THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The construction of Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod parallel rail track will begin this year, said Finance minister Dr Thomas Isaac while presenting the budget.

The expenses for 515 kilometre track has been estimated at Rs 55,000 crore. When the track constructed by KRDC with the participation of centre is completed, the journey to Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod would be possible in four hours, Isaac said while presenting the budget.

This is the fourth budget of Pinarayi Vijayan Government and tenth budget of Thomas Isaac.

Talking to reporters before leaving to present the budget, the finance minister said the state is passing through severe financial crisis.