Kerala Cabinet Approves 1,905 Crore KIIFB Funding for Sabari Rail Project, State to Bear 50 Per Cent of Project Cost

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Cabinet has taken a crucial decision to realise the long-cherished Sabari Rail project, approving the State’s commitment to bear 50% of the project cost. The Cabinet decided to provide 1,905 crore rupees through KIIFB for the Angamaly–Erumeli Sabari Railway project.

This marks a historic first in India, where a State government has stepped in to fund a railway project by sharing such a significant portion of the cost.

First proposed in the 1997–98 Railway Budget, the Angamaly–Sabari Railway is considered a vital project for Kerala’s overall development, particularly for the economic progress of the hilly regions. The 110km-long railway line will provide a safe and convenient travel option for Sabarimala pilgrims, while also giving a major boost to the economic growth of the eastern highland areas of Ernakulam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts.

Once completed, the project will enable easy rail connectivity from Angamaly on National Highway 66 to towns such as Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, and Pala.

As part of the first phase, land acquisition for 8 km has already been completed. Construction work for nearly 90 per cent of the 7 km stretch between Angamaly and Kalady had been completed years ago. Even though land acquisition notifications were issued for the remaining stretches, they have since lapsed, necessitating the process to restart from scratch (de novo).

The project has remained stalled for over 25 years due to hurdles in land acquisition and the failure to allocate adequate funds in successive Railway Budgets.

As per Government Order (G.O.(Ms) No. 1/2021/Trans dated 07.01.2021), the State government had already informed that 50 per cent of the project cost would be met through KIIFB funding. While the estimated cost stood at 2,815 crore rupees at that time, it has now risen to 3,800.9 crore rupees, of which the State will bear half.

The project requires the acquisition of 303.58 hectares of land, with an estimated 1,361 crore rupees for land acquisition and 2,439.93 crore rupees for construction. Land acquisition will take place in Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam districts.

The Cabinet has directed revenue authorities to initiate land acquisition procedures immediately and decided to inform the Union Railway Ministry of the State’s decision.

It was also noted that the State government had earlier allocated 5,580 crore rupees through KIIFB for national highway development projects in Kerala.