No major railway announcements for Kerala in Sitharaman’s speech

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With huge promises to improve railway infrastructure in the country, passenger associations are hopeful about the allocations for the state. Though no specific announcement were made for the state, electrification, utilising renewable energy and operation of trains in PPP modal were some of the proposals in the Union Budget.
P Krishnakumar, member, Zonal Railway Users’ Consultative Committee said that the investments for electrification of entire broad gauge network by 2023-24 is a good proposal.
“The proposal to complete electrification by 2023-24 will benefit railways financially. Also, the budget mentioned about operation of 150 passenger trains through PPP mode. There were proposals from state for tourist pilgrimage sector from Vasco da Gama railway station to Kanyakumari, trains to Tirupati and Madurai, etc. After railway budget was merged with the Union Budget, the details related to new trains and projects are published later,” said Krishnakumar.
Electrification is pending in Palakkad-Pollachi, Shoranur-Nilambur, Kollam-Punalur and Ernakulam Harbour route in the state. And Kochuveli-Guwahati triweekly train was among the trains proposed to be introduced by private entities.
“Considering the railway network in the state, the infrastructure needs more focus to benefit from the projects. And before introduction of new trains we need fund allocations for development of facilities to handle more trains here,” added Krishnakumar.
A railway official from Thiruvananthapuram railway division said that the budget is hopeful for development of railway network and Pink Book with details of fund allocations and projects will be published within two days.