Kozhikode, Kerala. The Union Minister for Railways and Information & Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized prioritizing public welfare and development over politics. He was inaugurating the Swa Vijnaanaotsavam as part of the Janmabhoomi golden jubilee celebrations in Kozhikode.
Referring to the Angamaly-Sabarimala rail project, he mentioned that the Maharashtra model was proposed to the Kerala government. If Kerala signs the agreement, the project can proceed. This arrangement would follow a model similar to an agreement between the Railways and the Maharashtra government.
He also pointed out that only 40% of the required land for railway development in Kerala has been acquired. Without the state’s cooperation, major projects cannot progress. Raising questions in Parliament is not enough, he said, adding that the Railways is still awaiting responses from Kerala on technical and environmental issues related to the K-Rail project.
The minister shared data highlighting the exceptional growth of Indian Railways over the past decade. In the last 10 years, 31,000 kilometers of railway tracks have been added, compared to 14,985 kilometers between 2004 and 2014. In the year 2023-24 alone, 5,300 kilometers were added. Currently, 97% of the rail network is electrified, with 100% electrification targeted for completion by June or July next year.
Since independence, only 21,000 kilometers were electrified in 60 years, but in the last 10 years, 44,000 kilometers have been electrified. The Chenab Bridge, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari, has also been constructed, ending a long wait. Innovations like Vande Bharat, Vande Sleeper, and Amrit Bharat trains are part of Bharat’s journey toward becoming a developed nation.
Over the next five to seven years, Indian Railways will undergo significant transformation, with over a thousand railway stations, including 35 in Kerala, being renovated. A massive infrastructure project of over one lakh crore rupees is underway, set to reshape Indian Railways’ image.
The funds allocated to Kerala’s railway development have increased significantly. There are also plans to develop IT hubs near railway stations in Kozhikode, and an Indian Institute of Creative Technology network will be established, modelled after IITs and IIMs. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is focusing on building infrastructure for film production and ensuring a smooth transition from traditional to digital formats.
