CHENNAI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed the Parliament that two new railway line projects - Madurai-Thoothukudi via Aruppukottai and Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai via Gingee - which had been stalled due to land acquisition issues, have now been revived and taken up for execution. However, the minister declined to disclose the funds allocated to these projects in the 2026-27 Budget.
Responding to a question raised by DMK MP Rajathi (aka Salma) recently, Vaishnaw said that the 143-km railway line would provide direct connectivity between Madurai and Thoothukudi via Aruppukottai, and that the project has now been taken up. He added that an 18-km stretch between Melavittan and Melamaruthur has already been commissioned.
Similarly, the Tindivanam-Gingee-Tiruvannamalai new line project (71 km) was sanctioned at a cost of `1,400 crore. “Works could not progress due to delays in land acquisition. However, on public demand, the project has now been revived,” Vaishnaw said.
He further noted that land acquisition for the 71-km Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai project has seen little progress. The project requires 276 hectares of land, of which only 33 hectares have been acquired so far, leaving 243 hectares yet to be secured.
Originally approved in 2011-12, the broad gauge line from Madurai to Thoothukudi aims to enhance transport connectivity for underserved areas such as Vilathikulam, Pudur, and Nagalapuram. It also proposes freight operations to Thoothukudi port to facilitate the movement of goods across the country.
Construction began in 2016, and an 18-km section between Milavittan and Melamarudur was opened in March 2022. However, land acquisition for the remaining stretch from Melamarudur to Thiruparankundram progressed slowly, and the project was subsequently “frozen” due to a low rate of return.
Following repeated criticism over delays in land acquisition, the Tamil Nadu government announced in February that land acquisition was completed for 51 km of Phase I between Melamarudur and Aruppukottai.
In fits & starts
Madurai-Thoothukudi via Aruppukottai and Tindivanam-Tiruvannamalai via Gingee railway line - 143km
Tindivanam-Gingee-Tiruvannamalai railway line - 71 km
51 km - Land acquisition completed for Phase I between Melamarudur and Aruppukottai