Velu dismisses Kerala CM's concern over Salem division

Vellore, Feb 3 (UNI) Minister of State for Railways R Velu today took great exception to the reported protest of Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan over the establishment of Salem Railway Division, bifurcating the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway.

Dedicating the computerised unreserved ticketing system (UTS) at Tirupattur railway station near here, Mr Velu accused Mr Achuthanandan for politicising the issue. ''The reason for objection is totally irrelevant'', he said.

Mr Velu said before taking a decision on carving out a new division, the Ministry would take into consideration the convenience of people and administrative aspects among others.

Hence, there would not be any ulterior motive behind the decision he said and added that it was not possible for him to answer Mr Achuthanandan's queries.

The new railway division, with headquarters at Salem, would be a reality as scheduled and arrangements were underway. Rs 40 crore had been earmarked for undertaking passenger amenities in entire Southern railway, this year.

Efforts were on for inaugurating the 'Garip Rath' between Chennai and New Delhi shortly, he added.

UNI