KOCHI: Proceedings are picking up in the case of the Angamaly- Erumeli Sabari Rail project, which had been in limbo for more than two decades.
However, the stakeholders, especially those whose land falls along the alignment of the project, are worried that things might get delayed due to the impending assembly elections. But, as per the revenue department, which has been tasked with setting up land acquisition offices and also appointing staff, the government order regarding the next step in the project will be issued next week.
“The elections have no bearing on the process of setting up land acquisition offices. The election dates have not been announced. However, we can assure that the GO regarding land acquisition offices will be issued next week after the cabinet meeting.
Things are happening, and there will be no delay in resumption of the acquisition of land for the project,” said an official with the revenue minister’s office. He pointed out that after the state government issued a notice citing its agreement to shoulder half the project cost, an administrative sanction was also issued regarding the land acquisition.
According to Jijo P, secretary of the Sabari Railway Action Council Federation, the assembly elections will have no effect on the project. “Things are moving on the right track, and there won’t be any more delays happening.
The administrative sanction is one proof of the fact,” he said. As per the administrative sanction, the state government has given the nod to acquire 152.05 hectares of land in Aluva, Kunnathunad, Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha taluks of Ernakulam district, 119.89 hectares of land in Meenachil and Kanjirappally taluks of Kottayam district, and 33.77 hectares of land in Thodupuzha taluk of Idukki district.
The state government had on February 4 this year announced its decision to bear 50 per cent - Rs 1,900 crore- of the total project cost of Rs 3,800 crore. As per the state government, the funds will be realised through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Board (KIIFB).
Rs 3,800 cr: Revised estimate for 111-km Angamaly-Erumeli rail project
Average cost per km for the construction: Rs 34.3 crore
Average cost for land acquisition per km: Rs 10.3 crore
Land acquisition between Kalady and Perumbavoor stations needs Rs 103 crore
39-km area in Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha taluks
J1,361 crore needed for land acquisition
Land acquisition
In Ernakulam district - 152.05 hectares of land in Aluva, Kunnathunad, Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha
In Kottayam district - 119.89 hectares of land in Meenachil and Kanjirappally
In Idukki district - 33.77 hectares of land in Thodupuzha