Railway Projects in Tamil Nadu Face Major Budget Cuts
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railway Projects in Tamil Nadu Face Major Budget Cuts

The Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi new line project has received an allocation of Rs 560 million, despite not being mentioned in the interim budget. However, several other key railway projects in Tamil Nadu have faced significant budget cuts, raising concerns about their timely completion.

The long-delayed 184.45 km Tindivanam-Nagari new railway line, initially allocated Rs 3.5 billion in the interim budget, has seen its funds slashed to Rs 1.54 billion in the final allocation. Similarly, the Dharmapuri-Morappur (36 km) project, which had garnered much attention during its inauguration, has had its budget reduced from Rs 1.15 billion to Rs 493.7 million.

The Erode-Palani (91.5 km) new line project was allocated a mere Rs 1,000, a drastic reduction from the previously announced Rs 1 billion. In addition, the doubling works for the Katpadi-Villupuram (160 km), Salem-Karur-Dindigul (160 km), and Erode-Karur (65 km) lines, which each had an interim allocation of Rs 1.5 billion, have also been reduced to just Rs 1,000 each.

R. Pandiaraja, a member of the Zonal Rail Users Consultative Committee, criticized the union government's fund allocation, calling it a "scam." He highlighted the high cost of laying new railway lines with electrification, which requires Rs 150 million per km. For instance, the Madurai-Thoothukudi new line demands Rs 15 billion, but only Rs 180 million has been allocated this year, barely enough to lay 1 kilometer of track.

Pandiaraja urged the railways to disclose the percentage of land acquired for each project and allocate funds accordingly, suggesting that there seems to be little intention to complete these new line projects. This year, a total of Rs 63.62 billion was allocated for railway projects in Tamil Nadu, but the drastic cuts have cast doubt on the future of several critical developments.

The Rameswaram-Dhanushkodi new line project has received an allocation of Rs 560 million, despite not being mentioned in the interim budget. However, several other key railway projects in Tamil Nadu have faced significant budget cuts, raising concerns about their timely completion. The long-delayed 184.45 km Tindivanam-Nagari new railway line, initially allocated Rs 3.5 billion in the interim budget, has seen its funds slashed to Rs 1.54 billion in the final allocation. Similarly, the Dharmapuri-Morappur (36 km) project, which had garnered much attention during its inauguration, has had its budget reduced from Rs 1.15 billion to Rs 493.7 million. The Erode-Palani (91.5 km) new line project was allocated a mere Rs 1,000, a drastic reduction from the previously announced Rs 1 billion. In addition, the doubling works for the Katpadi-Villupuram (160 km), Salem-Karur-Dindigul (160 km), and Erode-Karur (65 km) lines, which each had an interim allocation of Rs 1.5 billion, have also been reduced to just Rs 1,000 each. R. Pandiaraja, a member of the Zonal Rail Users Consultative Committee, criticized the union government's fund allocation, calling it a scam. He highlighted the high cost of laying new railway lines with electrification, which requires Rs 150 million per km. For instance, the Madurai-Thoothukudi new line demands Rs 15 billion, but only Rs 180 million has been allocated this year, barely enough to lay 1 kilometer of track. Pandiaraja urged the railways to disclose the percentage of land acquired for each project and allocate funds accordingly, suggesting that there seems to be little intention to complete these new line projects. This year, a total of Rs 63.62 billion was allocated for railway projects in Tamil Nadu, but the drastic cuts have cast doubt on the future of several critical developments.

Next Story
Resources

Madhya Pradesh Champions Inclusive Tourism at Heritage Sites

On the occasion of World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh is taking a significant step toward inclusive tourism by making its historical sites accessible to all — especially persons with disabilities. The state is rolling out its ‘Accessibility Infrastructure and Development’ project at Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha, aiming to create a more welcoming experience at these iconic cultural destinations.The initiative, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav and Tourism Minister Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, includes infrastructure upgrades such as ramps, Braille signage, w..

Next Story
Resources

Runwal Realty Onboards Sonam Kapoor as Brand Ambassador

Real estate major Runwal has unveiled a refreshed identity as Runwal Realty, signalling a renewed commitment to crafting spaces that stand the test of time. With this refresh, the brand unveils its new philosophy: “Building for Generations to Come” and welcomes Bollywood star and global fashion icon Sonam Kapoor as its brand ambassador. This evolved identity reflects Runwal Realty’s commitment to creating not just homes, but heirlooms—crafted through visionary design, meticulous planning, global design expertise and an unwavering focus on quality. With the customer at its core, each de..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport 2025: KPMG

KPMG’s latest report, The Great Reset: Emerging Trends in Infrastructure and Transport 2025 edition, sheds light on the profound changes transforming the global infrastructure landscape. As industries adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, economic pressures, and technological advancements, the report identifies key trends and provides actionable insights for leaders in infrastructure and transport sectors. “In today’s interconnected world, the lack of standardized supply chain practices is not just an operational challenge—it’s an environmental and economic one. We’..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?