Chennai: Budgetary allocation for rail infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu has increased more than 8.5 times since 2014, reaching ₹7,611 crore in 2026–27, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a series of posts on social media platform X.
The Minister highlighted that the enhanced allocation reflects the Centre’s sustained focus on strengthening rail connectivity, capacity expansion, and passenger amenities across the State.
However, progress on several ongoing railway projects continues to be constrained by land acquisition delays. Of the 4,326 hectares required for various railway projects in Tamil Nadu, only 1,052 hectares (24%) have been handed over so far. An amount of ₹1,465 crore has already been paid to the State Government towards land acquisition.
Land acquisition remains a major bottleneck for several critical projects. As much as 91% of 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). Similarly, despite the foundation stone being laid by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in 2019, land acquisition for the Rameswaram–Dhanushkodi new line project is yet to commence.
Despite these challenges, the Centre has continued to sanction new lines, track doublings, and third and fourth line projects, with Detailed Project Reports (DPRs prepared for additional capacity augmentation to support Tamil Nadu’s growing economic and industrial activity.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 77 stations in Tamil Nadu have been identified for complete redevelopment, with work already completed at 18 stations. Since 2014, the State has witnessed the construction of approximately 1,350 km of new railway tracks.
Electrification has also seen major progress, with 97% of Tamil Nadu’s rail network electrified. A total of 2,386 km of rail lines have been electrified during this period, significantly improving operational efficiency and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
The Minister further noted that “Made in India” modern train services are enhancing passenger experience and affordability. Currently, nine pairs of Vande Bharat Express and nine pairs of Amrit Bharat Express services are operational in Tamil Nadu, strengthening intercity and regional connectivity across the State.
