TN-Kerala dispute over Salem Rly Division resolved: Lalu

New Delhi, Sep 11 (UNI) The lingering dispute between Tamil Nadu and Kerala over the creation of Salem Division was amicably resolved today, with Railway Minister Lalu Prasad announcing that Palakkad Division would be strengthened by adding 79 rpt 79 km from Madurai Division.

Mr Prasad made the announcement after a meeting with MPs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

The minister said the section between Palghat to Polachi (58 km) and the section between Polachi to Kinattukkadavu ( 21 km) -- both from Madurai Division -- would be added to Salem Division.

''Under the new arrangement, the size of both Salem Division and Palakkad Division would be more or less the same,'' he said at a hurriedly-convened press conference.

Mr Prasad also announced that the inauguration of Salem Division would take place at a ''suitable date'' anytime after September 14.

''The inauguration will be made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, and I will preside over the function,'' a beaming Mr Prasad said.

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