Sabari rail project, touted to be the conduit for the economic development of central Kerala districts has hit a roadblock. Central government and state keep divergent opinions on the project and it doesn’t require any Morse code to predict the outcome. It is a pity that the project first announced two decades back, getting huge responses from people, is still nowhere near commencement. The project has just completed the first seven kilometres of construction.
The central government suggested a dual carriageway extending from Angamaly to Erumeli. But Kerala opposed the idea of dual carriageway in the high-level meeting held the other day. The Chief Minister's position was that the state would not be able to bear the required funds.
In the current scenario, it is difficult for the state to accept the proposals put forward by the Centre. The state is also against the central proposal to proceed with a tripartite agreement regarding the construction of the Sabari rail path. In the discussion, Kerala clarified that it can bear half of the cost through KIIFB. Kerala has also put forward a condition that it should not be included in the borrowing limit. It is not certain whether the Center will agree to this as it does not yield to such demands from states on borrowing issues.
The Reserve Bank is ready to lend half of the funds required for the Sabari Path, estimated to cost Rs 3810 crore, as a loan to Kerala. However, Kerala needs to sign a tripartite agreement with the Reserve Bank for the money to fall into their hands.
In short, the situation is not conducive for the state government to undertake the project. The Railway Board has raised the demand to make the Sabari Path double-track and extend it to Pamba. The project will require Rs 9000 crore and the state will have to pay Rs 4500 crore. Minding the current financial straits, it is likely that the state will back out from the suggestion.
If a government is steadfast in completing a project, they will find money by any means. If not capable, it would be advisable to not deceive people by clamouring slogans of ‘Development’ during every electoral season. If such is the pattern of the ruling party, all big projects in Kerala will remain as a paper tiger.
Efforts have been going on for two decades to double the Kayamkulam-Eranakulam road similar to the Thiruvananthapuram - Kanyakumari road. It took more than two decades to complete the doubling of the Shornur - Mangalore road. Minding the current developments, Sabari won’t be happening anytime soon. People who were drawn into the empty promises of politicians are heading for disappointment.