Union Minister of State for Railways E. Ahmed has said that the Ministry is trying to complete the projects assigned for Kerala in a time-bound manner.
Speaking to mediapersons after inaugurating the new building for the Vavar Memorial High School here on Friday, Mr. Ahmed said a major hurdle faced by the Railways was the delay in getting land for taking up the developmental activities. The responsibility for land acquisition lay with the State government, but they were facing problems in this regard, he said.
Mr. Ahmed said that the issue of alignment for the proposed Sabari Railway line would be sorted out amicably. Opposition from a section of people and the various alternative alignments proposed by them had created a serious situation. As per the existing proposal, the line will enter Idukki at Thodupuzha and move to Erumeli via Erattupetta. He said he proposed to discuss with the Chief Minister and people's representatives and study the alternative alignments before making a final declaration on the issue. The Minister was optimistic that the Railway Ministry would be able to take up and complete the line which would reduce hardships of Sabarimala-bound pilgrims. The Minister received more than 60 memorandums by various actions groups on the Sabari Rail issue. According to Mr. Ahamed, Erumeli held a unique status among the pilgrim centres on account of being the living example of communal amity. There was need for setting up a centre to create awareness among the visitors on this unique heritage f the town, he said.
Jamaat president M.M. Liaquat presided. Anto Antony, MP, P.C. George, MLA, spoke on the occasion.
