Centre Allocates ₹3,795 Crore for Kerala Rail Projects in FY 2026‑27
Updated (2 articles)
Budget Outlay and Scope Clarified Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on 2 February 2026 that the Centre has earmarked ₹3,795 crore for Kerala rail development in FY 2026‑27, covering projects already under construction rather than new spending [1]. The figure reflects the cumulative cost of ongoing works, and individual project allocations were not disclosed [1].
High‑Speed Rail Support and DPR Progress Vaishnaw reaffirmed full government backing for technocrat E. Sreedharan’s high‑speed rail proposal in Kerala [1]. He confirmed that a detailed project report for the Mangaluru–Shoranur fourth line is under consultation and that a field survey for the 106‑km Shoranur–Ernakulam third line has begun, though no completion timeline was provided [1].
Preliminary Works on Third‑Line and New Routes Early activities have started on third‑line sections along Shoranur–Coimbatore, Ernakulam–Kayamkulam, Kayamkulam–Thiruvananthapuram, and Thiruvananthapuram–Nagercoil [1]. Additional steps are under way for the Sabari rail project and the Thirunavaya–Guruvayur route, indicating a broad expansion of the state’s rail network [1].
Land Acquisition Push and State Coordination Vaishnaw said a fresh letter will be sent to Kerala’s chief minister to expedite land acquisition for the railway projects, aiming to accelerate implementation [1]. The request underscores the importance of state‑central cooperation in meeting infrastructure timelines [1].
Southern Railway Ongoing Infrastructure Valuation Southern Railway reported that ongoing infrastructure works total ₹18,041 crore, including ₹2,989 crore for upgrading 35 stations under the Amrit Station Scheme [1]. The zone also noted the addition of about 125 km of track over the past 12 years, reflecting sustained investment in the region’s rail capacity [1].
Timeline
Dec 2025 – Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announces that 110 Sagarmala projects worth over ₹1 lakh crore are identified in Andhra Pradesh, covering port‑led industrialisation, modernisation, connectivity, coastal community development, coastal shipping and inland waterways [2].
Dec 2025 – The Centre partially funds nine of those projects with ₹1,286 crore, coordinated by Union ministries, IWAI, NHAI, the state government and Visakhapatnam Port Authority [2].
Dec 2025 – The State Maritime & Waterway Transport Committee (SMWTC) is constituted to coordinate maritime initiatives, and the Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) is created under the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways to review progress [2].
Dec 2025 – The National Logistics Portal Marine (“Sagar Setu”) is launched to link logistics stakeholders, cut costs and improve ease of doing business across the maritime supply chain [2].
Feb 2, 2026 – Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw earmarks ₹3,795 crore for Kerala rail projects for FY 2026‑27, clarifying the figure reflects the cumulative cost of works already under construction rather than new spending [1].
Feb 2, 2026 – Vaishnaw affirms “full support for technocrat E. Sreedharan’s high‑speed rail effort,” notes that a DPR for the Mangaluru–Shoranur fourth line and a field survey for the 106‑km Shoranur–Ernakulam third line are underway, but gives no completion date [1].
Feb 2, 2026 – Preliminary work launches on third‑line sections along Shoranur–Coimbatore, Ernakulam–Kayamkulam, Kayamkulam–Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvananthapuram–Nagercoil, alongside steps for the Sabari rail project and the Thirunavaya–Guruvayur route [1].
Feb 2, 2026 – Vaishnaw says a fresh letter will be sent to Kerala’s chief minister to expedite land acquisition for the state’s railway development projects [1].
Feb 2, 2026 – Southern Railway reports ongoing infrastructure works totalling ₹18,041 crore, including ₹2,989 crore for upgrading 35 stations under the Amrit Station Scheme and about 125 km of track added in the last 12 years [1].