'Implement Sabari rail project as planned'

The rail project would be beneficial to millions of Ayyappa devotees from the state and outside

The Kerala government today wanted the Centre to implement the Sabari rail project as it was difficult for the state to bear a portion of the cost to a tune of Rs 900 crore.

Replying to a calling attention on the issue in the Assembly, minister in-charge of railway, Aryadan Mohammed, said the state had already informed the Centre its inability to become a partner in the project.

Mohammed while giving details of the project proposed from Angamaly in Ernakulam district to Azhutha near Sabarimala, said the Centre had asked the state to bear 50 per cent of the total cost of the project. The cost of the project when conceived in 1997-98 stood at about Rs 570 crore and now the estimated cost of the project was more than Rs 1,500 crore.

The Centre's request was not unjustifiable as the state could not bear such a burden, Mohammed said, adding, the state had already informed the Centre about its position.

Kerala would continue to put pressure on Railways to implement the project as planned earlier, he said. Moving the motion, Joseph Vazhackan (Cong) brought to the notice of the House the difficulties faced by the people of Ernakulam and Idukki districts due to the uncertainty of the project.

The rail link if materialised would be beneficial to millions of Ayyappa devotees from the state and outside who make the annual pilgrimage to hill shrine of Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.