Chengannur-Pamba rail line project abandoned, obstacles to Sabarimala route removed

NEW DELHI: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Rajya Sabha that the Chengannur-Pamba 75-km railway project has been abandoned after a survey found it to be impractical. The minister clarified that the obstacles to the Angamaly-Erumeli Sabarimala route to ensure connectivity to Sabarimala have been removed, and the project will be completed.

The Chengannur-Pamba project to provide connectivity to Sabarimala was considered when the land acquisition for the Sabari route was stalled due to protests by the local residents. Steps have been taken to implement the Sabari Line with the help of the state government at a new estimated cost of Rs 3,801 crore. The Railway Ministry has initiated the land acquisition process on the understanding that the state government will bear 50% of the project cost. The state government gave in to this after several requests. It is not known if it is due to election pressure. It will be ensured that the work continues even after the elections. The project will become a reality if the BJP comes to power, the minister said.

High-speed rail can be considered

The Railway Minister said that the Silver Line proposed by the Kerala government is not feasible as it will lead to environmental problems. The high-speed rail can be considered if the state government is interested. In response to a question from John Brittas and Adv Haris Beeran about the opening of E Sreedharan's office for the high-speed rail, the Railway Minister said that he is a person respected by the country and steps that help railway development are welcomed. 'Sreedharan is a person who knows technology and I also seek advice from him,' the Minister said.

Only 14% land acquired

The Railway Minister said that out of the 476 hectares required for various railway projects, only 65 hectares (14%) of the land has been acquired in Kerala. "Land acquisition is a big problem. The support of the state government is essential. Railway development is not possible without the cooperation of the state. The Railways has invested 1975 crores for land acquisition in Kerala. It is a challenge that train services cannot be stopped for station renovation. Currently, out of the six projects worth 3,250 crores that are progressing in Kerala, 46 km of new track and 94 km of track doubling are yet to be completed."

To be acquired

(Area in acres)

Angamaly Sabarimala Railway Line............................392

Doubling of Ernakulam-Kumbalam line................... One

Doubling of Kumbalam-Thuravoor line...............................One

Doubling of Shornur-Vallathol line............. Five