Setback for greenfield corridor dream: Centre hints no plans to extend Sabari Line to Vizhinjam port

New Delhi: The Union government hinted on Wednesday that Indian Railways has no immediate plans to conduct a feasibility study for extending the Angamali-Sabari railway line from Erumeli to Balaramapuram and converting it into a greenfield corridor to Vizhinjam International Seaport. This information was provided in response to an unstarred question posed by Kerala MP Hibi Eden.

Previously, the State government proposed extending the Angamali-Erumeli Sabari rail line to Thiruvananthapuram, potentially transforming transportation in Kerala. The extension to Vizhinjam seaport, which would cost an additional Rs 1,000 crore, is considered crucial for linking the future Sabarimala international airport. The revised Sabari line project is estimated at Rs 3,810 crore. Initial surveys in 2013 were halted due to low return projections; however, increased traffic and cargo demands now make the extension more viable. The extension would add approximately 160 km to the rail network, including Nedumangad, meeting Railway norms. The project could be incorporated into the Rail Sagar Scheme to enhance connectivity.

Status of Sabarimala railway line project

Meanwhile, the union government in its reply elaborated on the status of the Angamali-Sabarimala railway line project. According to the government, the railway line was originally sanctioned in 1997-98, with initial work on the Angamali-Kaladi section and preliminary efforts on the Kaladi-Perumbavoor stretch. However, progress has stalled due to local protests over land acquisition, ongoing court cases, and insufficient support from the Kerala state government. The estimated cost of completing the project has been updated to Rs 3,726.95 crore by Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd. (KRDCL) and submitted to the Government of Kerala for approval and cost-sharing. The state government has yet to respond. Parallelly, attention has shifted to developing a new alignment from Chengannur to Pamba, aimed at providing a shorter route for Sabarimala Shrine pilgrims. "There is no relation between Sabarimala Rail project and Vizhinjam International Seaport,” the reply noted.

The response also noted that railway projects are evaluated based on various factors, including financial viability, operational needs, technical feasibility, and socio-economic impact, alongside ongoing projects and available funding.