THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the revision and submission of the estimate as per the central directive, Sabari Railway is on the path of realization. The new estimate is Rs 3347.35 crore. In 2017, it was Rs 2,815 crore. Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnow had assured in the Lok Sabha that a final decision would be taken after receiving a revised estimate.

The state has also started trying to include the Sabari project in the PM-Gati Shakti mission. The state has informed the Centre that half of the cost of the Sabari Railway will be borne. Kerala also said that it could be built by engineering procurement construction (EPC) method at 20 percent less cost than railways. Kerala has waived the Railways' 30 per cent establishment charge for land acquisition. More than Rs 900 crore is required to acquire land. When the estimate of 70 km of track was revised in 2016, a proposal to conduct a physical survey of the remaining 41 km was made. The estimate was revised by conducting aerial survey (lidar) using a small aircraft. The estimate will be forwarded to the Railway Board after scrutiny by the Chief Administrative Officer of Southern Railway.

The Angamaly-Kaladi 7 km stretch of the Sabari Railway announced in the 1997-98 railway budget has been constructed so far. 104 km rail between Kaladi and Erumeli is yet to be constructed. Railways have spent Rs 264 crore. Twenty years ago, land deals of 900 people were frozen. They are unable to sell or mortgage their land.

Benefits of Sabari Railway

Train travel in hilly districts

Development of Sabarimala

Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts will be developed

Beneficial for tourism, freight and trade

If it is extended to Punalur, it will be connected to Tamil Nadu

Cost when Sabari Railway was announced-Rs 517 crore

Current estimated cost- Rs 3347.35 crores