Kerala   

Political initiative can get State its due share in railway development

RAILWAY BUDGET: What is in store for the State?

Though Kerala makes a significant contribution to the Indian Railways, our State is always let down in Railway Budgets. Rail lines in Kerala are not yet completely electrified, which reduces the speed and power and increases pollution. Many routes have not been doubled, delaying trains. New compartments and engines should be deployed for the comfort of passengers. Since in our country more people travel by general compartments, number of such of compartments should be increased. There must more ticket-counters and separate counters for platform tickets. Introducing a train between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. can reduce the rush on the Inter City Express between Kannur and Ernakulam. If all these cannot be introduced in one go, these must be provided step by step.

T.S. Gomuldas

Kozhikode

The Union Railway Ministry should approve a coach factory in Palakkad. Railways should not inordinately delay projects that have been announced. Efforts should be taken for complete electrification and doubling of our lines.

A separate railway zone for the State should be positively considered. Funds should be allocated for new railway lines like Sabari, Thalassery-Mysore etc. More passenger trains should be started between important cities.

Jayaprakash Urathor

Palakkad

There should not be any place for narrow linguistic, regional and political priorities in the development of rail services in the State. Projects announced long ago and inordinately delayed should be taken up immediately. The Railways should not be allowed to arbitrarily stop or suspend services. Our representatives have all the facilities and they are not bothered about the realities on the ground.

A.K. Jayarajan

Kozhikode

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

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. The Malabar region needs more attention. Only two or three trains cater to the needs of the public there. And they are invariably overcrowded. At least the number of bogies needs to be enhanced urgently. The conversion of express trains into super fast ones has caused much inconvenience to commuters. The toilets in our overused compartments should be kept neat. It is usually noted that that compartments attached to trains to Kerala are obsolete or inferior. Major projects proposed, like the Sabari railway, have not made much headway despite strong pressure from the public. Many of railway overbridges are yet to be completed.

N.K. Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

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. There should be political will and all our MPs should join hands and raise the issue in Parliament. We have to submit our representations well in advance. Meeting the Minister after the Railway Budget is a futile exercise.

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. The development of Railways is essential for the overall development of the Sate. Companies should not avoid Kerala for lack of infrastructure. The number of trains during peak hours should be increased. The State’s strategy should be to cooperate with the Centre rather than politicising all issues. The State government should acquire land required for railway projects and hand tit over to the authorities concerned.

Sreeni K.R.

Chalakudy

Railway commuters are a tormented lot. Many railway stations do not have basic facilities like a good waiting room, clean drinking water and toilet. Trains in the State should be allotted more unreserved coaches. Every Railway Budget tends to neglect Kerala. This time, MPs from the State should unite and find out means for the development of our Railway system.

N. Ramachandran

Vakkom

Many railway stations in Kerala sport a haunted look. The gap between two trains in one direction can be as long as 4-5 hours. So, people have to depend more on buses, though trains are cleaner, faster, comfortable and cheaper. Policy makers here must strive to improve railways’ sorry state here. No emphasis is given on starting more inter-district trains. For an outsider, it is easy ride till Palakkad, since the neighbouring States have good rail connectivity. The trouble starts when one enters Kerala. Yes, there are proposals for hi-tech systems like metro rail. But, they require huge investment and their viability is doubtful too. A dozen more passenger trains would do a world of good for the poor commuter in Kerala.

Arun

Thiruvananthapuram

An integrated transportation network consisting of railways, highways and waterways, with railways forming the backbone, will augur well for the State. The Railways will be able to handle long-distance passengers effectively once the lines are upgraded and the trains, speeded up. More services like Jan Sathabdi Express must be launched to cater to intra-State passengers. As the length of the State is relatively less, speedy trains can reach destinations easily. With railways taking the heavy load of long-distance traffic, roads too will be de-congested. The government should work out a transport development plan for the State for the next 20 years in association with organisations like the NATPAC.

Binu Mangal

Thiruvananthapuram

The Members of Parliament from the State should realise that they need to fight in unison for the doubling of Ernakulam-Kayamkulam line? Each seems to be content with some minor renovation of the railway station in his/her constituency. Also, why are there no hourly local trains in the already existing double lines in Kerala?

No politician is aware of the real needs of the State. So, every February, we dream big and get nothing. It has become a big ‘tamasha.’

Koshy Ninan

Thiruvananthapuram

The grievances of passengers travelling to Hyderabad, Bangalore and Chennai from north Kerala are not getting proper attention from the State government or the MPs from this region. Nevertheless, I would like to put forward a few suggestions. The most urgent need is a daily direct train from Mangalore to Hyderabad .This demand can be met by bifurcating the Hyderabad-Thiruvananthapuram train at Coimbatore and one section running to Mangalore and vice versa. The Kannur-Yeswanthapur train should be extended to Bangalore city and made a daily service instead of thrice a week. Another pressing need is to make the thrice-a-week 2686 Mangalore-Chennai train a daily service. At present a second class sleeper berth from Kozhikode to Chennai by Chennai Mail is not available for a week.

Arangil N. Vasudevan

Bilathikulam

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