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CM Stalin Urges PM Modi to Expedite Railway Projects, Release Full Funds

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the expedited release of full funds for long-pending railway projects in the state. He highlighted that while land acquisition is nearly complete for major projects, delayed compensation to landowners is creating critical bottlenecks. Stalin cited the stalled Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari project as a key example where funds are pending. He called for the revival of deferred projects and sanctioning of new lines, arguing that improved rail connectivity is vital for Tamil Nadu's and the nation's economic growth.

Key Points: Stalin Seeks Urgent Funds for Tamil Nadu Railway Projects

  • Funds delayed for land compensation
  • 94% land acquired for 19 projects
  • Rs 289.78 crore pending for key project
  • Calls for revival of stalled lines
  • Seeks new projects for economic growth
2 min read

CM Stalin urges PM Modi to expedite railway projects, release required funds in full

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin writes to PM Modi, citing fund delays and land acquisition bottlenecks holding up critical railway infrastructure.

"delayed and piecemeal release of funds - CM M.K. Stalin"

Chennai, Feb 8

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to accelerate long-pending railway projects in the State, highlighting "delays" in fund allocation and stalled land acquisition that have slowed critical infrastructure development.

In his detailed letter, the Chief Minister underscored that Tamil Nadu has already completed most of the groundwork required for railway expansion but is facing setbacks due to the "delayed and piecemeal release" of funds from the Ministry of Railways.

He requested the Centre to release the required funds in full and on priority to ensure faster project execution and timely compensation to the landowners.

According to CM Stalin, administrative sanction has been granted for acquiring 2,500 hectares of land for various Union government railway projects.

Of this, land acquisition has been completed for nearly 94 per cent of the required area for 19 major projects, and the land has been handed over to the Railways.

However, funds have not yet been sanctioned for over 931 hectares, creating bottlenecks in several works.

He pointed out that delays in compensating landowners have disrupted progress and created uncertainty among affected families.

CM Stalin cited the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari broad-gauge doubling project as a key example, where funds amounting to Rs 289.78 crore for land compensation are still pending, thereby holding up the project's completion.

The Chief Minister also called for the revival of projects that have been kept in abeyance, including the Thoothukudi-Madurai (via Aruppukottai) line and the Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai line.

He further urged the Centre to sanction additional new railway projects in line with Tamil Nadu's growing economic stature.

Describing Tamil Nadu as India's second-largest economy and a major manufacturing and export hub, CM Stalin stressed that improved rail connectivity would significantly boost national growth.

He assured that the State government has established a robust monitoring system and is fully committed to extending cooperation for speedy implementation.

Expressing confidence in cooperative federalism, CM Stalin said timely Central support would benefit both Tamil Nadu and the nation at large.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who frequently travels to Chennai for work, the delays in projects like the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari line are frustrating. It's not just about convenience; it's about economic growth. The state has done its part with land acquisition. Now the Centre must step up.
K
Karthik V
This is a genuine issue. Landowners are suffering due to delayed compensation. My uncle's land was acquired two years ago and he's still waiting for full payment. It's good CM Stalin is highlighting this. Cooperative federalism should mean timely support, not empty promises.
A
Anjali F
While I support the demand for funds, I wish the state government would also be more transparent about its own spending on infrastructure. Sometimes it feels like a blame game between state and centre. Both need to work together efficiently for the people.
M
Michael C
Tamil Nadu is an economic powerhouse. Improving rail connectivity there benefits the entire country's logistics and export chain. The data presented is compelling - 94% land acquisition completed is impressive. The pending funds should be released on priority for national interest.
P
Priya S
Revival of the Thoothukudi-Madurai line is so important for the southern districts! It will help farmers and small industries. Hope the PMO takes this letter seriously. Development should be above politics. 🤞

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