Sabari rail line: Kerala can construct rail line with cooperation of neighbouring states

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has received a recommendation that the Sabari rail line should be constructed with the cooperation of southern states on the Konkan Railway model. Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Telangana should be brought in as partners in the project. The recommendation was made to the Chief Minister by the Sabari Rail Action Council Federation. The government is expected to study the feasibility of this suggestion.

The total cost of the project is Rs 3,801 crore, of which the Railways expects Kerala to contribute Rs 1,900.47 crore. However, due to the state’s financial crisis, it is not possible for Kerala to bear this cost alone. If each of the above-mentioned states contributes Rs 317 crore, the project can be implemented quickly. In February, the Chief Minister had written to the Centre requesting an increase in the state's borrowing limit in order to meet its share. The project remains stalled due to ongoing disputes.

The Angamaly–Erumeli Sabari railway line would provide fast and safe access to Ayyappa devotees from across South India.

It has been suggested that Kerala should present the project to the other states and seek their support. The recommendation also includes forming a Sabari Railway Corporation with participation from all southern states.

Crowdfunding from the public can also be considered. Contributions from industrialists, organizations, Ayyappa devotees, and expatriates should be accepted. The government should start a dedicated website and a special account for this purpose.

RS 142 crore allocated, but can’t be spent
Though Rs 142 crore has been allocated for the project in the central budget, the funds cannot be utilized. This is due to a Railway Board order issued in September 2019, which froze the project. The funds can only be spent if Kerala signs an agreement to share half of the cost.

Konkan model – A proven success

• For the 741 km Konkan railway, the total cost was Rs 3,375 crore. The Railways contributed Rs 408 crore, Maharashtra Rs 176 crore, and Goa and Kerala Rs 48 crore each to acquire shares.
• The remaining funds were raised from the domestic market through bonds. Rs 144 crore was allocated for land acquisition.
• To repay the bonds, an additional fee was levied on tickets through the Konkan route — Rs 120 for sleeper class and Rs 300 for AC class.
• Constructed under the leadership of E. Sreedharan, the Konkan route includes 92 tunnels, 149 major bridges, and 1,819 minor bridges, and was completed in just seven and a half years.