John Brittas urges railway minister to halt Palakkad Division bifurcation plan

New Delhi [India], July 18 (ANI): John Brittas, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP, has written a letter to Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, expressing concerns over the reported plans to bifurcate the Palakkad Railway Division to create a new Mangalore Division.

In his letter, John Brittas stated, “I write to you today to express my profound concern and to seek your urgent intervention regarding the reported plans to bifurcate the existing Palakkad Division to create a new Mangalore Division. This proposed decision, if implemented, would not only disrupt the efficient functioning of the Palakkad Division but also further marginalize the State of Kerala, which has long been subjected to neglect in terms of railway development and resource allocation.”

“The Palakkad Division has consistently outperformed many others in terms of passenger traffic and revenue generation, standing as a testament to its strategic significance and operational efficiency. The proposal to carve out a new Mangalore Division from the existing Palakkad Division appears to be part of a larger conspiracy against Kerala, a move that is neither justified by economic rationale nor administrative necessity. It is perplexing to observe that such a move, if true, directly contradicts the detailed press statement issued by Southern Railway in May 2024, which categorically stated that there were no plans, discussions, or proposals regarding the closure of the Palakkad Division or the establishment of any new divisions,” he added.

The Upper House MP from Kerala further stated, “During the 2000s, we witnessed the formation of the Salem Division from Palakkad, which itself was a blow to the State’s railway infrastructure. The current move, reportedly under the guise of administrative restructuring, threatens to further diminish the capabilities of the Palakkad Division, undermining the progress and convenience it has provided to millions of passengers and businesses.”

“Kerala has consistently been at the receiving end of railway neglect. Critical projects and demands, including the introduction of new third and fourth tracks, the allotment of new trains, including new Vande Bharat Expresses, and the much-needed approval for the SilverLine project, have all been met with undue delays or outright neglect.

Additionally, Kerala’s enduring demand for a dedicated railway zone remains unfulfilled, further marginalizing the State in the national railway landscape. The long-promised rail coach factory in Kanjikode, once heralded as a significant development, was also systematically denied, exacerbating the sense of neglect and discrimination. The State’s railway infrastructure lags behind despite its substantial contribution to the national railway revenue, a disparity that calls for urgent redressal rather than further division,” he added.

The CPI(M) MP further emphasized, “The people of Kerala have always extended their wholehearted support to the Indian Railways, yet their legitimate aspirations and needs have been overlooked. The proposed division would not only be a logistical and operational setback but also a severe blow to the morale and trust of the people of Kerala in the national railway system.”

“In light of these concerns, I earnestly urge your good self to give urgent directions to the authorities concerned to reconsider and desist from the so-called plan to create a new Mangalore Division by bifurcating the Palakkad Division. Instead, I appeal to your esteemed office to focus on addressing the long-standing developmental needs of Kerala’s railway infrastructure,” he concluded.