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The Kerala government has decided to bear 50 per cent of the cost of the long-pending Angamaly Erumely Sabari railway project, committing INR 1,900 crore through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board. The decision aims to remove funding bottlenecks that have delayed the project for over two decades. The 110 km rail line is intended to improve connectivity to Sabarimala and support development in central and southern districts of the state. The total project cost is now estimated at INR 3,800.9 crore.
The Kerala government has decided to share half the cost of the Angamaly-Erumely Sabari railway project, clearing a major hurdle that has stalled the project for years. The state will contribute INR 1,900 crore through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), while the remaining cost will be borne by Indian Railways. Advertisement
The Sabari rail line, stretching about 110 km, was first proposed in the Railway Budget of 1997-98. It is designed to improve rail connectivity across Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts, with a focus on providing a safer and more reliable travel option for Sabarimala pilgrims. Despite repeated approvals in principle, the project failed to move forward mainly due to disagreements over cost sharing and delays in land acquisition.
The total cost of the project has risen sharply over the years and is now estimated at INR 3,800.9 crore, compared with earlier estimates of around INR 2,815 crore. Of the revised cost, about INR 1,361 crore is earmarked for land acquisition, while construction costs are estimated at around INR 2,439.93 crore. The project requires acquisition of approximately 303.58 hectares of land across multiple districts.
The state cabinet decision follows discussions with the Union government, which had made it clear that the project would move ahead only if Kerala agreed to bear 50 per cent of the cost. The state government has stated that despite Kerala contributing significantly to railway revenues, several rail projects in the state have seen slow progress, making it necessary for the state to step in financially to avoid further delays.
District administrations have been instructed to begin the land acquisition process, and the state will formally inform the Railway Ministry of its commitment. The government has also reiterated its longer-term plan to extend the Sabari rail line beyond Erumely through Punalur and Nedumangad, eventually linking it to Vizhinjam International Seaport, though the current approval is limited to the Angamaly-Erumely stretch.
Land acquisition challenges and rising costs have remained the biggest obstacles for the project over the past two decades. With funding clarity now in place, officials expect preparatory work to gain momentum, subject to timely coordination between state agencies and Indian Railways.
Source PTI
FAQ
Q1. What decision has the Kerala government taken on the Sabari railway project?
The Kerala government has agreed to bear 50 per cent of the cost of the Angamaly-Erumely Sabari railway project, a move that resolves a long-standing funding issue. The state will contribute INR 1,900 crore through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board, while Indian Railways will fund the remaining portion. This decision is expected to help restart progress on a project that has remained delayed for more than two decades.
Q2. What is the scope and purpose of the Angamaly-Erumely Sabari rail line?
The Sabari railway project involves constructing a 110 km rail line connecting Angamaly to Erumely. The line is intended to improve rail connectivity in central and southern Kerala, covering districts such as Ernakulam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta. A key objective is to provide a safer, more reliable transport option for Sabarimala pilgrims, especially during the peak pilgrimage season, while also supporting regional development.
Q3. Why has the project been delayed for so many years?
Although the project was first announced in the Railway Budget of 1997-98, it has faced repeated delays due to disagreements over cost sharing between the state and the Centre, along with persistent land acquisition challenges. While approvals were granted in principle at different stages, the absence of a clear financial commitment from the state prevented Indian Railways from moving ahead with execution.
Q4. What is the current estimated cost of the project and how is it structured?
The total cost of the Sabari railway project is now estimated at INR 3,800.9 crore, a sharp increase from earlier estimates of around INR 2,815 crore. Of the revised amount, about INR 1,361 crore has been allocated for land acquisition, while construction-related expenses are estimated at approximately INR 2,439.93 crore. Around 303.58 hectares of land will need to be acquired across multiple districts.
Q5. What steps will be taken next to move the project forward?
Following the cabinet decision, district administrations have been directed to initiate the land acquisition process. The state government will also formally communicate its funding commitment to the Railway Ministry. With clarity on cost sharing now in place, officials expect preparatory activities such as surveys, land acquisition and coordination between state agencies and Indian Railways to gain momentum.
Q6. Are there plans to extend the Sabari rail line beyond Erumely?
Yes, the Kerala government has reiterated its longer-term vision of extending the Sabari rail line beyond Erumely through Punalur and Nedumangad, eventually linking it to Vizhinjam International Seaport. However, the current approval and funding commitment are limited to the Angamaly-Erumely section. Any extension beyond this stretch would require separate approvals and financial arrangements at a later stage.
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