No more new trains for Kerala? Railways says two issues need to be resolved

CHENNAI: With travel disruptions affecting many routes, there is a strong demand for new trains from many districts. However, the Railways' stand is that in the current situation, Kerala cannot be allowed any new trains. Railway officials say that more trains are currently running through Kerala than can be run. Officials say that the utilisation of the tracks has reached 120 percent in the state.

The third line needs to become a reality in Kerala. At least one yard should be built in Kannur or Kasaragod. The Railways points out that there is no point in saying that a new train is needed without any of these being implemented. Things are dragging in Kerala when trains reach maximum speed in other states. Authorities argue that maintenance cannot be carried out properly due to the lack of a yard.

A senior official says that Kerala is part of the Western Ghats, and it is not certain whether land can be acquired there to build a new railway line. However, the main question that arises is why the Southern Railway is not communicating with the Kerala government on this. Delays are occurring due to Kerala not acquiring land for projects, including track doubling.

The doubling of the Kayamkulam - Alappuzha - Ernakulam line has not yet been completed. The reason for this is said to be the non-acquisition of land. The doubling of the line from Ambalappuzha in Alappuzha district to Ernakulam has also not been completed. The news that the new train will not be allowed comes out when the passengers of Kerala are facing travel difficulties. Compared to southern Kerala, the travel difficulties continue to be extremely severe in the northern districts.