Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that this year’s interim budget has allocated the largest amount in history for the development of Kerala’s railway infrastructure. During the final budget session of the second term of the Modi government, Kerala received an allocation of Rs 2,744 crore for railway infrastructure. The minister stated that this year’s allocation is seven times higher than the amount allocated during 2009–14.
The minister outlined key development projects, including doubling the railway tracks, track renovation, and station development across Kerala. As part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 35 stations are slated for improvement, with the minister assuring their swift completion.
Specifically, Rs 365 crore has been allocated for doubling the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari railway track, Rs 707 crore for the Alappuzha railway track, Rs 707 crore for the Ernakulam-Kumbalam railway track, Rs 105 crore for the Kumbalam- Thuravoor railway track, and Rs 500 crore for the Thuravoor-Ambalapuzha railway track. The Ernakulam-Vallathol Nagar section project will receive a benefit with the allocation of Rs 42 crore for the implementation of the Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system on the Southern Railway.
An allocation of Rs 100 crore has been made for the Angamali-Erumeli Sabarimala railway tracks this year. The central government will consider the project only after Kerala’s clarification regarding sharing the cost. Rs 100 crore was allocated last year, but the amount was re-funded. Additionally, a substantial amount has been allotted for the development of flyovers and pit line projects.
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