Thiruvananthapuram: Karanataka has stalled the rail link project connecting Thalassery and Mysuru via Kodagu. Karnataka has made clear that it would not even allow preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed rail link project as it would jeopardise the fragile ecosystem of the unspoiled Western Ghats. The proposed railway line was to pass through Koothuparamba, Man-anthavady, Thrissilery, Kutta, Kanoor Belale, and Thithimathi before reaching Mysuru. Massive protests have been planned against the proposed project in Kodagu.
Sources said while speaking in the Karnataka Assembly on Wednesday, Karnataka medium and heavy industries minister R.V. Deshapande had claimed that that the Karnataka government had not consented for the project even though a secretary level meeting had been held between the two states. “The project is yet to be approved by the Railway Board,” said Mr Deshpande while replying to BJP legislator K.G. Bopaiah, who through a submission, had alleged that both the states had agreed to carry out a survey for the proposed rail link.
The rail link, a pet project of the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s Office, can be included in the Pink Book, which details the budgetary allocations for Railway projects, only after the submission of a Detailed Project Report. Earlier, the Railway ministry had pointed out that the Centre would clear the project, already approved by Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), a registered joint venture company of the state government and railways, formed on a 51:49 equity partnership.
The project was earlier shelved by the UPA government after a preliminary survey concluded that the route would be unprofitable in 2011. A new survey was approved in 2014 by railway minister Sadanand Gowda, part of the newly formed NDA government at the Centre. The new survey was completed despite protests in the district by activists and citizens earlier this year. As per a survey estimate submitted to the railway board, the 247.5 kilometre line between Thalassery and Mysuru via Wayanad will cost Rs 3,209.01 crore and the 298.75 km via Coorg Rs 3,778.71 crore.
