Thu May 15 13:40:37 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Southern Railway has announced it will fully fund the construction of 55 critical rail overbridges (RoBs) in Kerala due to the State government’s inability to contribute its agreed share of the costs. Originally, 126 RoBs were sanctioned under a 50-50 cost-sharing model. The State government’s delays in funding, finalizing plans, and acquiring land have hampered the progress of these projects. While the Kerala government has only been able to finalize plans for 18 RoBs, those have been re-sanctioned with 100% railway funding, and ₹95 crore has already been transferred for land acquisition. The remaining 65 RoBs are still delayed due to the State government’s and related corporations’ issues with funding, approvals, and land acquisition.

**News Article:**

**Southern Railway to Fully Fund 55 Critical Rail Overbridges in Kerala**

*THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, May 15, 2025* – In an unprecedented move, the Southern Railway announced Thursday that it will single-handedly fund the construction of 55 critical rail overbridges (RoBs) in Kerala. The decision comes after the Kerala State government struggled to contribute its agreed-upon share of the funding for the projects.

Originally, 126 RoBs were sanctioned to replace busy level crossings under a 50-50 cost-sharing arrangement between the Railways and the State government. However, delays in funding, plan approvals, and land acquisition by the Kerala government and its associated corporations have significantly hampered progress.

“The out-of-the-way decision of the Railways for 100% funding of 55 ROBs is unprecedented and demonstrates its strong commitment towards public safety and seamless transport across Kerala,” the Southern Railway said in a statement.

Of the 55 RoBs, the State government has only finalized plans and land acquisition for 18. The Southern Railway has re-sanctioned these 18 projects with complete railway funding and has already transferred ₹95 crore to the State government to facilitate land acquisition.

The remaining 65 RoBs remain stalled due to ongoing issues related to funding, plan approvals, and land acquisition by the State government, the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL), and the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK). The Southern Railway hopes that its full funding commitment will expedite the construction of these vital infrastructure projects and improve transportation safety and efficiency in the region.

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