Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has strongly countered allegations that Kerala was overlooked in the recent Union Budget, asserting that the state has received a significant boost in railway funding this fiscal year. During a press conference held in New Delhi on Monday, Vaishnaw provided detailed figures to support his claims, emphasizing the central government's dedication to enhancing rail infrastructure in the southern state.
Substantial Increase in Railway Allocations
Vaishnaw revealed that Kerala's allocation for railways in the current budget stands at an impressive Rs 3,795 crore. He highlighted that this amount represents a nearly tenfold increase compared to the annual average allocation made during the tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre. This substantial rise, according to the minister, clearly demonstrates the Narendra Modi-led government's unwavering commitment to accelerating railway development across Kerala.
High-Speed Rail Project and Metroman E Sreedharan
Addressing queries about the proposed high-speed rail project in Kerala, Vaishnaw expressed the central government's full support for all initiatives spearheaded by Metroman E Sreedharan. He confirmed that discussions have taken place with Sreedharan regarding rail development in the state, and Sreedharan has assured that Kerala will indeed have a high-speed rail system. However, the minister did not provide specific details on the project's timeline or operational aspects, leaving questions about when such a corridor would become functional unanswered.
Ongoing and Proposed Railway Projects
Vaishnaw provided updates on several key railway projects in Kerala. He mentioned that the detailed project report (DPR) process for a fourth line between Mangaluru and Shoranur is currently underway. Additionally, field surveys are progressing for the 106-kilometer third line between Shoranur and Ernakulam. The minister also noted that all procedural requirements for the Sabarimala railway line have been successfully completed, paving the way for its advancement.
New Initiatives and Land Acquisition Requests
In a significant announcement, Vaishnaw revealed plans for a new Thirunavaya-Guruvayur railway line. He stated that he would be writing to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging quick land acquisition to expedite railway projects across the state. This move aims to address potential delays and ensure timely implementation of infrastructure developments.
Addressing Controversies and Future Plans
Referring to the controversy surrounding the diesel shed in Ernakulam, Vaishnaw dismissed the objections raised as unnecessary. He accused certain sections of creating avoidable controversies that could hinder progress. Looking ahead, the Union railways minister announced that seven new bullet train corridors would be unveiled across the country, with five of them focusing on south-western India, potentially benefiting regions like Kerala.
Recent Railway Infrastructure Investments in Kerala
According to official data, Kerala has witnessed major railway infrastructure investments in recent years. These include ongoing works worth over Rs 18,000 crore, the redevelopment of 35 stations under the Amrit station scheme, expansion of premium train services, construction of new tracks, and the achievement of 100% electrification of the railway network in the state. These efforts underscore a comprehensive approach to modernizing and expanding rail connectivity in Kerala.
