State to Bear 50% Cost of Angamaly–Sabarimala Rail Project, Centre Tells HC
Kochi: The Central government has informed the High Court that the Kerala government will bear 50% of the total cost for the proposed Angamaly–Sabarimala railway line project, marking a significant step toward reviving the long-pending infrastructure initiative.
According to an affidavit filed by Southern Railway, the state has expressed its willingness to contribute ₹1,900 crore—including land acquisition costs—with financial support from KIIFB, toward the total estimated project cost of ₹3,800.90 crore. The affidavit was submitted by Deputy Chief Engineer Shabin Asaf in response to a 2019 petition seeking judicial intervention to revive the project.
The High Court bench, comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice V.M. Syam Kumar, recorded the submissions and disposed of the petition filed by Sabari Railway Central Action Council secretary Jijo Joseph. While doing so, the court directed that the project must not be stalled again and should be completed expeditiously.
The project had earlier faced uncertainty primarily due to land acquisition challenges. In 2022, the High Court noted that the Railway Board had put the project on hold after the state withdrew its decision to share 50% of the cost, citing delays in finalising the alignment and acquiring land.
However, after prolonged discussions and renewed coordination, both the Central and State governments have now decided to move forward with the project. The affidavit also stated that, as per a January 27 communication, the Railway Board directed Southern Railway to share the approved alignment and detailed project report with state authorities. It further confirmed that land acquisition proceedings have already been initiated by the state.
The revival of the Angamaly–Sabarimala railway line is expected to significantly improve connectivity to the pilgrimage destination and boost regional development.