KAKKANAD: Owing to the huge financial crunch and meagre allocations for doubling in this year’s budget, the Southern Railway has sought to close down the Land Acquisition office near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. The Railway officials have written to the District Collector and other top administrative officers about it.
If the suggestion becomes a reality, major projects, including doubling work, will come to a standstill. The major projects handled by the office are the Kumbalam-Kayamkulam doubling, Mulanthuruthy-Kuruppanthara doubling (additional acquisition) and Venduruthy Over Bridge construction.
The unprecedented move by the Railways is expected to create hassles for the public as land belonging to several persons have already been marked for doubling work. At least, 2,000 people have been left in the lurch owing to the delay of Sabari rail project in the state.
The LA office also issues certificates to the people who have surrendered their land for the railway project. Once the office closes down, these people will have to wait for years to receive the certificate.
“We got a letter from the Railway officials on the issue a few days ago. A decision in this regard should be taken by the state government. I have forwarded the letter to the authorities concerned for further action,” said District Collector M G Rajamanickam.
At present, there are 14 persons working at the office among whom four have been deputed from the district collectorate for land acquisition work.
It is learnt that the Railways has also made plans to attach the LA office to a Taluk office. “If such moves are made, it will be terminated with immediate effect. We cannot afford to spare our staff for the Railway Department. We will discuss the matter,” the District Collector said.
Commenting on the issue, Southern Railway Chief Administrative Officer Danny Thomas said the area to be acquired for the railway office was insufficient and it would be foolish to spend a hefty amount as establishment charge for it, especially when they were facing financial crisis.
“At present, the Railways is struggling to find funding for its projects in the state. The project will become a reality only if the state government comes forward to fund it,” Danny said.