Stalin seeks Modi’s intervention on stalled rail projects as TN heads to polls

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention to expedite sanctioned railway projects through the release of pending funds and the revival of stalled works, ahead of the state’s upcoming elections.

In his letter, Stalin flagged what he called persistent delays in fund releases by the Railways and the practice of piecemeal funding, warning that these have slowed down several critical projects and left landowners in prolonged uncertainty.

Stalin pointed out that while the Tamil Nadu government has already granted administrative approval for the acquisition of 2,500.61 hectares of land for various central railway projects, funds are yet to be released for 931.52 hectares.





“The delays in releasing funds and the piecemeal allocation... have hindered the progress of railway projects in Tamil Nadu,” the chief minister said, adding that this has created a state of “prolonged uncertainty” for affected landowners, according to an official release.

He noted that land acquisition work is nearly complete for 19 major projects, with 94 per cent progress achieved and 1,198.02 hectares already handed over to the Railways.

However, he highlighted the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanniyakumari Broad Gauge Doubling project as a key example where progress remains stuck due to funding gaps. The acquisition of the remaining 16.86 hectares has stalled as the Railways has not released the required Rs 289.78 crore towards compensation.

Urging the Centre to step in, Stalin requested the Prime Minister to ensure that funds for sanctioned railway projects are released “in full and on a priority basis” to allow land acquisition to proceed smoothly. He also called for the “reconsideration and restarting” of important projects currently on hold, including the Thoothukudi–Madurai (via Aruppukottai) and the Tindivanam–Tiruvannamalai broad gauge lines.

Emphasising Tamil Nadu’s position as India’s second-largest economy, the chief minister said the allocation for new railway projects in the state has been “relatively low” in recent years and does not reflect its economic stature or development needs. He pressed for additional projects in line with the state’s growth and infrastructure demands.

“I am confident that, with your intervention and with the continued spirit of cooperative federalism, these concerns will be addressed promptly for the mutual benefit of the state and the nation,” Stalin said in the letter.

He also assured the Prime Minister of the state government’s full cooperation for the “speedy execution” of all railway projects.