The railway authorities on Monday (May 14) dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets regarding the alleged closure of the Palakkad Division of the Southern Railway, saying that they were “entirely speculative” and “devoid of any factual basis.” The Palakkad Division issued a detailed press statement the following day, firmly refuting these reports, which came after the Kerala government strongly objected to the rumored closure.
Rail authorities criticised media for causing unnecessary confusion
State Railway Minister V Abdurahiman wrote to the Union Railway Minister urging a reversal of the decision. However, the Palakkad Division authorities, in a statement today, clarified that there have been no discussions, proposals, or plans regarding either the closure or establishment of a new division.
Furthermore, they criticised the media for causing unnecessary confusion and concern among the public with their reports. “It has come to our attention that these reports are entirely speculative and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement asserted. It also suggested that certain individuals, including the Kerala minister, who reacted without verifying the claims, worsened the situation.
‘No plans for the closure of Palakkad Division’
Quoting Divisional Railway Manager Arun Kumar Chaturvedi, the statement emphasised that the news reports were “purely baseless” and there were no plans for the closure of the Palakkad Division.
Minister Abdurahiman, expressing strong protest on Sunday, labeled the reported move as an example of the union government’s continued neglect and vindictive approach towards Kerala.
“Kerala continues to be grossly neglected in terms of railway development. Amidst this, the existing systems are also being phased out,” he had alleged. Abdurahiman also wanted the people to raise a strong protest against the Centre’s reported move to close down the Palakkad Division.