Idukki pins hope on Dindigul-Kumily railway track project; TN in talks with Centre

Idukki natives were excited almost a year and a half ago upon hearing that the railway would lay tracks connecting Dindigul-Kumily soon. Due to multiple reasons, this idea never turned into reality. 

However, the Tamil Nadu government has reportedly taken the matter seriously and is keen to revive the project. The government is in talks with the Centre to revive the project. If everything goes well, the Idukki natives could benefit from the lower camp railway station, which will come up just 10 minutes away from Kumily. Currently, Bodinayakanur is the nearest station near Idukki, which is approximately 50 km away. 

Talks started in 2009 when the planning commission approved this initiative. According to the project, the proposed rail line from Dindigul to the lower camp will stretch over 100 km, covering stations like Cempatti, Vathalagundu, Periyakulam, Theni, Bodinayakanur, Tevaram and Cumbum. Tamil Nadu bears half of the project's estimated costs of over Rs 500 crore, with the remaining half borne by the Centre.

After the Madurai-Bodinayakanur railway became a reality, discussions about the Dindigul-Kumily railway line have resurfaced. If these two lines are connected to Theni, there will be a rail circuit that would improve transportation. 

If this initiative is successful, Idukki will have many benefits. The natives will have the first railway station within their reach. This will also help pilgrims travelling from neighbouring states to Sabarimala. There will be developments in the trade and tourism sectors. Additionally, it will help in the transportation of goods, including cardamom, black pepper, etc., from Kerala and vegetables from Tamil Nadu. It will also help in connecting with many commercial centres of Tamil Nadu.