Railways to give Rs100 crore for Commonwealth Games, but via sports ministry

The railway ministry has sorted out differences with the Commonwealth Games (CWG) organising committee and is now ready to sponsor the event.

Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed on Wednesday the railways would soon release Rs100-crore aid for the Games, as committed.

“We will route the support fund through the sports ministry, which will take it forward,” she said.

Following allegations of corruption against the Suresh Kalmadi-headed organising committee, the railway ministry wanted to know how its grant would be used.

The ministry’s prime concern was that the fund should not be used to pay commissions. The ministry had stressed that all commissions should be accounted for and paid only if required as per relevant bid documents.

A railway ministry official said, “The issues have been more or less sorted out. There was no question of not releasing the support fund for the Games. The contribution was a part of budgetary announcement. Also, we have got the amount approved in supplementary demands for grants. We just needed certain clarifications which we have got now. A memorandum of understanding [with the Games organising committee] is likely to be signed soon.”

The understanding may include operation of special trains for Commonwealth guests to tourist destinations such as Agra and Jaipur.