THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government has given the go-ahead for the Angamaly-Sabari railway line, which could play a pivotal role in the development of Central Kerala. The total cost of the project is 2815 crore. The state cabinet has decided to bear half the expenses which is an amount of Rs 1407.5 crore. The Sabari rail line via Erumeli was announced in the 1997-98 Railway Budget. The project was conceived with a view to facilitate pilgrims from different parts of the country to visit Sabarimala and to develop the southeastern parts of the state. But the railways were not interested in implementing the project. The Railways later decided that the state should bear half of the construction cost. When the project was announced, the cost was just Rs 517 crore. As the National Pilgrimage Center, the Chief Minister asked the Prime Minister to implement the project at the expense of the Railways, but to no avail. With this, the state government decided to bear half of the cost.
The railway ministry will have to look after and maintain the Angamaly-Sabari line. The government also considered the possibility of extending it to Tamil Nadu in the future if it is extended to Punalur. The decision of the Railways in this regard will be decisive.
Angamali -Erumeli railway line