§ MR. RODENsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether the Government purpose proceeding without airy more delay with the completion of the system of Indian Railways; and if he will state the total number of miles the Government propose to construct, and the number of miles per annum?
MR. GRANT DUFFSir, I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government of India is proceeding with the greatest zeal and activity in the extension of the Indian railways under the instructions contained in the despatch of the Secretary of State in Council, dated the 15th of July last. Ample details as to the system of railways which is to be created by State agency will be found in the Papers laid before Parliament last year; and I am happy to say that, so far from any delay having occurred, one great railway—that which is to connect Lahore with the north-western gate of the Empire—is under construction, while along three other projected lines—that from Agra and Delhi across Rajpootana, that which runs along the Indus Valley, and that which connects Koolburga with Hyderabad—preliminary operations are being pushed forward with a promptitude which is highly creditable to all concerned, and very agreeable to Her Majesty's Government.