Kannur: The Railway Budget for 2025 has left Kerala disheartened, as the state once again failed to receive new train services or major infrastructure projects. Despite growing demands and expectations, the budget announcement brought no significant additions to Kerala’s railway network.
The Railway Ministry allocated ₹3,042 crore to Kerala this year, reflecting a modest increase of ₹31 crore from the previous allocation. However, a significant portion of this fund is set aside for station development rather than expanding train services or constructing new railway lines. While the ministry hinted at potential new train announcements in the future, no concrete details were provided.
Key Railway Projects Kerala Hoped For
Several long-pending railway projects were expected to find a place in this year’s budget but were once again overlooked, including:
- Angamaly-Erumeli Sabari Line
- Third rail line expansions (Ernakulam-Shornur, Shoranur-Coimbatore, Shoranur-Mangalapuram)
- Doubling of Ambalapuzha-Alappuzha-Ernakulam rail line
- New railway lines (Kanhangad-Kaniyur, Thalassery-Mysuru, Nilambur-Nanjangud)
- MEMU service expansion in Palakkad Division
Though Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned the possibility of more Vande Bharat trains for Kerala, there was no immediate announcement or timeline for their introduction. The lack of new projects has led to widespread disappointment, with growing criticism that Kerala’s railway needs are being neglected in national infrastructure planning.
Kerala’s Railway Budget Allocation Over the Years
While addressing concerns, the Railway Minister highlighted a substantial increase in Kerala’s railway budget allocation over the past decade. The allocation has risen from ₹372 crore (2009-14 period) to ₹3,042 crore in 2025. However, around 80% of this amount is dedicated to railway station modernization, leaving little for new trains or track expansion.
Ongoing Railway Developments in Kerala
Despite the absence of major new projects, some ongoing railway infrastructure developments in the state include:
- 419 km of new railway lines under construction (₹12,350 crore project)
- 35 Amrit Bharat Station redevelopment projects
- Kavach safety system implementation on 531 km of railway tracks (107 km tendered)
- 100% railway electrification (up from just 10% in 2009-14)
- 125 km of new railway lines completed since 2014
- 114 rail overpasses/underpasses, 51 lifts, 33 escalators, and WiFi at 120 stations
- Two Vande Bharat Express trains already operational in Kerala
While these projects contribute to railway modernization, the absence of new train services and track expansions continues to be a major concern for Kerala. With the state’s growing transportation demands, the lack of attention to long-pending projects has fueled public frustration and political debates over the Union Budget’s priorities.
