Centre Cites Ta.mil Nadu Government as Cause for 82 Rail Overbridge Project Delays

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has accused the Tamil Nadu government of causing delays in the construction of 82 road overbridges and underpasses intended to replace level crossings.

In a written response to a question raised by DMK MP Thamizhachi Thangapandian, the minister stated that a total of 235 such projects were sanctioned for Tamil Nadu as of June. "Out of these, work on 82 is held up on account of the state government," he said.

The minister’s comments come in the wake of a tragic accident on July 5 in Cuddalore district, where a speeding train collided with a school van at a level crossing, killing three students. Railway officials noted that a road overbridge had been sanctioned for that specific crossing, but the file was pending with the district collector.

Vaishnaw cited several reasons for the delays, including a lack of cooperation from the state government on land acquisition, the finalization of project alignments, and the granting of permission to close level crossings. He explained that while the projects are sanctioned based on their impact on safety and mobility, their completion is dependent on the state's cooperation in providing consent for level crossing closures, approving general arrangement drawings, and handling issues like encroachment and utility shifting.