Thiruvananthapuram: The Railway Board has lifted the long-standing freeze on two major railway projects in Kerala- the Angamaly–Sabarimala and Guruvayur–Tirunavaya lines, reviving proposals that had remained stalled for several years.

State BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said official orders have now been issued, calling the move a major boost to Kerala’s development and pilgrimage infrastructure.

“Another landmark commitment delivered for Keralam, bringing us closer to the vision of #VikasitaKeralam,” Chandrasekhar said in a social media post.

The Angamaly–Sabarimala rail line is expected to significantly improve travel for lakhs of pilgrims visiting the hill shrine every year, while the Guruvayur–Tirunavaya line will ease connectivity between two major pilgrimage centres in central Kerala.

Chandrasekhar alleged that previous LDF and UDF governments failed to move the projects forward despite their importance. “That era of excuses is over. Today, it is clear who truly works for Keralam and protects its interests,” he said.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi also welcomed the decision, saying thousands of petitions had been submitted seeking the Guruvayur–Tirunavaya railway line. He said sustained discussions with Railway Board officials helped secure the clearance.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Southern Railway authorities for backing the projects, calling the decision a major step toward improving Kerala’s transport infrastructure and pilgrimage connectivity.