Kerala has taken a major step to fast-track the long-pending Sabari rail project by agreeing to bear half of its cost.

The State Cabinet on 05 February, 2026 sanctioned Rs 1,900 crore for the Angamaly-Erumeli railway line, routing the funds through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). This move makes Kerala the first state in India to contribute such a substantial share toward a railway project. First announced in the 1997-98 Railway Budget, the Sabari rail project has faced delays for over 25 years due to funding issues and land acquisition challenges. The total project cost has now risen to Rs 3,800.90 crore from Rs 2,815 crore in 2021.

Spanning 110 km across Ernakulam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts, the railway line will provide crucial connectivity to eastern hill regions and serve as a lifeline for local communities. It will link the pilgrimage town of Erumeli with major towns such as Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha, Thodupuzha, and Pala, facilitating travel, trade, and economic growth.