THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The construction work of the Angamaly-Sabari railway line, which Kerala has been waiting for for decades, is about to begin. This was decided in a discussion held by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Kerala State Railways Minister V Abdurahiman also attended the meeting.

An expert team from the Centre will reach Kerala soon. It was agreed that the land acquisition process for the line will begin in July itself. The preparation of third and fourth lines from the north to the south of Kerala was also discussed in the meeting. There was a positive response from the Union Minister in this regard too.

The line proposed from Angamaly to Erumeli in the 1997-98 Railway Budget is 111.48 km long. Land acquisition of 8 km has been completed. Construction of 7 km between Angamaly and Kalady has also been completed.

With this, a new world of rail connectivity and development is opening up for Kerala. This line will be of great help to Sabarimala pilgrims. It will also boost the economic growth of Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts. It also has the distinction of being the first line to link the Idukki district with the railways.