Amid revelations of blatant financial irregularities by various government agencies brought out in the Comptroller and Auditor General of India Audit report on the Commonwealth Games-2010, a note of appreciation has, however, been made on Northern Railway's handling of the Games-related railway projects.
As per Chapter 2 of this report, the CAG had prepared its study report on the status of railway projects relating to the Games that focused on the extent of completion of these projects identified for completion before the commencement of the Games and also highlighted areas of risk that needed to be addressed by the railway administration.
“Our initial review of railway projects in January-February 2010 revealed substantial delays at every stage of the planning process, approvals for the projects, preparation of estimates, provision of drawings, execution of works and monitoring. Our subsequent verification of the status of the railway projects in April-2010 revealed satisfactory progress both in construction of rail over and under bridges and development of the facilities at the railway stations,” the report stated.
It further added: “We were especially heartened to see the progress in infrastructure work and provision of passenger amenities at New Delhi railway station, considering that about 290 trains pass through this station every day with about five lakh passengers commuting on a daily basis. All the major activities relating to makeover of New Delhi railway station were completed before the Games and with a tight budget of Rs.44.68 crore.”
A Northern Railway official said: “Appreciation by CAG of railway projects during the Games is significant as CAG criticised the Delhi Government for delay in Games-related works resulting in cost escalations. These achievements were possible due to guidance of the Ministry of Railways and tight monitoring and execution of the developmental plans of General Manager and Divisional Railway Manager, Delhi Division.”
