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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration has significantly raised Kerala's railway budget to Rs 3,042 crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, up from an average of Rs 372 crore between 2009-14, as announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. This boost aims to enhance infrastructure and connectivity, notably through projects like the Angamaly-Erumeli extension, also referred to as the Sabari rail project. Railway Minister Vaishnaw held discussions with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, seeking cooperation for land acquisition crucial for ongoing projects. This increase aligns with the state's commitment, demonstrated by the Kerala Government's offer to co-fund 50% of certain projects to facilitate regional development.

Key Points: Modi Boosts Kerala Railway Budget to Rs 3,042 Crore

  • Modi government elevates Kerala's railway budget to Rs 3,042 crore
  • Discussions on Angamaly-Erumeli and other projects held with Kerala CM
  • Land acquisition for key projects, including Sabari rail, underway
2 min read

PM Modi increased Kerala's railway budget to Rs 3,042 crore: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

PM Modi's government triples Kerala's railway funding to Rs 3,042 crore, emphasizes infrastructure growth.

"PM Narendra Modi Ji has increased Kerala's railway budget from Rs 372 Cr to Rs 3,042 Cr in FY 2025-26. - Ashwini Vaishnaw"

New Delhi, June 3

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government has increased Kerala's railway budget from an average of Rs 372 Crore (2009-14) to Rs 3,042 crore in the financial year 2025-26, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Tuesday.

"PM Narendra Modi Ji has increased Kerala's railway budget from an average Rs372 Cr (2009-14) to Rs3,042 Cr in FY 2025-26. We are working on 3rd and 4th line from North to South Kerala, so that both passengers and cargo can move by rail," Vaishnaw said in a post X.

https://x.com/AshwiniVaishnaw/status/1929825539822436631

Vaishnaw said that he discussed key projects with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and sought his support for land acquisition, especially for Angamaly-Erumeli railway project and Road Over Bridges (ROB) and Road Under Bridges (RUB) being sanctioned.

The Angamaly-Erumeli railway project, also known as Sabari rail project was first proposed in the Railway Budget of 1997-98. The land acquisition for the project was completed too. The Kerala CM has earlier said that the expansion of the Sabari rail project would provide a significant boost to Kerala's development, while also suggesting that it could be extended in the future to connect Vizhinjam.

In December, an official statement from the Kerala CM's office said that the project would be implemented in two phases with an expanded approach, with the state government requesting the Centre's approval, and 50 per cent of the cost of the project will be borne by the state government.

The section's plan included the construction of two flyovers and two underpasses. However, land acquisition notifications have now been issued for the next 70 km. A letter from the Railways dated 26.09.2019 informed the state government that the project had been frozen, leading to a halt in further construction activities, including the flyovers.

Although the project initially began with full funding from the Railways, on January 7, 2021, the Kerala Government conveyed to the Central Government its readiness to bear 50 per cent of the project cost, then estimated at Rs 2,815 crore, through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a welcome move! Kerala's infrastructure needs serious upgrades. The Sabari rail project has been pending for decades - glad to see both state and Centre working together now. Hope they complete it before 2030 🤞
P
Priya M.
While the budget increase looks impressive, I hope the funds are utilized properly. Kerala has seen many projects stuck due to land acquisition issues and political differences. Both state and central governments must cooperate beyond photo-ops.
S
Suresh T.
Finally some focus on South India's railway needs! The 3rd/4th line will ease congestion tremendously. But why did it take 25+ years for Sabari rail? Bureaucratic delays cost our nation dearly. Hope Modi govt's speed matches their budget announcements 🚆
A
Ananya R.
As a frequent traveler between Kochi and TVM, I can't wait for these upgrades! The current tracks are so congested. But please don't forget about passenger amenities - our stations need better facilities too. Clean toilets first, please!
V
Vikram G.
Good to see Kerala getting attention, but what about other states? Northeast and Bihar also need railway upgrades. Hope this isn't just pre-election spending. Infrastructure development should be balanced across all regions.
M
Meera N.
The 50-50 cost sharing model between state and Centre is smart. Makes both accountable. But will the state government handle land acquisition properly? Last time many farmers were unhappy with compensation rates. Development shouldn't come at common people's cost.

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