The Southern Railway said on Thursday that it will fully fund 55 critical rail overbridges (RoB) in Kerala, given the State government’s inability to pitch in with its share of the cost.

“The out-of-the-way decision of the Railways for 100% funding of 55 ROBs is unprecedented and demonstrates its strong commitment towards public safety and seamless transport across Kerala,” the Southern Railway said in a statement here.

A total of 126 RoBs, for replacing busy level crossings, were sanctioned in Kerala on 50% cost-sharing basis between the Railways and the State government as per a standard cost-sharing model. However, the State government has not been able to provide funds for their agreed share, leading to delays in the construction of these projects.

Of the 55 RoBs, the Kerala government has been able to finalise plans and process land acquisition only for 18. These have been sanctioned once again by the Railways with 100% funding and funds to the tune of ₹95 crore have already been transferred to the State government towards the cost of land.

There are 65 more RoBs that have been held up for years either due to paucity of funds with the State or due to non-approval of plans and failure to acquire the land by the State government, Kerala Rail Development Coporation Ltd (KRDCL) and the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK), the Southern Railway said.