National Indicator Framework (NIF)  consisting  of  306  indicators  in  consultation  with

other Ministries for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (c),  (d)  and  (e)  :  The  Government  has  published  'Sustainable Development Goals  National  Indicator  Framework  Baseline  Report 2015-16',  which  provides  a  benchmark  for  monitoring  progress  of the  country  on  the  various  targets  under  the  SDGs.  Niti  Aayog  is responsible  for  overseeing  the  implementation  of  SDGs  and  has mapped the  various  government  schemes  and  programmes  to  the SDGs.

*******
Lok Sabha Question No. 2849 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Upgradation of Dimapur Railway Station
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Tokheho Yepthomi

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2849 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## UPGRADATION OF DIMAPUR RAILWAY STATION

## 2849. SHRI TOKHEHO YEPTHOMI:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether  the  Government  has  any  proposal  to  upgrade  Dimapur (Nagaland) Railway Station;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

- (c) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

(a) to (c): Dimapur is a Non Suburban Grade (NSG)- 3 category station in Lumding  Division  of  Northeast  Frontier  Railway  dealing  with  4904 passengers  on  an  average  per  day.  All  minimum  essential  amenities have been provided at this station as per norms. This station has also been  developed  under  Adarsh  Station  Scheme.  The  list  of  works completed at this station in connection with Adarsh Station is appended. However, upgradation of stations is a continuous and on-going process and works in this regard are undertaken depending upon need, volume of the passenger traffic and inter-se priority subject to availability of funds.

*****

APPENDIX REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (c) OF UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2849 BY SHRI TOKHEHO YEPTHOMI TO BE ANSWERED IN LOK SABHA ON 10.07.2019 REGARDING UPGRADATION OF DIMAPUR RAILWAY STATION.

- (a) to (c): List of works completed at Dimapur station inconnection with Adarsh station.
1. Improvement in the façade of the station building
2. Retiring Room.
3. Waiting Room ( with bathing facilities) for upper class with TV.
4. Waiting Room ( with bathing facilities) for other classes with TV.
5.  Separate ladies waiting Room Waiting Room ( with bathing facilities).
6. Cloak Room.
7. Computer Based Public Address system.
8. Circulating area with lighting.
9. Landscaping of circulating area.
10. Earmarked for parking.
11. Prepaid taxi/Radio taxi booth.
12. Electronic Train Indicating Board/Plasma TV train indicator system.
13. Signage.
14. Pay and use toilet in circulating area/concourse area.
15. Level of platform (High)
16. Foot Over Bridge (FOB).
17. Water Cooler.
18. Passenger Reservation System (PRS).
19. Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS).
20.  Adequate  lighting  arrangements  with  energy  efficient  fitting  and fixtures on Platform and FOB/circulating area/concourse etc.
21. Ramps at entry to station for Persons of Disabilities (Divyangjan) and Senior citizens.

22. Separate Parking for Divyangjan. 23. Non-slippery walkway from parking lot to station building. 24. A toilet of Divyangjan. 25. 'May I help you' booth. 26. Trolley path/end pathway for inter platform movement of wheel chair for Divyangjan. 27. Wheel Chair. 28. Mobile charging point.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2846 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: New Trains
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Behanan Benny

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2846 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## NEW TRAINS

## 2846. SHRI BENNY BEHANAN:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) the details of new trains that are proposed to be introduced by the Government and also those which have been introduced in the State of Kerala during the last five years; and

(b) the number of persons likely to be benefited therefrom?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

## (SHRI PIYUSH  GOYAL)

(a)  and  (b)  Indian  Railways,  which  carry  approximately  23  million passengers to different parts of the country on a daily basis, neither operate  trains  nor  maintain  statistics  of  passenger  traffic  on  Statewise  basis  as  Railway  network  straddles  across  State  boundaries. However,  to  cater  to  the  needs  of  the  passengers,  Indian  Railways introduce new trains, subject to operational feasibility, traffic demand, availability  of  resources  etc.  This  is  an  on-going  and  continuous process.  Accordingly,  12  pairs  of  Mail/Express  and  passenger  trains have been introduced during 2014-2019, serving the stations located in the State of  Kerala on originating/terminating basis.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2843 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Safety in Train Operations
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Pushpendra Singh Chandel, Shrikant Eknath Shinde, S. Gnanathiraviam, Girish Bhalchandra Bapat

