Why in News? 

The State and Centre have agreed to proceed with the Sabari rail project to connect the Sabarimala temple to the national rail network, as decided in a meeting between CM Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. 

Sabari Rail Project: A Step Forward 

The Sabari Rail Project, proposed in the 1997–98 Union Railway Budget, aims to connect Angamaly to Erumeli, covering a distance of approximately 111 kilometers. This railway line is expected to ease transportation for the millions of pilgrims visiting the Sabarimala temple annually and promote regional development.

Project Details 

• Length: 111 kilometers 
• Stations: 14 (including Angamaly, Kalady, Perumbavoor, Kothamangalam, Muvattupuzha, Vazhakulam, Thodupuzha, Karimkunnam, Ramapuram, Bharananganam, Chemmalamattam, Kanjirappally Road, Erumeli) 
• Estimated Cost: ₹3,421 crore 
• Funding: The Kerala government has agreed to bear 50% of the project cost through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). 
• Implementation: The project will be executed by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (K-Rail), a joint venture between the state and the Ministry of Railways.