Kerala CM Slams Centre Over Alleged Railway Development Neglect

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the central government and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for allegedly neglecting railway development in the state. He refuted claims of non-cooperation and highlighted the state's efforts and financial commitments towards various railway projects including the Angamaly-Sabari line.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lashed out at the central government following accusations from Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw that the state government was not cooperating with railway development efforts. CM Vijayan dismissed these allegations as politically motivated and misleading, asserting that Kerala has been fully supportive of railway projects.

Vijayan cited the Angamaly-Sabari railway project, announced in the 1997-98 railway budget, to illustrate the state's cooperation. He noted that Kerala approved the alignment and commenced land acquisition for a 70 km stretch, committing to bear 50 percent of the project's cost. Despite this, Vijayan accused the central government and the railway department of indifference and delay, which have inflated the project’s cost from Rs 2,815 crore to Rs 3,811 crore.

The CM also criticized the lack of specific budget allocations for Kerala, noting that projects like the Thalassery-Nanjangud, Nilambur-Mysore, and Angamaly-Sabari lines received no funding. He disputed the Railway Minister’s statement that Rs 2,125 crore allocated for the Angamaly-Sabari line was unused, clarifying that Rs 1,823 crore has already been deposited for three railway lines. Vijayan emphasized multiple attempts by the state to revive the Sabari line, pointing to an obstructionist approach from the Centre.