Title - Land acquisition troubles delay gauge conversion on Podanur-Pollachi stretch

COIMBATORE: Amidst growing criticism over the inordinate delay in completing gauge conversion works in the Podanur-Pollachi stretch of Coimbatore-Dindigul route due to meager funds, southern railways clarified it was not paucity of funds but state government's delay in completing the land acquisition process that has slowed the project down.In a pre-budget consultation with Parliament members, southern railway general manager A K Mittal said the works are pending only on a six km stretch near Kinnathukadavu due to land acquisition delays. With the railway budget just three months away, land acquisition hurdles are likely to eclipse further fund allocation for gauge conversion works. According to district authorities, resolutions regarding land acquisition and compensation passed by five out of the six village panchayat wards in Kinathukadavu have already been approved by the state government and the remaining one resolution would be passed within a week."About 42 hectares are to be acquired for the project, which would allow broad gauge trains to link Coimbatore with Palani, Madurai and Rameswaram. It has been four years since the metre gauge rail route between Podanur and Dindigul was closed for conversion into a broad gauge line. Though trains have started chugging along the newly laid broad-gauge line between Dindigul and Palani, hopes of Coimbatore having direct trains to Madurai and Ramewaram through this route continue to remain a distant dream,'' points out V Eswaran, district secretary of MDMK."Only speedy land acquisition can ensure enough fund allocation for gauge conversion in the next railway budget,'' says R Raveendran of Coimbatore Railway Action Committee. In the Pollachi-Palani stretch were works are almost over, the railway official has revealed that it would be inspected very soon by the commissioner for railway safety and engine rolling. Railway sources have confirmed plans to operate passenger trains between Madurai and Pollachi through the newly developed stretch. Meanwhile, railways are silent on the progress in works between Pollachi and Palakkad.According to Easwaran, though Palani was reconnected to Madurai and Dindigul through the newly opened line, the rail link to Coimbatore is essential to ensure comfort of pilgrims. Pollachi and Udumalpet are known for agricultural produces and the lack of rail connectivity is affecting transportation. Pilgrims to Ervadi and Rameswaram are also finding it difficult due to lack of connectivity.The total cost, fixed initially at Rs 559 crore is now revised to Rs 900 crore. Lack of adequate fund allocation in railway budget had affected construction works badly. As per earlier plan of railways, the project was to be completed this December.