Chengannur-Pamba link to be developed as semi-high speed railway track
Chengannur: The railways have decided to develop the proposed Chengannur-Pamba railway link as semi-high speed railway track. Services will run on the double-tracked transit system only during the Sabarimala season. By travelling on the 60 kms stretch, one would be able to reach Pamba from Chengannur in just 45 minutes.
Vande Bharat trains will be used for running the service. There will be continuous services during the period. Railway chief administrative officer (construction) Shaji Skaria presented the draft plan of the project in a meeting held at the Chengannur railway station on Thursday, in the presence of MP Suresh Kodikunnil.
The survey procedures for the project are currently underway. Soil testing for the stretch between Chengannur-Vadasserikkara has been carried out. The approval of the forest department for carrying out soil-testing on the stretch between Vadasserikkara-Pamba is being awaited. The proposed track will not just be laid along the banks of Pamba river.
Earlier, there were rumours that the Chengannur-Pamba sky rail will be coming into existence. However, the railway officials have dismissed such rumours. 11.80 hectares of land will be acquired for the proposed project. However, the railways have not exactly estimated the budget for the project. The total expenditure can be determined only after preparing the final DPR.
A new station will be constructed along with the proposed Chengannur-Pamba railway line. The station is likely to be constructed in Madathil Padi or Hatchery. With the clubbing of the new railway line with the existing network, Chengannur station will transform into a junction.
Regions including Chengannur, Aranmula, Vadasserikkara, Nilakkal and Pamba are likely to have tunnel stations. The proposed railway line is likely to pass through places including Chengannur municipal council, Mallapuzhassery, Aranmula, Kozhencherry, Cherukol, Vadasserikara, Ranni, Keekozhoor, Seethathode, Athikkayam and Perunad.