Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday criticized the Kerala government for its lack of cooperation on railway projects, particularly the proposed Angamali-Sabarimala railway line. Addressing the Lok Sabha during the Question Hour, Vaishnaw emphasized that significant progress on railway projects in Kerala hinges on government support for land acquisition.
The minister’s remarks came in response to queries regarding the long-pending Angamali-Sabarimala railway line project, which has been sanctioned since 1997-98. Vaishnaw noted that the project is complex and requires active state government cooperation to move forward. He revealed that a new alignment for the railway line is currently under assessment.
Debate Over Alignment: Public Pushes for Shorter Chenganoor-Pamba Route
The proposed railway line spans approximately 111 km, but the original alignment falls about 35 km short of the Sabarimala shrine. Public demand has favored an alternative alignment from Chenganoor to Pamba, which is shorter at around 75 km and brings the line within 4 km of the shrine. A decision on whether to proceed with the old alignment or adopt the new one will depend on discussions with MPs and the Kerala government.
Vaishnaw explained that progress has stalled due to protests against land acquisition, legal challenges, and insufficient support from the Kerala government. He urged MPs to leverage their influence to secure state support for land acquisition, stating, “Projects can only be taken up if the state government supports land acquisition.”
Additionally, the minister addressed a query from Congress member Adoor Prakash about extending the Angamali-Sabarimala line to Vizhinjam International Seaport. Vaishnaw clarified that there is no direct connection between the port and the proposed railway line, with the nearest railhead being Nemom.
The minister concluded by reiterating that with adequate state support, more railway projects could be undertaken in Kerala, potentially enhancing the state’s infrastructure and connectivity.