Congress leader and Kannur MP K. Sudhakaran on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) called for the decentralisation of railway administration by enabling routine railway-related decisions to be taken in Kannur instead of requiring approval from the Palakkad Railway Division office.
Speaking at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting held at the Collectorate auditorium, the MP said even minor issues require clearance from the Palakkad Railway Division office, causing unnecessary delays. He cited delays in issuing no-objection certificates to residents for construction work near railway tracks and urged Railway officials to evolve a local mechanism to resolve such matters promptly.
Additional District Magistrate P.N. Purushothaman, who chaired the meeting, suggested that Railway authorities examine the feasibility of setting up a temporary extension office in Kannur to address such issues
The MP also raised concerns over the delay in resolving issues affecting traders at Puthiyatheru in connection with the Valapattanam-Puthiyatheru road project. He told National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials that the matter remained unresolved and should be addressed without further delay.
He also pointed out that several complaints submitted to the NHAI had received no response. Although a proposal had been submitted for a bus waiting shelter at Muzhappilangad, the required no-objection certificate is yet to be issued.
The DISHA meeting decided that the Joint Director of the Local Self-Government department, the District Planning Officer and other officials would inspect the site identified for the Scheduled Caste drinking water project in Kolachery grama panchayat, where implementation has been delayed owing to the absence of a final land price.
Officials informed the meeting that Narath grama panchayat had earmarked ₹6 lakh for the Mathodam drinking water project. The meeting also discussed delays in sanctioning Mudra loan applications. Bank officials said instructions had been issued to dispose of loan applications up to ₹25 lakh within 15 days.
Mr. Sudhakaran highlighted the difficulties faced by students pursuing higher education outside the State owing to delays in the disbursal of education loans. He said students often fail to receive loan amounts even after classes begin. Officials said the delays could be linked to the non-submission of college affiliation certificates.
The MP urged officials to come forward with detailed project proposals, assuring them that schemes beneficial to the public would not be held up for want of funds.
Published – July 02, 2026 01:34 am IST
