Kerala to provide Rs. 1900 crore for Sabari rail project, clearing path for revival

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has confirmed its readiness to contribute its share of Rs. 1900.47 crore for the Sabari rail project. The Chief Secretary issued a letter to the Railways following instructions from the Chief Minister. This commitment is aimed at securing funds from KIIFB and ensuring that this amount does not affect the state's borrowing limit by including it in public debt.

Kerala Kaumudi had previously reported that the project faced a crisis due to the state's failure to cover half of the cost. The total expenditure for the Sabari rail project is estimated at Rs. 3800.94 crore, with Kerala required to provide Rs. 1900.47 crore. The Railways had previously frozen the project in 2019, citing the lack of financial assurance. With this new assurance from Kerala, the Railways are expected to lift the freeze order.

Additionally, Rs. 200 crore allocated in two central budgets for the project was reportedly wasted, with only Rs. 100 crore sanctioned in the current budget. The state government had delayed its financial contribution, citing challenges related to reduced borrowing limits.

In other transportation developments, the Center is considering the Chengannur-Pampa 75 km elevated road project. However, there is skepticism about its future viability due to low traffic except during the 45-day mandalakalam.

Progress on the Sabari rail project includes the completion of a 7 km rail and bridge on the 111 km Angamali-Erumeli road, with Rs. 264 crore spent. Land acquisition efforts have begun, with stones laid up to Ramapuram. The project is expected to benefit Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts by extending rail connectivity to hilly areas previously unserved.

Future plans include extending the line to Punalur and potentially to Vizhinjam port, creating a new 271 km railway route with 26 new stations and possibly establishing a new Railway Division.

To complete the project:

- Acquisition of 274 hectares of land

- Construction of 14 stations

- Development of a 13 km tunnel

- Laying of a concrete track