NEW DELHI: 2744 crores have been earmarked for railway development in Kerala in the union budget. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the Sabari rail line will be implemented so that the train will reach very close to Sabarimala. Two alignments are under consideration. The project will not be delayed.

The UPA government gave only Rs 372 crore to Kerala. On the other hand, the Modi government has increased this by seven times, the minister said. Both the Vande Bharat trains in the state are superhits even though they cannot run at maximum speed due to curves.

"The Centre gives priority to railway infrastructure development in Kerala. 35 stations have been upgraded. 92 flyovers, 34 footpaths and 48 lifts have been constructed in the last 10 years. The works of the Amrit Bharat stations are also about to be completed. Track renovation is 100 percent complete. Counters have been set up at 40 stations to promote local products," he said.