Split of Palakkad division: Kerala to face revenue loss of Rs 1000 crore, new services may not be available

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The split of the Palakkad Railway Division and its merger of certain sections with the Mangaluru–Mysuru Railway Division is expected to cause a major loss of revenue for Kerala. Estimates indicate that Palakkad could lose around Rs 1,000 crore in annual revenue. Palakkad will lose the revenue from freight operations through Mangaluru Port, as well as earnings from stations such as Mangaluru Central and Mangaluru Junction.

Under the new changes, Panambur station, which generates substantial revenue, will also become part of the Mysuru Division. With the Palakkad Division’s revenue declining, the prospects of securing new train services are also likely to weaken. The move comes at a time when demands for a separate railway zone for Kerala have been growing stronger, making the railway decision a major setback for the state.

The Palakkad Division currently generates more than Rs 1,600 crore in revenue annually. Ticket revenue alone accounts for over Rs 950 crore, while freight operations contribute more than Rs 500 crore. These revenues are expected to decline significantly following the reorganisation.

Meanwhile, Palakkad MP V K Sreekandan has strongly criticised the division of the railway zone. He described the move as a major setback imposed on Kerala by the Centre and said the midnight decision amounted to a breach of assurances. He alleged that the move was intended to appease the BJP in Karnataka. He also accused the authorities of keeping the Kerala government and the state’s MPs in the dark about the decision.