News Tamil Nadu

“State Govt Gave It In Writing That They Don’t Want This Project”: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Says DMK Govt Opposed Broad-gauge Rail Line Between Madurai-Thoothukudi

January 11, 2025
The Commune

The ruling party in Tamil Nadu, the DMK, has long accused the central government of viewing the state with a “stepmotherly” attitude. However, recent developments suggest the situation was always otherwise. This became apparent when Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on 10 January 2025, that the 143.5-km broad-gauge (BG) railway line project from Madurai to Thoothukudi, passing through Aruppukottai, had been scrapped due to opposition from the Tamil Nadu government.

The project, which had been under construction by Southern Railway’s unit since 2016, now faces an uncertain future.

During his visit to the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Vaishnaw responded to inquiries from the press regarding the suspension of the Madurai land acquisition unit, effective from 1 January 2025. This unit had been established to aid the project’s land acquisition. Vaishnaw stated, “State Government gave it in writing that they don’t want this project,” although he did not provide further details on the state’s reasoning behind this decision.

Notably, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, also the DMK’s deputy general secretary, had previously championed the project in Parliament, advocating for its implementation.

The BG railway line, approved in the 2011-12 period, was intended to enhance transport links to underserved areas such as Vilathikulam, Pudur, and Nagalapuram. It also aimed to provide a dedicated cargo train route to Thoothukudi Port to facilitate nationwide goods movement.

At an estimated cost of ₹1,875 crore, the project was envisioned as an alternative to the existing Madurai–Thoothukudi line, which passes through Vanchi Maniyachi and Kovilpatti. Construction began in 2016, and by March 2022, an 18-km stretch between Milavittan and Melmarudur was completed and cleared for operation.

However, land acquisition for the remaining sections, from Melmarudur to Thiruparankundram, moved slowly, with only 35–40 percent of the required land acquired. The 2023–24 interim budget had allocated ₹100 crore for the project, but this was slashed to ₹18.72 crore in the general budget, raising concerns about the project’s future. Southern Railway officials stated that they are awaiting further updates on the discontinuation of the project from the Railway Board.

BJP Slams DMK

In a strong statement, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai criticized the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government for its alleged inefficiency and opposition to development projects. Highlighting the recent announcement by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Annamalai accused the state government of being a roadblock to progress.

The Union Railway Minister clarified to the media that the proposed railway line connecting Madurai and Tuticorin via Aruppukkottai has been scrapped due to lack of cooperation from the Tamil Nadu government. The project required the acquisition of approximately 870.98 hectares of land, but the state government managed to acquire only 74.87 hectares, less than 10% of the required area.

Annamalai pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, as out of the 3,389 hectares of land required for various railway projects across Tamil Nadu, only 26% has been acquired under the DMK administration. He criticized the slow pace of land acquisition, calling it a hindrance to the state’s economic growth, particularly for the people of Aruppukkottai and surrounding regions.

Taking to Twitter, Annamalai remarked that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi is steering the nation toward achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India), the DMK government is dragging Tamil Nadu backward.

The BJP Tamil Nadu unit has announced a protest against the DMK government’s decision to scrap the new railway line project. The demonstration, involving residents of Virudhunagar district, is scheduled to take place on January 20, 2025.

“This haphazard approach of the DMK government is unacceptable. The people of Tamil Nadu deserve better governance and faster progress,” Annamalai stated, adding that the BJP will stand with the people to demand accountability and push for development.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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