Decade-Long Wait Ends: Final Survey of Nilambur-Nanjangud Railway to Link Kerala & Karnataka Begins

Thiruvananthapuram:  Nilambur-Nanjangud railway project, which aims to connect Nilambur in Kerala to Nanjangud in Karnataka through Wayan, is making significant progress, according to Nilgiri-Wayan Railway and National Highway Action Council. project, pending for over a dece, saw Sourn Railway taking over in May 2023, allocating Rs 5.9 crore for Final Location Survey (FLS). Using satellite images, alignment of railway line has been marked, and an aerial survey is currently underway.

dressing a press conference, vocate T M Rasheed, Convener of Action Council, stated that survey of land covering 100 km from Nilambur has been completed, with survey up to Nanjangud expected to conclude soon. Action Council commended central government for its commitment to executing project.

project's history involves UDF government appointing E Sreedharan, former managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in 2013 to prepare final survey for Wayan Rail project. However, subsequent LDF government allegedly refused to release Rs 2 crore for Detailed Project Report (DPR), leing to project's closure.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan later directed Sreedharan to conduct a viability study on Thalassery-Mysore rail link, but a negative report was submitted, deeming project 'unviable.' Action Council suggests that Chief Minister's interest in Thalassery-Mysore rail link caused delays in Nilambur-Nanjangud project execution.

vocating for a budget allocation in upcoming railway budget, Rasheed stated, “We expect a first budget allocation for first phase of project.” historical context notes that British initiated survey for Nilambur-Nanjangud railway in late 19th century, with most recent survey conducted in 2004.

Once completed, railway line is anticipated to connect Kochi with Bengaluru in a travel time of 7 hours. progress in aerial survey and allocation of funds mark positive steps toward realising this long-pending transportation initiative in region.