Several railway infrastructure projects in Tamil Nadu are facing concerns over low spending and reduced allocations, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Ten new railway line projects were allocated ₹617.76 crore in 2025–26, but only ₹192.54 crore—around 31% of the allocation—was spent. For 2026–27, the allocation for these projects has been reduced to ₹497.57 crore.
The projects together cover approximately 870.78 km and have an estimated total cost of ₹16,841.34 crore. The Tindivanam–Nagari railway project accounted for the largest share of expenditure, with ₹169.28 crore spent during 2025–26. However, the 184.45-km project has achieved only about 16% physical progress.
Four projects — Tindivanam–Tiruvannamalai, Chennai–Mahabalipuram–Cuddalore, Attipattu–Puttur and Erode–Palani — received a combined allocation of ₹187.5 crore last year but reportedly recorded no expenditure.
The funding concerns come alongside wider disputes over the pace of railway infrastructure development in Tamil Nadu. The Union government has previously said that land acquisition is a major factor delaying several projects, noting that only 24% of the required land for ongoing projects had been handed over.
The figures have renewed questions about project implementation, land acquisition and the timely expansion of rail connectivity across Tamil Nadu.
News as Reported.
