Shimla, Feb. 12 -- Non-availability of land is adversely affecting the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri (63km) New Rail Line project, informed Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday.

Vaishnaw was replying to the question of MP Rajeev Bharadwaj. He had enquired regarding the expansion of railway lines in Himachal Pradesh.

"Land beyond Bilaspur to Beri is yet to be handed over by Himachal government. Non-availability of land is adversely affecting the project," Vaishnaw said.

The Bhanupalli-Bilaspur project has been stuck for over 20 years and BJP has been targeting the Congress government in state for delaying the project. Meanwhile, the Himachal government has been urging the Centre to declare Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri-Leh Railway...