Regarding need to include Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in the vision 2030 Infrastructure Upgrade Initiative-Laid

Regarding need to include Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala in the vision 2030 Infrastructure Upgrade Initiative-Laid DR. SHASHI THAROOR (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM): I wish to draw the attention of the Hon?ble Minister of Railways to the inexplicable exclusion of Thiruvananthapuram from the Ministry?s recently announced Vision 2030 Infrastructure Upgrade Initiative covering 48 major cities. While the objective of decongesting urban rail hubs by enhancing train-originating capacity is most welcome, the omission of Kerala?s capital city is a serious administrative anomaly. Thiruvananthapuram is not only a major revenue-generating station but also the Headquarters of the Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division, one of the six divisions of Southern Railway, managing over 625 route kilometres. Thiruvananthapuram Central continues to face acute congestion, compounded by long-pending satellite terminal projects at Nemom and Kochuveli. As an emerging IT hub and a key tourism gateway to the southern tip of the country, the city?s operational and strategic importance cannot be overlooked. I, therefore, urge the Hon?ble Minister to review this omission and ensure the inclusion of Thiruvananthapuram in the Vision 2030 initiative, so that infrastructure development aligns with the administrative and operational realities of the region.