Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has raised concerns over land acquisition delays in Kerala, which are hampering the execution of key railway projects worth ?12,350 crore. Despite the central government disbursing over ?2,100 crore for acquiring 470 hectares (Ha) of land, the state has managed to secure only 64 Ha.

Key Issues and Concerns Land Acquisition Shortfall:

Required: 470 Ha Acquired: 64 Ha ?2,100 crore paid to Kerala for acquisition. Project Allocations:

?3,011 crore allocated for railway projects in FY 2024-25, the highest-ever outlay for the state. Major Projects Impacted:

Trivandrum-Kanyakumari line (doubling). Ernakulam-Kumbalam line (doubling). Kumbalam-Turavur line (doubling). Angamali-Sabarimala line (new project). Minister's Appeal to Kerala Government In a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Vaishnaw highlighted the need for expedited land acquisition, requesting direct intervention and instructions to state officers to resolve the bottlenecks. The delay in land availability is slowing the implementation of projects critical for improving rail connectivity and passenger convenience in Kerala.

Impact of Delays Infrastructure Development:

Stalled progress on doubling lines and new routes. Potential setbacks to Kerala's railway network modernization and capacity enhancement. Financial Strain:

Allocated funds remain underutilized, affecting timelines and project efficiency. Conclusion The delays in land acquisition are a significant obstacle to Kerala's railway infrastructure development. With record financial allocations and the strategic importance of projects like the Angamali-Sabarimala line, prompt action by the state government is essential to avoid further setbacks and ensure timely project completion.