With no major fund allocation for new projects or the ongoing ones, the Railway Budget has little for Tamil Nadu to cheer. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said the budget had failed to meet the expectations of the people.
A total outlay of Rs. 2,064 crore has been earmarked for the State, which is just Rs. 22 crore more than the allotment in the previous budget. Though the proposed joint venture with the State government raises hopes for better suburban infrastructure, the initiative may not take off this year since Tamil Nadu has sought to add land cost as its share in the project, unlike many other States that have not made such a demand.
This year, more emphasis has been laid on eliminating level crossings by constructing 97 Road Over Bridges and Road Under Bridges. A survey for a new line between Dindigul and Sabarimala (201 km) has been sanctioned. A sum of Rs. 134 crore has been allocated for starting the Morappur-Dharmapuri new line work. The auto hub announced for Chennai has brought some cheer.
