Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is set to lead a crucial meeting on Tuesday to discuss the long-awaited Sabari rail project, a key development for enhancing connectivity in Kerala.
This strategic meeting will include District Collectors from Idukki, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, along with officials from the Railways and the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL). This joint venture aims to execute significant projects on a cost-sharing basis, highlighting the commitment of the State towards infrastructural growth.
In a recent breakthrough, the State has agreed to sign a tripartite agreement to advance the Angamaly-Sabari rail project, which has faced delays for years. This decision follows unaddressed requests to the Centre regarding exemptions on project costs from the State government’s borrowing limits.
Project Cost Overview
The total estimated cost of the project, primarily focused on establishing a rail link to Sabarimala, stands at approximately ₹3,800 crore, with the State responsible for half of the funding. This initiative is poised to integrate the high-range areas of Kerala into the rail network, significantly improving regional transportation.
Originally sanctioned in 1997-98, the Angamaly-Sabarimala rail line project, which will traverse via Erumeli, commenced with work on the Angamaly-Kaladi (7 km) segment and preparatory tasks on the Kalady-Perumbavoor (10 km) stretch. Unfortunately, progress has been hindered over the years due to various challenges, including local resistance against land acquisition.
Published – December 15, 2024 09:01 pm IST
