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Title : Need to start construction of a new broad gauge railway line between Chengannur and Trivandrum via Kottarakara and Kilimanur in Kerala.
SHRI KODIKKUNNIL SURESH (MAVELIKKARA): I would like to mention that there is a proposal for construction of a new broad-gauge railway line between Chengannur and Trivandrum via Kottarakara and Kilimanur. Survey for this line was already conducted several years back and the feasibility study was also done three to four times. After that also, another survey was conducted on the same route.
Even though Chengannur is the central part of Travancore, there is no rail connectivity from Chengannur to Trivandrum. Chengannur is a pilgrim centre and it is the gate way to Sabarimala Temple. Every year, lakhs and lakhs of Ayyappa devotees are coming from various parts of the country for their onward journey to Sabarimala. Like Chenagannur, Pandalam Town is also a pilgrim centre for Ayyappa devotees. Adoor and Kottarakara are Taluk Headquarters. Chadayamangalam and Kilimanur are two of the most important towns in Kerala.
Fom Chengannur to Trivandrum there is one State Highway which is called M.C. Road. Due to non-availability of rail connectivity, there is always a traffic congestion on this road as all the heavy vehicles are using this road. Lots of agitations have taken place there in the past for speedy implementation of this Chengannur-Trivandrum new railway line. The Kerala Government has also written several letters to the Railway Ministry but nothing has been done so far. There is a long pending demand of the people of these areas.
I, therefore, urge upon the Railway Minister to allocate more funds and complete this railway line immediately.