Shortage of workers delays projects: Velu

Kozhikode, Oct 18 (UNI) Shortage of construction labourers was the main hindrance for speedy completion of various railway development projects, Minister of State for Railways R Velu said today.

Talking to newspersons affter attending various official functions here, he said, efforts were on to complete all the sanctioned railway projects, including completion of Mangalore-Shornur line-doubling and electrification in Kerala by next year.

Mr Velu said the Ministry proposed to add additional bogies to the existing passenger trains in the state to provide hassle-free service to rail commuters in the State.

The Minister said the Railways would extend all possible cooperation for widening Kozhikode Railway station road, linking Oyitty Road to ease traffic congestion by allocating railway land for the purpose.

He said the Government would also consider a 12-point charter of demands, including fourth platform development, Shornur-Mangalore line-doubling and electriction, among other things, submitted by the City Corporation.

Mayor M Bhaskaran, who had submitted the memorandum said the Minister had agreed to consider two demands -- allocation of land for road widening and completion of the fourth platform -- soon.

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