The conflict between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over bifurcation of Palakkad division to create a separate Salem division is yet to be settled, the Kerala raised another issue.
The state government has alleged that ?certain forces? within the railway ministry is obstructing the construction of Nilambur-Nanjangode railway line, a demand by the state for the last two decades.
The proposed railway line will connect Wayanad, the poorest district in Kerala hit by the farm distress, with the national network. The 225-km rail line, if implemented, will reduce the travelling between Bangalore and Kochi by 120 km. The present rail route from Kerala to Bangalore is through Coimbatore and Salem in Tamil Nadu. Kerala had accused minister of state for railway R Velu of taking partisan attitude against the state on various railway projects, including the creation of Salem division.
??We don?t understand delay in implementing the project. We doubt certain parochial interests are behind this. Tamil Nadu is getting new rail lines in the next Budget. The proposed Nanjangode line also goes through one point? Gudallore ?in Tamil Nadu. More lines will help developing the economy of this area, including Wayanad, Malappuram districts in Kerala and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu. There is no need for Tamil Nadu to worry,?? CPI(M) MLA from Wayanad P Krishnaprasad told FE.
The survey is over and the ministry had estimated Rs 500-crore cost for the broad gauge project. The Kerala government had recently listed the project as a ?priority? to be included in this year?s rail budget. A CPI(M) delegation led by Krishnaprasad, met railway minister Lalu Prasad here on Thursday and demanded allocation for the project in the next budget.
The team also met CPI(M) leaders Prakash Karat, Sitaram Yechury and CPI leader AB Bardhan and sought their help to push the project. The team has already met Karnataka Governor Rameshwar Thakur and it is also planning to meet Andhra CM YS Rajasekhara Reddy on the issue.