Representational image | Sketch: Mathrubhumi
Kochi: Kerala should wisely utilise Rs 100 crore allocated in the Union Budget to complete the much-delayed Angamali Erumeli-Sabari rail project. Experts asked the ruling and opposition fronts to set aside their political differences to pressurise the union government in the timely disbursement of funds needed for the project.
Railway officials have pointed out the example of Tamil Nadu to showcase how politics is set aside by parties in pursuing and bringing projects that benefit the state.
Kerala also demanded the railway board to change their 2019 decision to freeze the project. Further, the government also asked the board to approve the revised project estimate of Rs 3726.56 crore. The government could only utilise Rs 100 crore if the railway took a favourable stand over these demands. Union government will allocate the remaining amount once Rs 100 crore is spent on the project.
Initially, the government will have to spend a sizeable amount of money on land acquisition and reopening sealed offices in Perumbavoor and Muvattupuzha.