Union Railway Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda has requested Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to provide at least 50 per of the combined costs of railway projects proposed for the State and value of the land to help his Ministry consider Kerala’s demands.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mr. Gowda said neighbouring Karnataka was providing 50 per cent of theproject cost and free land. “The Kerala Chief Minister need not give free land. If he [Chief Minister] provided 50 per cent of the cost of the project and land combined, it will be appreciated,” the Minister said while observing that doubling of lines was imperative in the State for operating more trains since the existing lines were already stretched.
Mr. Gowda urged the State to fully fund suburban train service as originally promised. “The Chief Minister [initially[ assured [me] that the State would fully fund the suburban train service. But subsequently it is learned that he wants 50 per cent from the Railways. I once again request that it should be funded hundred per cent by the State, while the railway will take care of the operational part,” he said.
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Asked whether the State could be given an exception on its share of contribution towards railway projects considering its small size and limited land, Mr. Gowda said it could not be a bargaining point, as even a State like Jharkhand was ready to offer free land and up to 60 per cent of the project cost.
Mr. Gowda said that in addition to the already sanctioned Onam special trains, another one from Pune would be launched on popular demand. He would favourably consider and give priority if demands were to be made for more Onam special trains. “We have allocated four new trains, which will be dedicated to the people by the end of the year. I have already cleared the files,” Mr. Gowda said.