Steps taken to realise Sabari rail project, Kerala HC told

The Railways and the State government have informed the Kerala High Court that steps have been taken to realise the long-overdue Sabari rail project.

This followed a petition filed in 2019 by Jijo Joseph, secretary, Sabari Railway Central Action Council, seeking steps to acquire land for the project, which has been proposed between Angamaly and Erumeli, and complete it in a speedy manner.

In its affidavit, the Railways submitted that the Centre has decided to de-freeze the rail project. On its part, the State government informed the Railway Board of its willingness to share half the total project cost (which works out to ₹1,900 crore), with financial assistance of KIIFB. Moreover, the State has already started preparatory works for land acquisition.

Additionally, the Revenue department has been directed to expedite land acquisition proceedings in accordance with the approved alignment in Ernakulam, Kottayam and Idukki districts.

The department has also been directed to complete the land acquisition proceedings and expedite the publishing of the statutory notifications, says an order issued by the government.