Title - Bansal promises to look into State’s rail needs - The New Indian Express

“It shall be a sincere endeavour of the Railway Ministry to see all that is possible to do for this region. As far as the density of railway lines, Kerala possesses almost double the national average. However, we realise that the need is much more. We shall go through all the representations submitted to us regarding railway development of the state in detail and not a single point would  be missed.” This was Union Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal at the gala inaugural ceremony of the year-long 125th anniversary celebrations of the Kozhikode Railway Station here on Wednesday.

Pointing out the resources constraints of Indian Railways, Bansal said that the Ministry is looking forward to carry out the elevation of railway stations to world class standards through public-private participation mode. He added that the Railways have shortlisted 100 railway stations across the state to carry out the special cleanliness drive.

“Of this, six stations are from the state including Kozhikode,” he said. The minister added that appropriate measures would be taken to implement the  budget proposal for constructing multi-functional complexes in 21 railway stations including Kozhikode. “Within the next few months, lifts will become operational in Kozhikode station. We are providing more wheel chairs to railway stations so make them more disable-friendly,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Railways Kotla Jaya Surya Prakash Reddy said that ensuring safe and secure journey would be the topmost priority of Railways. “Railway would look into the demands raised by the state to enhance the railway infrastructure in the state,” he said.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy informed that the state has received the nod from the Railway Ministry to cooperate in the implementation of Kozhikode Mono Rail project. “The commissioning of the Mono Rail would reduce the traffic congestion of Kozhikode to a great extent. The work on the project is in the final stages and the construction would begin soon,” he added.

Power Minister Aryadan Mohammed, who holds the Railway portfolio in the state, urged the people to be more cooperative in matters of land acquisition for railway development.