Delhi, Feb 9: Budget allocation to Tamil Nadu has increased more than 8.5 times since 2014, reaching ₹7,611 crore in 2026–27, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology, said in a series of posts on X.
For ongoing railway projects, only 24% of the required land has been handed over, that is 1,052 hectares out of 4,326 hectares. ₹1,465 crore has already been paid to the Tamil Nadu Government for land acquisition. Several critical projects are delayed due to pending land acquisition with the State Government.
Land acquisition remains a major challenge for several projects. As much as 91% land acquisition is pending for the Madurai–Tuticorin new line via Aruppukkotai (144 km), while 86% land acquisition is pending for the Tindivanam–Gingee–Tiruvannamalai new line (71.33 km). The foundation stone for the Rameswaram–Dhanushkodi new line project was laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2019; however, land acquisition is yet to begin.
Despite these challenges, the Centre has sanctioned multiple new lines, doublings, and third and fourth lines, with DPRs also prepared for further capacity expansion to support Tamil Nadu’s economic and industrial growth.
A total of 77 Amrit stations in Tamil Nadu have been identified for complete redevelopment, of which work has already been completed at 18 stations. Since 2014, approximately 1,350 km of tracks have been constructed. Indian Railways in Tamil Nadu has also achieved 97% electrification, with 2,386 km of rail lines electrified during this period.
“Made in India” modern trains are ensuring improved and affordable travel for the people of the State, with nine pairs each of Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express services currently operational.
