Thiruvananthapuram:  A meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday decided to seek approval from the central government for implementing the Sabari Rail Project through the Angamaly - Erumeli - Nilakkal route in an expanded manner. According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), if approved, the first phase will focus on completing the Angamaly-Erumeli-Nilakkal route as a single line. Track doubling may be considered during subsequent development phases.

Plans to connect to Vizhinjam seaport
Vijayan highlighted that the expansion should be seen as a potential catalyst for Kerala's growth. “In the future, this project could be developed as a connection to Vizhinjam, where an International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport has been established, instead of the currently considered Chengannur - Pamba project by the central government,” the Chief Minister said.

Railway alignment study and feasibility
The move follows ongoing studies by the Railways on two possible alignments: one between Angamaly and Erumeli, and another from Chengannur to Pamba. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had previously stated that the more feasible alignment would be selected.

KIIFB to bear 50% of construction cost
The meeting also reaffirmed the state's decision for the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) to bear 50% of the construction cost. "The state will approach the central government to seek approval for excluding this amount from the borrowing limit," the statement added.

State rejects tripartite agreement with RBI
A significant decision was made to oppose the need for a tripartite agreement with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). If signed, this agreement would stipulate that if the state fails to pay its share of the project cost on time, the RBI would settle the amount with the Ministry of Railways by deducting it from Kerala's central assistance for various schemes.

Single track for now, potential for doubling later
In the initial phase, Kerala plans to develop the project with a single track, with the possibility of upgrading to a double track in future phases of development. This approach also differs from the central government’s original plan that called for a double line.

History and funding of the project
The 110-kilometre-long Sabari Railway line, originally proposed in the 1997-98 Railway budget, has faced delays due to funding issues. Land acquisition for the first 8 km has been completed, while a notification for the next 70 km was issued. However, the project was put on hold in 2019, halting the construction of necessary overbridges.

Initially funded entirely by the Railways, the Kerala government expressed its willingness in July 2021 to bear 50% of the revised Rs 3,800.93 crore cost through KIIFB. Despite this, the project has not yet been revived by the Railways.

Key attendees at the meeting
The meeting was attended by Minister V Abdurahiman, Chief Secretary Sharada Muraleedharan, and district officials including Ernakulam District Collector NSK Umesh, Idukki Collector V Vigneswari, and Kottayam Collector John V Samuel.

With PTI inputs