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.
Kerala not cooperating in straightening curves
The minister said that the state government was not extending any support in matters, including land acquisition, to facilitate the straightening of railway tracks in Kerala.
"The curves of the tracks must be straightened to increase the speed of trains such as Vande Bharat. However, the state government is not extending any support in matters such as land acquisition. The Modi government wants development that takes the states into confidence. Materials required for track construction need also be collected with the help of states.
Ashwini Vaishnaw said that he did not know the state's stand on K-Rail.
"The practice of allocating funds based on divisions and zones is no more. There is no need to restore the free ticket for senior citizens as the tickets are provided with 50 per cent subsidy," he added