The Union Government has increased the railway budget allocation for Tamil Nadu by over 8.5 times since 2014, with funding rising to ₹7,611 crore in the 2026–27 financial year, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday.
In a series of posts on X, the minister said that despite the enhanced allocation, several railway projects in the state are facing delays due to issues related to land acquisition. He noted that for ongoing projects, only 24 per cent of the required land has been handed over so far — 1,052 hectares out of a total requirement of 4,326 hectares. An amount of ₹1,465 crore has already been paid to the Tamil Nadu government towards land acquisition.
According to the minister, land acquisition remains a major hurdle for key railway projects. Around 91 per cent of land acquisition is pending for the Madurai–Tuticorin new line via Aruppukkotai, spanning 144 kilometres, while 86 per cent land acquisition is yet to be completed for the Tindivanam–Gingee–Tiruvannamalai new line project. He also pointed out that although the foundation stone for the Rameswaram–Dhanushkodi new line was laid by the Prime Minister in 2019, land acquisition for the project has not commenced so far.
Despite these challenges, the Centre has sanctioned several new railway lines, doubling works, and third and fourth line projects in Tamil Nadu. Detailed Project Reports have also been prepared for additional capacity expansion to support the state’s economic and industrial growth.
The minister said that 77 Amrit stations in Tamil Nadu have been identified for complete redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, with redevelopment work already completed at 18 stations. Since 2014, about 1,350 kilometres of railway tracks have been constructed in the state.
He added that Indian Railways has achieved 97 per cent electrification in Tamil Nadu, with 2,386 kilometres of rail lines electrified during this period.
Highlighting passenger services, the minister said that modern “Made in India” trains are improving connectivity and travel experience in the state, with nine pairs each of Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express services currently operational in Tamil Nadu.
