Kerala   

Political initiative can get State its due share in railway development

The poor development of Railways in the State is due to the apathetic attitude of the State and Central governments. The State government should prepare a priority list of projects to be completed. The list should be submitted to the Union Ministry of Railways well ahead of the Railway Budget. The doubling and electrification of the Shornur-Mangalore section should be completed immediately. Also, the development of Kochuveli as a satellite station of Thiruvananthapuram Central should be taken up. Almost all States in the country, except the North Eastern States and Himalayan states have at least one railway zone headquartered there. But Kerala does not have a Railway zone. Unfortunately, there seems to be a lack of political will. The step-motherly attitude of the Railway Ministry worsens the situation. With the Ministry clarifying that new services will not be possible with the present status of our tracks (over-utilised), top priority has to be given for track augmentation. People’s representatives should take up the cause of the State.

Ramesh Krishnan S.

Kottayam

The Railway Budget is expected to address the aspirations of rail service users. Therefore, improving and increasing service and housekeeping facilities of prevailing rail operations in the State is an inevitable budget responsibility. Planned efforts for compatible and efficient operations and services are the urgent needs. The Railways should try to reduce the delay in implementing projects announced.

It should also consider the ecological damage involved in every project. The Angamally-Azhutha rail line project is an example. It can cause disturbances to the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats. The water resources of the area also stands threatened as there are seven river basins along the proposed route. Winding up the project would be very wise.

Joseph and Ebby

Kochi

The Railway system in the State requires enhanced facilities. The existing network should be completely doubled. Facilities and passenger amenities should be improved rather than working on unviable projects like the Angamali-Azhutha line. Environmental aspects should also be considered in development. Protection of the fragile Western Ghat ecosystem is also our responsibility.

N. Krishnamoorthy

Anthinadu

The people of the State are very hopeful of the forthcoming Railway Budget. We expect allocation of sufficient funds to take up developmental activities including introduction of new services. Track doubling should be taken up and completed in time. Almost all routes in the State are saturated and new services cannot be expected without track augmentation. However, additional coaches can be added. There should be more general compartments. To achieve the State’s rightful share, the State government and our representatives in parliament should convey an emphatic message to the Union Railway Ministry.

Subramanian

Viyyur

Kerala is in dire need of new trains, new railroads, new coaches and new overbridges. There are many thousands of Keralites working in other cities especially Bangalore and Chennai.

They mostly depend on private buses that operate at night. Train services should be augmented to help these peoples.

Most of the coaches used in trains in the State require immediate repair or replacement. The construction of the overbridges is to be undertaken on a war footing.

Asha G.

Guruvayur

Kerala was always a neglected region in the Railway Budgets. Our representatives in Parliament should exert pressure on the Central government and get our share. There are three prominent people from the State in the Union cabinet. They should take the initiative.

Palakkadan S. Narayan

Kochi

We want more stations in the State with all facilities. There should be double lines throughout the State. The Malabar region needs more trains urgently. There should be a Railway coach factory in the State. More personnel should as well be allocated. All our people’s representatives should take up the issue.

S.N. Thiruvazhiode

Poonithura

Nobody can deny the fact that our State has always been getting a step-motherly treatment when it comes to Railway development. There are various factors contributing to this. Our politicians do not have the will power to get things done. Non-availability of land is another reason. The elected representatives and the official machinery of our State should try to address out genuine needs by therefore come under one umbrella and strive to meet our State’s genuine and deserving needs. Last but not the least; the Prime Minister should allocate portfolios like the Railways to leaders from national parties. Otherwise it will create a developmental imbalance like what is happening now.

Ambalath Aboobakar

Thrissur

Our State is ignored in all Budgets. Politicians play the regional card and reap all benefits for State like Tamil Nadu and Bihar. We are always on the losing side. P. Sankaranarayanan

Kochi

Railway is the cheapest and the most widely used mode of transport.

Thousands of common people depend on the service everyday. Our compliance to Railway systems like tickets, platform tickets, cleanliness etc is highly commendable. In spite if this we do not have enough facilities.

The train services in the State cannot meet the demand. Kerala is becoming a major IT and tourist destination.

Sreeni K.R.

Chalakudy

Though Kerala contributes substantially to the coffers of the Indian Railway by way of ticket fares and freight charges, the State has always been given a bad deal when it comes to allocation of funds and introduction of new services. Most of the demands raised by the State go ‘unnoticed.’ The step-motherly treatment meted out to the State is highly deplorable. The Union Minister for Railways can very well make good the neglect shown previously to the State, if he favourably considers the demands of the State this time.

N.K. Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

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