In a move aimed at accelerating railway infrastructure development in Kerala, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has sent a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urging the state government to speed up land acquisition processes for several crucial railway projects. Despite significant financial support from the Centre, progress has been slow, hindering the timely execution of key rail development initiatives in the state.

According to Vaishnaw’s letter, the Kerala government has acquired only 64 hectares of land out of the 470 hectares required for various rail projects. This limited acquisition has come despite the Centre’s payment of Rs 2,100 crore to assist in the process.

Angamali-Sabarimala New Railway Line Project

One of the major projects affected by the slow land acquisition is the Angamali-Sabarimala new railway line. For this project, the total land requirement is 416 hectares, but the Kerala government has only managed to acquire 24 hectares so far, despite the Centre depositing Rs 282 crore specifically for land acquisition. The delay in securing the necessary land is holding back the progress of this crucial project, which aims to improve connectivity to the Sabarimala temple, a significant pilgrimage site in Kerala.

Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari Doubling Project

Another significant project that is progressing despite land acquisition challenges is the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari doubling project. For this project, the Centre allocated Rs 1,312 crore, and 33 hectares out of the 40 hectares required have been acquired. However, seven hectares remain pending, delaying the project’s completion.

Ernakulam-Kumbalam and Kumbalam-Turavur Doubling project

The Ernakulam-Kumbalam doubling and Kumbalam-Turavur doubling projects are also facing delays due to the pending land acquisition process. These projects are crucial for enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Kerala’s railway network and are expected to significantly improve passenger and freight movement in the state once completed.

Vaishnaw’s letter emphasizes the need for the Kerala government to expedite the land acquisition process to ensure that these vital projects can be completed on time. The minister has specifically requested that Chief Minister Vijayan issue appropriate instructions to concerned authorities to accelerate the acquisition efforts.

Ongoing Railway Infrastructure Projects in Kerala

Currently, railway infrastructure projects worth Rs 12,350 crore are underway in Kerala. These projects, if completed on time, will not only improve transportation in the state but also provide a significant boost to the local economy by improving connectivity and facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers.

2024-25 Railway Budget Outlay for Kerala

The Centre has also allocated the highest-ever budget outlay for Kerala’s railway sector for the fiscal year 2024-25, amounting to Rs 3,011 crore. This funding will support ongoing and new railway projects, further emphasising the Centre’s commitment to improving Kerala’s railway infrastructure.

The successful and timely completion of these railway projects will depend on the collaboration between the Centre and the Kerala government. With a significant financial outlay from the Centre and the pressing need for infrastructure improvements in the state, expediting land acquisition is crucial. Minister Vaishnaw’s letter serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that land acquisition processes are fast-tracked so that Kerala’s railway projects can move forward without further delays.

(With agency inputs)