Sabari railwayline to remain a dream only

Mahadev, Kochi, Nov 29

The long cherished dream of  millions of Ayyappa Devotees to travel by rail up to Erumely does not seem to become a reality as the state government presumably under pressure from the powerful lobbies of rich estate owners and the minorities, has made it clear that it would be difficult for the government to acquire land for the Angamali-Erumeli line.

Disclosing this to media persons here the other day after inaugurating the Information Centre at the Ernakulan Junction railway station, the Southern Railway General Manager, Mr Thomas Varughese said that the Railway could take up the project only when the state government acquired the land and handed over to it.

Meanwhile, the Hindu leaders alleged that the government, dancing to the tune of the vested interests and minority power politics, was moving away from such an important project.

It is not a secret that for the organized religions it would be difficult to accept any developmental activities which would facilitate the growth of Hindu pilgrim centres such as Sabarimala. Sabotaging the Sabari line is a clear manifestation of it. Non-implementation of the Guruvayur – Tanur line despite allotment of Rs10 crore and constructing a shunting yard at Thrissur station to reduce waiting time for the devotees traveling to Guruvayur are other examples, they said. 

e.o.m.

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