Kerala left disappointed: No new trains or major projects in rail budget
Kannur: Kerala’s hopes for new trains and railway projects were once again unfulfilled as the details of this year’s Railway Budget were released. The state saw no new announcements for train services or major infrastructure developments.
The Railway Ministry allocated ₹3,042 crore to Kerala, marking a modest increase of ₹31 crore from the previous year. Unofficially, the ministry has stated that new trains will be introduced at a later date, with no specific details provided in the current budget.
The Budget failed to mention some of Kerala's long-awaited projects, such as the Sabari Path and the MEMU service. Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw did highlight that more Vande Bharat services could be considered for the state. However, the disappointment in Kerala has been compounded by ongoing protests against the perceived neglect in the Union Budget.
Key expectations for Kerala’s rail infrastructure
Among the projects Kerala had hoped to see in the budget were:
- Angamaly-Erumeli Sabari Line
- Ernakulam-Shornur, Shoranur-Coimbatore, Shoranur-Mangalapuram Third Line
- Ambalapuzha-Alappuzha-Ernakulam Line Doubling
- Kanhangad-Kaniyur, Thalassery-Mysuru, Nilambur-Nanjangud Lines
- MEMU service in the Palakkad Division
Minister’s statement on Kerala’s railway allocation
Railway Minister did highlight that Kerala’s railway budget allocation has seen a considerable increase, rising from Rs 372 crore during the 2009-14 period to Rs 3042 crore this year. However, the bulk of this amount, approximately 80 percent, is earmarked for the development of railway stations rather than for new train services or infrastructure.
Ongoing railway projects in Kerala
Kerala’s railway infrastructure continues to develop, with several ongoing projects, including:
- 419 km of new railway lines (Rs 12,350 crore project)
- 35 Amrit Bharat Station projects
- Kavach safety system for 531 km (107 km tendered)
- 100 percent electrification of the network (up from 10 percent in 2009-14)
- 125 km of new railway lines constructed since 2014
- 114 rail overpasses and underpasses, 51 lifts, 33 escalators, and WiFi at 120 stations
- Two Vande Bharat trains are already operating in Kerala