Extraordinary achievement within reach for LDF government in Kerala
Compared to other states, Kerala is lagging in railway development projects. The Union Minister in Parliament blamed Kerala's unwillingness to share the financial burden of projects and lack of interest in acquiring land as the reason for the delay. Meanwhile, Kerala criticised the neglect shown by the Union Railway Ministry for holding back rail development in the state.
The mudslinging over the issue would only further exacerbate the current stalemate. The focus should be on addressing the shortcomings that occurred on both sides and accelerating rail development in the future.
The completion of the Sabarimala railway line has been a long-held dream of Kerala. The Sabarimala railway line will benefit Ayyappa devotees from all over the country in their journey to the holy hills, and more importantly, in the development of the country. If the dream of a railway line to Erumeli, the gateway to Sabarimala, comes true, it will give a boost to the development of the hilly areas of Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki districts. We had published news the other day that the state is considering sharing half the cost of the Sabarimala railway line, which has been stalled for years. The Centre has assured that it will construct 111 km of the line if Kerala acquires the land at its own expense. Kerala should spend 1900 crores out of the total 3800 crores estimated for the project.
Kerala should immediately provide this amount through KIIFB without any other conditions. If that happens, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest achievements of the Left government and a matter of legacy. If the government shows laxity in proceeding with the project that will possibly introduce railway service to Idukki for the first time, a backlash is certain. The Sabari line was announced in the 1997-98 railway budget. The railways have already spent Rs 264 crore on the Sabari line. A seven-kilometre line has been built up to Kalady and a bridge across the Periyar. The remaining 104 kilometres of line from Kalady to Erumeli are still to be constructed.
Although the Centre has allocated Rs 200 crore in the last two budgets, the money has not been spent as the estimate has not been approved. The expenditure estimated at Rs 550 crore when it was announced has now increased to Rs 3800 crore. Kerala has to pay half of this. Every year, the state will have to spend Rs 400 crore for the project. This decision should be taken without further delay, and the steps to acquire 416 hectares of land in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki districts on a war footing should be completed within the tenure of this government. If made a reality, it will be a golden feather in the crown of this government.