KRDCL Proposes Extension of Angamaly–Erumely Rail Line to Thiruvananthapuram
Kochi: Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) has recommended extending the proposed Angamaly–Erumely Sabarimala rail line up to Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Government had assigned KRDCL to study the feasibility of the extension.
The State Government has already decided to proceed with the Angamaly–Erumely rail line and is expected to consider a separate feasibility study for extending the corridor further south. The 111-km Angamaly–Erumely line will have 14 stations. Preparations are under way to reopen land acquisition offices, and once the notification is issued, the Railways are expected to lift the freeze on the project.
KRDCL is a joint venture between the Kerala Government and the Union Ministry of Railways.
Link to Nedumangad and Thiruvananthapuram
As part of a broader Railway policy to connect cities with populations exceeding 50,000 that currently lack rail access, Nedumangad has been identified for inclusion. Under the proposal, the rail line would be extended from Erumely to Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram district. This 160-km stretch is planned to have 13 stations.
The Railways had conducted a preliminary survey in 2013 to extend the Sabarimala rail line to Thiruvananthapuram, but the project did not move forward at the time due to low projected revenue.
KRDCL now points out that traffic conditions have changed significantly since then. Vehicle numbers have increased sharply, road expansion has reached its limits, and travel time on the MC Road has risen due to congestion. The corporation also notes that freight movement from the upcoming Vizhinjam International Seaport could become difficult to manage without a dedicated rail corridor.
Proposed Stations on the Extension
Erumely
Athikkayam
Perinad Road
Pathanamthitta
Konni
Pathanapuram
Punalur
Anchal
Kilimanoor
Venjaramoodu Road
Nedumangad
Kattakkada
Balaramapuram
If approved, the extended rail line is expected to significantly improve passenger and freight movement across central and southern Kerala.