A route map of the proposed Sabari Rail
Although the Revised Budget envisages an integrated connectivity network to harness Kerala’s emerging growth potential, there is no mention of the proposed high-speed rail project and several other key transport infrastructure initiatives that the State has been pursuing. Though technocrat E. Sreedharan submitted a detailed interim report prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) well ahead of the Budget, it made no mention of the project.Instead, the State government has reiterated its commitment to pursuing the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Light Metro projects, which have been promised by successive governments over the years. An amount of ₹20 crore has been allocated for the Light Metro projects, including feasibility studies for the Kozhikode Light Metro project. On the other hand, there is no clarity on the State’s commitment to providing its 50% share for the Sabari Rail project linking the Sabarimala temple with the national rail network.Uncertainty over SabariThe previous government had agreed to bear the State’s share of ₹1,900 crore for the 111-km Sabari Rail project. It had proposed to meet half of the project cost through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). However, uncertainty continues around the future of the project, as the present government is of the view that KIIFB’s functioning needs to be revamped. To this end, it has announced a panel to conduct a detailed study on KIIFB’s impact on the State’s finances.“We are confused about the funding of the project, even as land acquisition initiated by the previous government is under way,” said Jijo Joseph Panchiani, secretary of the Sabari Rail Action Council. Similarly, no specific funds have been earmarked for the Balaramapuram–Vizhinjam underground rail connectivity project, even as the second phase of the Vizhinjam port is expected to be completed by 2028.Meanwhile, the Budget has earmarked ₹100 crore for the ₹8,004.72-crore Balaramapuram–Navaikulam Ring Road project, for which the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has recently invited tenders. The Budget has also announced a Hydrofoil Transport System, capable of high-speed travel with low fuel consumption by moving above the water surface, to improve coastal and inland water transport, although no specific funds have been earmarked for the initiative.Aviation developmentHowever, recognising the growing demand for international air travel, along with the immense potential in the export, logistics and tourism sectors, the Budget has announced a series of infrastructure development projects aimed at positioning Kerala as south India’s premier aviation and logistics hub, anchored by the State’s four international airports. An amount of ₹200 crore has been earmarked for the preliminary activities of the proposed hub.The proposals include the establishment of pilot training and flight simulation centres, expansion of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure, and the development of a Global Convention Centre, a Green Hydrogen Hub and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). According to S. Suhas, IAS, Managing Director of Cochin International Airport Ltd. (CIAL), “The aviation-focused initiatives announced in Budget 2026-27 have the potential to create a strong multiplier effect across the State’s economy. The proposed investment in general aviation development could support the creation of around 5,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities,” he said. Published - June 19, 2026 06:56 pm IST
