No plans to close down Palakkad Division: Railway rejects media reports as ‘entirely speculative’

However, in a statement issued today, the Palakkad Division authorities categorically made it clear that there have been no discussions, proposals, or plans regarding the closure or establishment of any new division.

Also Read: Kerala court hands life sentence to man for murder of 21-year-old woman pharmacist 

‘Media reports cause confusion, concern’

They further criticised the media, charging that such news reports have caused unnecessary confusion and concern among the public.

“It has come to our attention that these reports are entirely speculative and devoid of any factual basis,” the statement said.

Apparently indicating the Kerala minister’s intense criticism, it said that the response from certain individuals of prominence, who have reacted to these reports without verifying the accuracy of the claims, only served to exacerbate the situation.

Quoting Divisional Railway Manager Arun Kumar Chaturvedi, the statement further stated that these news reports were “purely baseless” and there were no such plans for the closure of Palakkad Division.

Registering the state government’s strong protest, Minister Abdurahiman said on Sunday that the reported move to close down the Palakkad Division was an example of the union government’s continued “neglect and vindictive approach” towards the southern state.

“Kerala continues to be grossly neglected in terms of railway development. Amidst this, the existing systems are also being phased out,” he had alleged.

Abdurahiman also wanted the people to raise a strong protest against the Centre’s reported move to close down the Palakkad Division.

(Disclaimer: The headline, subheads, and intro of this report along with the photos may have been reworked by South First. The rest of the content is from a syndicated feed, and has been edited for style.)