Admitting that Kerala experienced prolonged neglect in rail development, Minister of State of Railways E Ahmed today said he would accord top priority in speeding up the track doubling and electrification works to strengthen rail networks in the State.

"Kerala's backwardness in rail development was mainly due to the unfinished track doubling and electrification works and I would accord top priority in speeding up thse works," Ahmed said at a function at his home town to felicitate him on taking charge as Minister of State for Railways.

Most of the other demands could be taken up only in a phased manner as railway required sufficient time to implement pending developmental works of various regions, he said.

The Minister said he would initiate steps to implement the long standing demand for the Thalassery-Mysore rail line to help North Kerala have better connectivity to Bangalore.

Speakers at the function, hosted by the Indian Union Muslim League district unit, stressed the need for operating more trains and raked up demand for a special rail zone to speed up the ongoing rail development projects in Kerala.

Ahmed, who also is President of the IUML, reached here by the Mangalore Mail and was taken in a procession in an open vehicle.