Centre Approves Survey for Proposed Theni–Erumeli Railway Line to Sabarimala

The Union Ministry of Railways has approved a survey for the proposed 95-kilometre broad-gauge railway line between Theni in Tamil Nadu and Erumeli in Kerala, an important gateway for Sabarimala pilgrims. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the approval in Parliament. The survey will assess the technical and operational feasibility of the proposed route and help prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR).

After the survey, the project will require consultations with the governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, followed by approvals from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. At present, pilgrims from the Theni region largely depend on road travel through Cumbum, Kumily, Erumeli and Pamba to reach Sabarimala. The proposed railway line is expected to make the journey more convenient. Meanwhile, land acquisition has begun for the long-pending Angamaly–Sabarimala railway line, with the Centre allocating Rs 505 crore for the project during the 2026–27 financial year. If both the Theni–Erumeli and Angamaly–Sabari routes are completed, Sabarimala could gain rail connectivity from two different directions.