Chengannur-Pamba rail line gets green signal from Railway Board; construction to begin this financial year

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The dream rail line of Sabarimala devotees is all set to become a reality. The Railway Board has granted final approval for the Chengannur-Pamba high-speed rail line. The broad-gauge double-track project will be built at a cost of Rs 6,450 crore. As the central government considers it a flagship project, procedures will be completed in such a way that the construction will begin in this financial year itself. Only the Union Cabinet's approval remains, which is expected shortly.

The Southern Railway submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Railway Board last month. This DPR was given approval in the very next board meeting.

The Railway Board, which places a condition that the states should share financial responsibility for new projects, has not made it mandatory for this particular project. The aim is to develop a rail line to Sabarimala, a renowned pilgrimage site at the national level, at the full expense of the Railways. The state has expressed willingness to share the expense.

Kerala only needs to take care of land acquisition. Given the central government's keen interest in the project, the Union Environment and Forest ministries will grant clearance for forest land acquisition without raising any objections or delays. The central government's concern is that the state may cause delays.

Meanwhile, Railway officials opine that implementing the Angamali-Erumeli Sabari route and integrating it with the Pamba route would be beneficial. However, the Railway Board has maintained a stance against the Sabari route.

Vande Bharat model trains, service during pilgrimage season
1. Since the route passes through a forest area, green trains are being considered. The plan is to operate Vande Bharat model trains, with continuous services.
2. Train services will be limited to the pilgrimage season only. The railway track will remain closed during the rest of the year. It has not been decided whether to operate services on the five days of every Malayalam month when the temple is opened. If the Devaswom Board requests, Railways will consider it then.
3. A station will be built at Chengannur at a cost of Rs 360 crore. It will be located either at Madathilpadi or at the Hatchery area. With the new line connecting to the existing line, Chengannur station will become a junction.

59.23 km: Length of the path
177.80 hectares: Total land required for the project
23.03 hectares: Land acquired and handed over at Chengannur