ALAPPUZHA: A solution to rain delays is likely found as the Centre has allocated Rs 500 crore in its budget for track doubling in the Ambalapuzha-Thuravoor section. Funds were earlier sanctioned for doubling the track at the Thuravoor-Ernakulam route. Land acquisition is in progress here. 62 hectares of land need to be acquired on the Ambalapuzha-Thuravoor route.

Due to the non-doubling of the Ambalapuzha-Ernakulam route, the late running of trains is causing trouble to the commuters on the coastal route. With the commencement of the Vande Bharat service, many trains have to be put on hold on the Ernakulam-Ambalapuzha route. Doubling the track will also help in rerouting trains via Alappuzha in case of disruption of services via Kottayam.

70 km to be doubled

Rs 2661 crores have been sanctioned by Railways for doubling 70 km from Ambalapuzha to Ernakulam. The delay in land acquisition is the reason for the delay in the project. Ambalapuzha to Ernakulam track doubling was included in 'Mission 2024' aiming to complete it by 2024, but it was delayed due to various reasons. Construction is in progress on the Thuravur - Kumbalangi section. The construction of four bridges including the main bridge at Kaithapuzha Reservoir should be completed in this section.