Boosting connectivity for Kerala: Realizing the potential of Vizhinjam Port and the Sabaripath

Vizhinjam Port, poised to become a significant catalyst for Kerala's future development, is set to become operational in a few months. However, the anticipated boost is hampered by the incomplete railway line connecting the port, even as it prepares to welcome huge cargo ships. This delay can be attributed to the lack of timely execution of essential infrastructure projects. Initial arrangements for an underground railway from Vizhinjam to Balaramapuram are underway, with plans to connect this route to the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari railway line passing through Balaramapuram. The railways need to be prepared to handle the expected surge in cargo movement once Vizhinjam port is fully operational. Additionally, road development is crucial.

In this context, a new rail development plan submitted by the state government to the Railway Board is noteworthy. The proposal to extend the Angamali-Erumeli Sabari railway line to Thiruvananthapuram has been submitted to the Centre. Construction of the Sabari Path, initiated many years ago, has only seen ten kilometers completed. Efforts to realize the Sabari Path, beneficial to the state in general and the hilly region in particular, have now gained momentum. Extending this route to the capital city is a relevant demand, as it would alleviate the increasing road traffic congestion.

The estimated cost of the proposed Angamali-Erumeli railway is Rs. 3800 crores. When the project was first conceived, the construction could have been completed at a quarter of this cost. The need and relevance of the Sabari Path, long delayed, are now being recognized. The project document indicates that an additional Rs. 1000 crores would be sufficient to extend the railway from Erumeli to the capital city. The state government is expected to bear half of the construction cost of the Sabari road. Given its commitment to the Rs. 1 lakh crore expressway project, the government should be able to manage half the cost of the Sabari railway.

Last year's Union Budget included a proposal to integrate all towns with populations exceeding half a million into the railway network. Based on this, the Sabari Path could be included in the Rail Sagar project. With the project submitted to the Railway Board, it is crucial to galvanize efforts to bring it to fruition. Setting aside political differences, the state government and MPs should collectively advocate for this essential project. As preparations for the next Union Budget begin, all necessary stakeholders should be engaged to ensure that this demand is met without compromise.