Railway Funds Nearly Double Tamil Nadu Long Stalled Projects Revived
After persistent pressure from Tamil Nadu lawmakers and activists, the Union Railway Ministry has significantly increased funding for new railway line projects in the state, allocating ₹395.4 crore for the financial year 2025—up from ₹222 crore in 2024.
The renewed budget will revive nine crucial projects, including long-awaited routes such as Chennai–Cuddalore via Mamallapuram, Avadi–Sriperumbudur–Guduvanchery, and Tindivanam–Tiruvannamalai. Many of these projects have been dormant since their initial announcements, some dating back to 2007, due to minimal token allocations of ₹1,000 that stalled progress without formally shelving them. A notable example is the Madurai–Tuticorin via Aruppukottai line, which now receives ₹55 crore, triple last year’s allocation. This comes after a public misunderstanding where Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw erroneously claimed the project was opposed by the Tamil Nadu government—a statement he later corrected.
Despite the funding boost, concerns remain. Activists argue that allocations are still inadequate to meet actual infrastructure needs. “Tuticorin district alone sought ₹15 crore for land acquisition. How will ₹55 crore cover the entire 143-km project?” questioned Madurai-based lawyer R Srinivasan. Similarly, ₹42.7 crore has been allotted for the Tindivanam. Tiruvannamalai project, although ₹95 crore is estimated for land acquisition in just one district.
Southern Railway officials contend that the increased funding marks a turning point. Land acquisition is nearly complete for the Tindivanam–Nagari corridor, and surveys for the Sriperumbudur–Guduvanchery line are in final stages. Civil work is expected to begin once procedural clearances are secured.
