Angamaly–Sabarimala Sabari Rail Project Revived After Decades; Land Acquisition Begins
After decades of delay, two major railway infrastructure projects in Kerala — the Angamaly–Sabarimala (Sabari Rail) line and the Guruvayur–Tirunavaya line — have been revived following the Railway Board’s decision to lift the long-standing freeze. The move is being seen as a major boost to connectivity, freight movement, and pilgrimage infrastructure across central Kerala.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Central Government has been consistently and aggressively engaging with the Kerala State Government to restart the stalled projects. He expressed satisfaction that land acquisition has now begun, allowing both projects to regain momentum.
Historic Background and Revival
The Angamaly–Sabarimala railway project was officially sanctioned in the 1997–98 Union Railway Budget. However, the project remained stuck for years due to land acquisition hurdles and other procedural issues. Only about 7 km of rail line and a bridge were constructed after the original announcement.
Now, under the Modi-led Central Government, the project has regained momentum through renewed follow-up, funding support, and policy push. The Centre’s continuous engagement with state authorities has helped restart the implementation process.
Minister Vaishnaw said the Railways has deposited around ₹1,975 crore toward land acquisition and related works and has urged the Kerala Government to extend full cooperation to speed up execution. He also confirmed that he has written to the Chief Minister seeking support not only for these rail projects but also for completing 105 previously announced railway overbridges in the state.
He further noted that Kerala has been allocated ₹3,795 crore in recent Union Budget.
Project Cost and Land Acquisition Plan
The revised project estimate for the Angamaly–Sabarimala line stands at ₹3,810 crore.
State share (50%): ₹1,905 crore
Estimated land acquisition cost: ~₹1,400 crore
Total land required: about 416 hectares
Districts covered: Ernakulam, Idukki, and Kottayam
Under the cost-sharing arrangement, the state is responsible for acquiring and handing over land using its share of the funding.
The state government will issue an order next week to share half the cost of the Sabarimala project and acquire land. Minister V Abdurahiman called a meeting of Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki district collectors on Wednesday to issue a notification for land acquisition.
Angamaly–Sabarimala Line: 111 km with 14 Proposed Stations
The 111 km Sabari Rail corridor is designed to improve access to Sabarimala and open rail connectivity to several high-range and economically important regions. The proposed 14 stations are:
1. Angamaly (0 km)
Existing station to be upgraded as a junction. The Sabari line will diverge left from the Ernakulam track here.
2. Kalady (6.95 km)
Located on Kalady–Airport Road, about 5 km from Kochi International Airport. Station structure completed earlier; track laying up to here is already done.
3. Perumbavoor (16 km)
A major wood trade and rice processing hub with strong freight potential.
4. Odakkali (26 km)
Serves an agriculturally rich region with paddy, plantain, nutmeg, and rubber cultivation.
5. Kothamangalam (31 km)
Gateway to hill tourism — Munnar (80 km), Adimaly (50 km), Cheeyappara Waterfalls (30 km).
6. Muvattupuzha (40 km)
Near the upcoming Kochi–Theni Greenfield National Highway.
7. Vazhakulam (48 km)
Kerala’s Pineapple City; station planned near Thodupuzha Road.
8. Thodupuzha (55 km)
First railway station in Idukki district; near Kolani Bypass–Ramamangalam Road junction.
9. Karimkunnam (62 km)
Close to Moolamattom Powerhouse, FCI godown, and KINFRA Spices Park at Thudanganad.
10. Ramapuram (69 km)
Proposed at Pizhaku; land acquisition completed up to this stretch.
11. Bharananganam – for Pala (80 km)
At Deepthi Junction, about 6 km from Pala town.
12. Chemmalamattom (90 km)
About 5 km from Erattupetta; access point to high ranges.
13. Kanjirappally Road (100 km)
Near Parathodu; improves access to Thekkady (71 km), Vagamon (58 km), Peerumedu (35 km), Ponkunnam (9 km), Kuttikanam (32 km).
14. Erumeli (111 km)
Terminal station near MES College, 5 km from Erumeli town. About 43 km from Sabarimala and 8 km from the proposed Sabarimala Airport.
Guruvayur–Tirunavaya Line Also Restarted
Alongside Sabari Rail, the 35 km Guruvayur–Tirunavaya new line project has also been revived after the removal of the freeze. This project is expected to strengthen cross-district connectivity and improve access to major pilgrimage centers.
Kerala BJP President Rajeev Chandrasekhar earlier stated that official orders lifting the freeze have been issued and described the revival as a major boost to Kerala’s development and pilgrimage infrastructure.
With funding commitments made, land acquisition underway, and administrative clearances restored, the revival of these railway lines marks a critical turning point. Continued Centre–State coordination will determine how quickly these long-awaited rail corridors become operational and deliver their intended economic and social benefits.
For the #Angamaly- #Sabarimala project Central government has aggressively pursued the state government and they have started the land acquisition : Hon’ble Union Minister @AshwiniVaishnaw
— PIB in KERALA (@PIBTvpm) February 2, 2026
#ViksitBharatBudget #Budget2026 #Kerala @VSOMANNA_BJP @RailMinIndia @GMSRailway pic.twitter.com/edwNqIChKp