Sabari Rail Project Back on the Fast Track

After years of delay, the long-pending Sabari rail project—aimed at connecting the Sabarimala temple with India’s railway network—has gained fresh momentum following renewed cooperation between the Kerala government and the Centre.

The breakthrough came during a meeting on 3 June 2025 in New Delhi between Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. An expert committee is expected to visit Kerala in July to assess the project and initiate land acquisition. However, the cost-sharing mechanism between the State and the Centre remains unresolved. While the Centre has asked Kerala to contribute 50% of the revised project cost of ₹3,810.69 crore, the State has proposed that funds raised via the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) be exempted from borrowing limits.

In response, the Centre has suggested a tripartite agreement involving Kerala, the Ministry of Railways, and the Reserve Bank of India, under which delayed payments could be recovered from Kerala’s share of Central assistance.

The 110-km Angamaly–Erumeli route has seen partial land acquisition and initial construction. During discussions, the State also reiterated its demands for the SilverLine semi-high-speed rail corridor, enhancements to Vande Bharat train services, and additional rail lines to reduce congestion in the existing network.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.