Souther Railway has frozen the Sabari rail line project that was sanctioned two decades ago, reports Mathrubhumi. The refusal of the state government to share 50 percent of the project expense and the difficulty in procuring land led to the decision.
Though the files regarding sharing of the expense between Railways and Kerala was tabled at Chief Minister’s office, no favourable response was given.
The project aimed at putting the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple into railway network was planned between Angamaly and Erumeli. Within the past 23 years, only 90 percent of the works between Angamaly and Kaladi was completed.
It was in 2015-16, the state government signed the agreement to share the railway development expenses which was later issued as an order.
The construction cost of the railway line, which was estimated at Rs 2800 crore in 2012, will now cost over Rs 5000 crore. 14 stations were planned for the 116 km long railway line between Angamaly and Erumeli. Rs 180.52 crore has been spent on the project till date.
Though a discussion was held between Southern Railway general manager John Thomas and the state government, no consensus was reached regarding the project. The engineering office for the rail line construction still functions in Kochi. As long as the state doesn’t agree to meet half the expense of the project, it will not be realised.
Source: Mathrubhumi News
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