The Angamaly-Sabarimala railway line project has advanced after the Kerala government started acquiring land. The initiative aims to enhance access to the Sabarimala pilgrimage site and improve regional rail links. The project falls under the Southern Railway zone.
In a July 22 statement to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted that the Kerala government has begun land acquisition at the request of the central government. The Ministry of Railways is monitoring the process with state authorities.
Vaishnaw added that Rs 505 crore has been set aside for the project in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Approved in 1997-98, the 111 km Angamaly-Sabarimala via Erumeli line includes initial work on the Angamaly-Kaladi and Kaladi-Perumbavoor sections. Progress stalled earlier due to local protests, legal challenges, and limited state backing. The updated project cost stands at Rs 3,801 crore, with the state asked to share half.
Kerala provided conditional approval in August 2024, but the ministry seeks unconditional consent. Of 302 hectares needed, only 25 hectares have been secured so far.
The line will feature 14 stations: Angamaly, Kalady, Perumbavoor, Odakkali, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha, Vazhakulam, Thodupuzha, Karimkunnam, Ramapuram, Bharananganam, Chemmalamattom, Kanjirappally and Erumeli.
