New Delhi, 5 December (H.S.): Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday described the delay in railway overbridge (ROB) projects across Kerala as a “serious concern,” asserting that out of 127 sanctioned ROBs, as many as 105 remain stalled due to the state government’s inaction.Responding to members’ questions during the Rajya Sabha’s Question Hour, Vaishnaw said that alignments for 63 of these ROBs have not yet been finalized by the state government, causing major delays in construction. He emphasized that such administrative bottlenecks are severely obstructing railway development in the state.
“You will be surprised to know that out of 127 ROBs, 105 have been held up due to delays by the state government,” Vaishnaw remarked. “In 63 locations, even the alignment has not been finalized. This clearly reflects a very low level of cooperation from the state authorities,” he added.
Highlighting the Centre’s commitment to infrastructure development in Kerala, the minister noted that the railway budget allocation for the state has been increased more than eightfold — from ₹372 crore to ₹3,042 crore — under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
“Despite this significant rise in budgetary support, several crucial projects remain held up at the state level,” he stated.
Vaishnaw informed the House that the Centre remains fully committed to modernizing Kerala’s railway network, preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new lines, and undertaking large-scale redevelopment across key junctions.
Ongoing DPR preparations include proposals for the third and fourth lines along the Kasaragod–Kozhikode–Shoranur section; the third line on the Shoranur–Ernakulam route; third and fourth lines on the Shoranur–Coimbatore (via Palakkad) stretch; the third line on the Ernakulam–Kayamkulam (via Kottayam) route; and the third line on the Kayamkulam–Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvananthapuram–Nagercoil sections.
Regarding the long-pending Angamaly–Sabarimala railway line, Vaishnaw said that the Centre has already urged the Kerala government to initiate land acquisition. “Once the state begins the land acquisition process, the next stage of work can commence immediately,” he assured.
Responding to a query raised by Congress MP J.B. Mathar, who mentioned the tragic case of a 19-year-old student assaulted on a train in Varkala on November 2, Vaishnaw said that the Railways Ministry has complete details of the incident. The entire assault, he said, was captured on CCTV camera footage inside the coach.
“Railway Police and GRP acted swiftly after the incident; the accused has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. The injured student’s condition remains deeply concerning and emotionally traumatic,” the minister added.
“The central government is extending all possible assistance to the victim’s family, and I urge the honourable member to request the state government to ensure the best possible support for her.”
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
