In railway projects CM highlights funding gaps affecting land acquisition progress

In railway projects CM M K Stalin has raised serious concerns over delays caused by irregular and incomplete release of funds from the Centre, stating that several key railway works in Tamil Nadu are being slowed down not due to state inaction, but because of pending financial approvals. Writing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister stressed that timely and full fund allocation is essential to complete land acquisition smoothly and ensure fair compensation to landowners without prolonged uncertainty.

In railway projects CM clarified that the Tamil Nadu government has been actively cooperating with the Railways and has already completed most of the required land acquisition work wherever funds were made available. He pointed out that administrative approval for land acquisition had already been granted for multiple projects, yet funds for a large portion of the required land have not been sanctioned by the Ministry of Railways.

According to the Chief Minister, out of the total land required for ongoing railway projects in the state, funding has not been sanctioned for more than 900 hectares, despite approvals being in place. This gap, he said, directly affects the pace of land acquisition and delays compensation payments, creating avoidable hardship for affected families and slowing down infrastructure development.

In railway projects CM outlines state’s progress and completed acquisitions

In railway projects CM also detailed the progress made by the Tamil Nadu government to counter claims that the state was not extending adequate support. He stated that land acquisition has already been completed for a majority of ongoing projects, with more than ninety percent of required land handed over to the Railways for several major works.

Projects such as the Tindivanam–Nagari line, the Madurai–Thoothukudi route via Aruppukottai (Phase I), the Nagercoil–Eraniel double line, the Mannargudi–Needamangalam section, and additional lines between Chennai Beach and Korukkupet have already seen full land acquisition completion. These examples, the CM noted, clearly show the state’s commitment to supporting railway expansion.

For two additional projects involving private land, administrative sanction is currently under process and expected to be issued shortly. In railway projects CM emphasised that delays occur mainly when revised land plans are received late or when funds are released in small portions rather than as a consolidated amount.

In railway projects CM flags piecemeal funding as a major obstacle

In railway projects CM strongly criticised the practice of releasing funds in fragments for individual railway projects. He explained that staggered funding disrupts land acquisition workflows, prevents timely compensation, and forces district authorities to repeatedly pause and restart the process. This approach, he said, ultimately increases project costs and extends completion timelines.

One major example highlighted was the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanniyakumari doubling project, where a significant amount required for acquiring a small stretch of land is still pending. The CM noted that this project is being monitored under national infrastructure programmes, making the delay even more concerning.

In railway projects CM seeks revival of stalled routes

In railway projects CM also urged the Centre to revive certain new line projects that have been placed on hold, including routes connecting key industrial and port regions. He stated that these projects are vital for improving freight movement, regional connectivity, and economic growth in southern Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has refuted Union government claims that the State delayed railway projects, asserting that 94% of land acquisition for 19 projects has been completed and handed over. In a letter to the Prime Minister, he said delays persist due to pending… pic.twitter.com/xIR4YQmVNA

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Additionally, the CM requested the sanction of new railway projects that match Tamil Nadu’s economic contribution and development needs. He argued that enhanced railway infrastructure would support manufacturing, logistics, and employment generation across the state. Also Read: Tribal Dept to Team Up With Global Chess Body to Reshape Learning in Schools in 2026

Conclusion

In railway projects CM M K Stalin’s letter underscores that Tamil Nadu’s railway delays are largely linked to funding bottlenecks rather than administrative lapses. By calling for timely, lump-sum fund releases and revival of stalled projects, the state government aims to ensure faster execution, reduced uncertainty for landowners, and steady progress in critical railway infrastructure.