"Communist Congress Alliance" stalling Kerala's progress, claims Ashwini Vaishnaw

NEW DELHI: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, while replying to the discussion on the demand for funds related to the Railway Ministry in the Lok Sabha, stated that the primary obstacle to railway development in Kerala is the stance of the alternating Left and Right governments. Addressing the House, the Minister pointed out that the current government in Kerala and the successive governments should be asked why railway development is not happening, describing the political situation as a "CCP" or "Communist Congress Party" alliance whose only aim is to stop every project in the state. He clarified that since the country has a federal system, the Central and State governments have a joint responsibility, but because land is a state matter, projects can go ahead only if land is acquired and given.

The Minister accused the state government of being unable to take even a small land acquisition step, noting that while 476 hectares of land is required for railway development in the state, only 65 hectares of land has been acquired so far. He emphasised that a record amount of ₹3,795 crore has been allocated in the budget for Kerala, which is ten times the allocation provided during the Congress era. Despite this funding, he noted that a plan to build 106 railway overpasses and underpasses is being delayed by the state government. Vaishnaw concluded his remarks by accusing the Left and Right governments of keeping people away from development and stalling the modernization of the railway network in Kerala.

Saved ₹6,000 crore

As the Indian Railways transitioned from diesel to electric engines, it saved ₹6,000 crore, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the House. Under the Modi government, 35,000 km of railway tracks have been laid, and 27,000 km of tracks have been electrified so far. The Minister noted that while employee salaries remain the highest expenditure for the railways, fuel (energy) is the second-largest cost.