THIRUVANANTJAURAM: The government is intensifying pressure on the Centre for the Angamaly-Erumely-Sabari rail line project, aiming to fully utilize Vizhinjam Port for the state's development. The demand is to extend the line from Erumeli to Vizhinjam in a way that would open a trade and commercial corridor through central Kerala. Additionally, the government has requested the Ministry of Finance to include this in the interest-free loan scheme for infrastructure development.

Both sides of the rail line will have logistic hubs and economic, commercial, agricultural, and trade zones. Container movement towards the north will become smooth. Industries like furniture, rice, plywood, rubber, spices, and pineapple will grow. The port-centred blue economy will spread up to the central part of Kerala. The Plantation Corporation and Harrison estates, which were given on lease, could be reclaimed and industrial parks could be established on them. The government announced that it will acquire 10,000 acres of private land for port-related industries.

Perumbavoor is a major timber trade hub. Numerous rice mills operate in Kalady and Perumbavoor. The development will benefit Vazhkkulam, Spices Park in Thodupuzha, and tourist centres such as Munnar, Bhoothathankettu, Elaveezhapoonchira, Vagamon, Kuttikanam and Thekkady. The proposed Sabarimala airport is only eight km away from Erumeli.

1. When the container movement from the port becomes full-fledged, the roads will be unable to handle it. The existing railway lines will also be insufficient. The Sabari Railway line is essential.
2. The cargo movement will cause traffic congestion on MC Road. The parallel Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Greenfield corridor will also be insufficient. If the Sabari rail line comes up, a separate line can be built exclusively for cargo movement.
3. The government has a project called Rail Sagar to build rail lines to ports. The plan is to build a 2100 km track. The state will not have to bear any cost