Kochi: In a major setback for Kerala's ambitious Sabari rail project, the construction division of Indian Railways has proposed building a double track instead of the planned single track.

The project, also known as the Sabari railway project, is aimed at providing connectivity for pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple in Kerala.

A new letter regarding this was received by the state just before the high-level meeting called by the Chief Minister on Tuesday afternoon. This development has once again cast uncertainty over the previously considered plans for the Angamaly-Erumeli Sabari line.

Earlier, the railway had requested an updated estimate of ₹3,810 crore, with the assurance that the state would bear half of the construction costs. However, with the suggestion to construct a double track, the estimated cost is expected to rise to around ₹10,000 crore. The state's share of ₹5,000 crore seems impractical at the moment, considering the current financial situation.

Will the Sabari project be delayed?

The central government recently reaffirmed its commitment to realizing the project, as stated by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Parliament. This announcement raised hopes among the local population in the project area. However, the latest proposal has cast a shadow over these expectations.

Under the existing estimate of ₹3,810 crore, the Railway Department had earlier suggested a tripartite agreement, with the state covering half the cost. The tripartite agreement involves the state, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Railway Department. Under this arrangement, the state would pay a portion of the funds to the Railway, and if it is unable to do so, the Reserve Bank would release funds from central government allocations for various projects in Kerala.

The state has already paid ₹282 crore for land acquisition for the Sabari project. The meeting scheduled for Tuesday will see participation from the Collectors of Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam, as well as officials from various departments.