Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 502, to be answered on 03.12.2025, concerns the use of railway lands in Tiruchirappalli. Shri Durai Vaiko inquired about the land assets in Tiruchirappalli, particularly in Ponmalai, and whether the Government has assessed and utilized these lands for commercial development, railway infrastructure, logistics hubs, or public amenities. The question also asked about any roadmap for unlocking the economic and strategic potential of underutilized railway lands, and whether the Government is considering establishing new industrial parks, skill training centers, or railway townships in these areas, including timelines.
Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, answered that available land with the Railway is used for augmentation and infrastructure creation like multitracking, freight terminals, and maintenance facilities required for operational considerations. Vacant land not required for operational purposes in the near future is entrusted to the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) for commercial utilization. Ponmalai in Tiruchirappalli has major maintenance and operational facilities for Indian Railways. Currently, infrastructure projects are underway on approximately 114 acres of this land, and about 244 acres of railway land has been identified for future developmental works. Additionally, RLDA has been entrusted with about 11.62 acres of land for commercial utilization in the Tiruchirappalli area.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The primary government entity responsible for the use of railway lands, answering questions about their utilization.
Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA): The authority entrusted with the commercial utilization of vacant railway land.
Tiruchirappalli: District/city where railway lands are being assessed and considered for development.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 502
TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.12.2025
USE OF RAILWAY LANDS IN TIRUCHIRAPPALLI
502. SHRI DURAI VAIKO:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that Tiruchirappalli district especially in
Ponmalai holds one of the largest land assets under Indian
Railways second only to Chennai in Tamil Nadu and if so, the
details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has taken any steps to assess and utilise
these vast land holdings in Trichy for commercial development,
railway-related infrastructure, logistics hubs or public amenities
and if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether there is any roadmap for unlocking the economic and
strategic potential of these underutilised railway lands in
Tiruchirappalli and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government considers establishing new industrial
parks, skill training centres or railway townships in these unused
areas and if so, the details thereof along with timeline for said
developments?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d): Land available with Railway is utilized for augmentation and
creation of infrastructure like multitracking, freight terminals,
maintenance facilities, etc. required from operational considerations.The vacant land which is not required for operational purposes in near
future is entrusted to Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) for
commercial utilization.
Ponmalai area in Tiruchirappalli city have major maintenance and
operational facilities on Indian Railways. Presently, many
infrastructures related projects have been taken up on about 114
acres of this land. Further, about 244 acres of Railway land has been
identified for future developmental works.
In addition, RLDA has also been entrusted about 11.62 acres of land
for commercial utilization in Tiruchirappalli area.
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