Kerala’s ₹1,900 Crore Move to Save the Sabari Project

Kerala has taken a decisive step to fast-track the long-delayed Sabari rail project by agreeing to bear 50 percent of the project cost.

On 5 February 2026, the State Cabinet approved an allocation of ₹1,900 crore for the Angamaly–Erumeli railway line, with funding to be routed through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). With this decision, Kerala becomes the first state in the country to commit such a substantial share towards the execution of a railway project.

First proposed in the 1997–98 Railway Budget, the Sabari rail project has faced delays for more than 25 years due to funding constraints and land acquisition challenges. The total project cost has now escalated to ₹3,800.90 crore, up from ₹2,815 crore in 2021.

The 110-km railway line will pass through the districts of Ernakulam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta, providing vital connectivity to the eastern hill regions of the state. It will link the pilgrimage town of Erumeli with major urban centres such as Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, and Pala, supporting passenger movement, trade, and overall regional economic development.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.