Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Seeks Central Approval for Sabari Rail Project Expansion

A meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan decided to request central government approval for the Sabari Rail Project. The plan involves expanding the Angamaly - Erumeli - Nilakkal route. If approved, the first phase will complete this route as a single line. Track doubling might be considered during development. The project aims to boost Kerala's development significantly.

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The state government is moving forward as the Railways studies alignments between Angamaly and Erumeli, and Chengannur to Pamba. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav previously mentioned that the more feasible line would be chosen. The project could eventually connect to Vizhinjam, where an International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport is established, instead of the Chengannur - Pamba project currently considered by the central government.

Funding and Financial Considerations

The meeting also confirmed that KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board) will cover 50% of the construction cost. The state plans to ask the central government to exclude this amount from its borrowing limit. Additionally, there is opposition to a tripartite agreement involving the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). If such an agreement is signed, it would require RBI to pay the Ministry of Railways if Kerala fails to meet its financial obligations on time.

The Sabari railway line, spanning 110 kilometres from Angamaly to Erumeli, was proposed in the 1997-98 railway budget. Land acquisition for about eight kilometres has been completed, with a notification issued for acquiring land for the next 70 kilometres. However, a letter from the Railway Board dated September 26, 2019, stated that the project was put on hold, halting further construction activities.

Project Costs and State Contributions

The Railways asked Kerala to bear half of the Sabari project's cost. Initially funded entirely by Railway funds, Kerala agreed on July 1, 2021, to cover 50% of the estimated Rs 2,815 crore cost through KIFB. The revised estimate now stands at Rs 3,800.93 crore. Despite Kerala's willingness to share costs as requested by the Railway Board, the project remains stalled.

Attendees at the meeting included Minister V Abdurahiman, Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh, Idukki Collector V Vigneswari, and Kottayam Collector John V Samuel.