Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has decided not to accept the proposals put forward by the Centre regarding the Angamaly-Erumeli Sabari railway line. In an online meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, it was concluded that there would be no tripartite agreement involving the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the project would proceed with the construction of a single-track in the first phase. It was also clarified during the meeting that 50 per cent of the construction cost could be met through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). The state government will now approach the Centre with these counter-proposals for approval.

"The project will be completed in two phases. The Angamaly, Erumeli, and Nilackal sections will be completed in the first phase. If the Centre’s directive to implement a double track is accepted, it will impose a significant financial burden on the state. Doubling the track can be considered in the second phase," said the chief minister. Officials from Southern Railway, the Kerala Rail Development Corporation, the chief secretary, and district collectors from Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki attended the meeting.

The Railways had proposed preparing an estimate for the line from Erumeli to Pampa and sharing the cost of constructing two lines. However, the state alleges that the new proposal for a dual-track estimate, despite the project being approved as a single track in 1997, appears to be an attempt to delay the project.

When the state government suggested sharing the cost, the Union Railway Minister proposed a tripartite agreement involving the RBI. The estimate for the single-line track stands at Rs 3,810 crore. Should the project be changed to a double line, the state has expressed concerns that the increased construction costs would negatively impact its viability.