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2843

TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.07.2019

## SAFETY IN TRAIN OPERATIONS

2843. SHRI KUNWAR PUSHPENDRA SINGH CHANDEL:

DR. SHRIKANT EKNATH SHINDE:

SHRI GNANATHIRAVIAM S.:

SHRI GIRISH BHALCHANDRA BAPAT:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether Advanced Signalling System with Panel Interlocking/Route Relay Interlocking/Electronic  Interlocking  (PI/RRI/EI)  along  with  Multi  Aspect Colour Light Signals is essential to enhance safety in train operations;
- (b) if so, the number of railway stations that have been provided with Panel Interlocking/Route  Relay  Interlocking/Electronic  Interlocking  along  with Multi Aspect Colour Light Signals so  far; and
- (c) the time by when the Advanced Signalling System is likely to be provided in railway stations like Mahoba of NCR Zone?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF RAILWAYS AND COMMERCE & INDUSTRY (SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL)

- (a) Yes, Sir.
- (b) To  make  Railways  safe  and  efficient,  Indian  Railway is continually upgrading its Signalling System.

Advance Signalling System with Panel interlocking/Route Relay interlocking/Electronic  Interlocking  (PI/RRI/EI)  along  with  Multi  Aspect Colour Light Signals have been provided at 5900 stations upto 31.05.2019 over Indian Railways.

- (c) Advanced Signalling System like Panel Interlocking (PI) with Multi Aspect Colour light Signals was provided on 24.11.2011 at the Mahoba Station of North Central Railway.

*****
Lok Sabha Question No. 2840 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-10
Subject: Infrastructure Development in Bhutan and Bangladesh
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: Feroze Varun Gandhi

## GOVERNENMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2840 TO BE ANSWERE ON 10.07.2019

## INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN BHUTAN AND BANGLADESH

2840.  SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:

## Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) Whether India is funding/supporting any infrastructure development projects in Bhutan and Bangladesh;
- (b) If so, the details thereof;
- (c) Whether   the   Indian   strategic   investments   in   the   region   are comparable to the investments made by China and if so, the details thereof; and
- (d) The details of the steps being taken/planned by the Government to sustain   and   enhance   bilateral   infrastructure   development   cooperation with the above mentioned countries?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]

- (a) Yes.

(b) GOI has committed assistance of Rs. 4500 crores for the 12th Five Year Plan of Bhutan (2018-23). Out of this, Rs. 2800 crores is earmarked for Project Tied Assistance for funding infrastructure development projects such   as   development   of   roads   &   bridges,   construction   of   regional hospitals,   schools,   and   covering   sectors   like   ICT,   capacity   building, industries, agriculture, e-governance. GOI is also assisting in hydro power development   in   Bhutan   with   four   ongoing   projects-   1200   MW Punatsangchhu-I, 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II, 720 MW Mangdechhu and 600 MW Kholongchhu Hydroelectric Projects.

In 2011, India extended first Line of Credit (LoC) of US$ 1 billion to Bangladesh,   which   was   used   for   projects   mainly   in   infrastructure developments   projects   in   field   of   railways   and   public   transport.   The second LoC of US $ 2 billion to Bangladesh was announced in June 2015 during PM's visit  to  Bangladesh.   This   is   being   used   for   infrastructure developments projects mainly in field of Power, Railways, Road Transport, ICT, Shipping, Health and T echnical Education. Third LOC of US $ 4.5 billion to Bangladesh was announced in April 2017 during Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina's visit to India. This US$ 4.5 billion LOC was the biggest LOC that India has so far extended to any country. Third   LOC covers a wide range of

areas such as power supply, port development, connectivity (rail and road), civil nuclear energy, etc.

(c) & (d) India's investments and development projects are based on the development priorities of the country concerned and these stand firmly on their own merits. India will continue to undertake infrastructure development projects in consultation with the countries concerned and deepen our partnership further for mutual benefit.

***