State fails to support Sabari railway project benefiting Vizhinjam port and six districts

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state turned its back when the railway favored the Sabari railway (Angamali-Erumeli) which would benefit the Vizhinjam port and the hilly areas of six districts. The current position of the Railways is that it is ready to implement the frozen project in 2019. However, Southern Railway General Manager RN Singh stated that the project document could not be sent to the Railway Board as the state did not guarantee to cover 50 percent of the cost.

1900.47 crores to be spent by the state. Minister V Abdu Rahiman that the central government should provide this as a loan. The government is ready to take a foreign loan of 33,700 crores for Silverline and is dependent on the Center for this.

The plan, which was announced 27 years ago, was turned a blind eye until now, considering the railway and port connectivity. The project to bring train travel facilities to the hilly areas of Ernakulam, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts will also pave the way for the development of these areas. It will also be extended to Vizhinjam port by being included in the Railsagar project of the central government. Such a railway is necessary as the container movement from the port will be more than the roads can handle.

ADB, Japan's JICA, China's Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Germanbank are set to take loans from Silverline. Sabari Rail can also be taken in this way. 40 years repayment period. Even if the loan is not taken, 400 crores can be paid in installments over 5 years.

In 2021, the state issued an order to bear half the cost. The cost was 2815 crores then. 3800 crores when the estimate was revised. The state's position is that the reason for the 36% increase is central apathy and the excess liability cannot be taken.

Can be extended

1. From Erumeli can be extended to Vizhinjam via Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Pathanapuram, Punalur, Anchal, Kilimanoor, Venjarammoodu, Nedumangad, Kattakada, Balaramapuram.

2. Quick and cost-effective movement of cargo from Vizhinjam port is possible.

"The DPR has been handed over to the state government to bear 50% of the cost. The government has not confirmed."

-RN Singh,

GM, Southern Railway

"Kerala is in complete agreement if the state share is given as a loan by the Centre."

-Minister V. Abdurahiman