Finance Minister Arun Jaitley focus on track laying, doubling

Kochi: Though the state government had submitted a host of major projects including the third and fourth lines for operating high speed trains on its wish list, the union budget is learnt to have focused more on track laying and doubling works, allocating increased outlay for sanctioned projects including the Ambalapuzha-Ernakulam section and the Angamaly-Erumeli Sabari rail project.

“The budget with respect to the railways has given the highest priority to track maintenance and expansion works. The specific details of allocation are yet to be received, however, we have been informed of substantial allocation of funds for construction activities,” said a senior official in the construction department.

While the doubling works in the Kottayam section is expected to be completed by March 2020, there is an inordinate delay with respect to the work in the coastal section. The doubling in the Kayamkulam-Ambalapuzha section is nearly over while approval for doubling in the remaining Ambalapuzha-Alapuzha-Ernakulam section has already been sanctioned. However, the railways wanted the state to chip in with over Rs 850 crore as land acquisition and project cost.

 Union minister of state for Tourism Alphonse Kannanthanam took up the issue with the railway board requesting it to take up the works without relying on state funds. “The division was also interested in many small projects like station development and more passenger amenities. The details of funds allocated for such projects can be known in the coming days as the ‘Pink Book’ is not yet received,” said Divisional Railway Manager Prakash Bhutani. Earlier, the state batted for increased outlay for ongoing projects including the Sabari line, rail corridor from Thalassery to Mysuru, renovation of old railway station as a suburban hub and coach terminal at Nemom among others.