Representational pic
| Photo Credit: NAJEEB KK
After decades of uncertainty and repeated delays, the Sabari rail project is showing signs of revival, rekindling hopes among nearly 5,000 landowners whose properties have remained under the shadow of acquisition for more than two decades.According to official sources, the detailed field survey and preparation of drawings and related documents are set to resume along the 70-km stretch of the proposed alignment. The primary focus will be on to identifying and restoring the survey stones laid along the route, many of which have either been displaced or lost over the years. At the same time, the State government is considering a proposal to reopen the land acquisition offices that became defunct after the project lost momentum. “Once the proposal receives approval from the Finance department, the land acquisition process can also be revived,” sources said.The renewed activity follows the State Cabinet’s decision earlier this year to bear 50% of the project’s estimated cost of Rs.3,800 crore. Of this, Rs.1,361 crore has been earmarked for completing pending land acquisition proceedings.The project, meanwhile, has also received a fresh boost with the Railways initiating steps to examine the feasibility of establishing a cargo terminal at the proposed Thodupuzha station. In a letter to MP Dean Kuriakose, the Union Railway Minister stated that the issue relating to land acquisition for the terminal had been forwarded for official examination.Prolonged disputesSanctioned in the 1997-98 Railway Budget, the Sabari rail project was conceived as a key rail link connecting Kerala’s eastern high ranges while improving access for Sabarimala pilgrims. It was also expected to create a new economic corridor through the State’s interior regions. However, prolonged disputes over cost sharing and alignment issues repeatedly stalled its progress.For thousands of landowners between Angamaly and Pala, the prolonged delay has come at a considerable cost. With their properties notified for acquisition, many have been unable to sell, develop or make long-term investments on their land even as the project remained in limbo. The proposed resumption of work, the first major field-level activity since the second round of the Full Location Survey in 2018, is being viewed as a clear indication that the project may finally progress towards implementation.The proposal for a cargo terminal is expected to further strengthen the economic rationale of the rail line. According to Jijo Joseph Panchiani, secretary of the Sabari Rail Action Council (SARC), the facility could significantly enhance the commercial viability of the route by attracting freight traffic from across Central Travancore. “Coupled with roll-on roll-off (RoRo) train services, the terminal has the potential to transform logistics in the region. Agricultural produce such as spices and pineapple from Vazhakulam, along with industrial products including plywood and other manufactured goods, could be transported to markets in North India more efficiently and at lower cost.” he said. Published - May 30, 2026 07:39 pm IST
