Bangalore, Oct 8 (UNI) The rail track between Bangalore and Mangalore will be thrown open for passenger traffic from the second week of November and there will not be further extension of deadline, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said today.

Mr Velu told reporters on the side lines of a function here today that all safety measures have been taken for the operation of trains on the track which would provide a shortest distance between Eastern and Western Coast (from Chennai to Mangalore).

He said that the Ministry has also taken up a feasibility studies in the four regions of the country for introduction of bullet trains.

The feasibility study was being taken in Eastern, Western, Northern and Southern regions of the country and it would be completed very soon, he said. Several states including Tamil Nadu, Punjab, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Karnataka have shown their interest in taking part in the project, he added.

The Railway Land Development Authority was presently working with various proposals to lease out its land for commercial purpose, he said.

The Ministry has plans to start agri-outlets at the Railway stations across the country, he said.

UNI