Kerala High Court Closes Plea On Angamaly–Sabari Rail Project After Railways 'Defreezes' It On State's Offer To Bear 50% Cost
The Kerala High Court has recently (18 March) disposed of a public interest litigation concerning the Angamaly–Sabari railway line, as the Ministry of Railways has submitted that the project has been defreezed.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V. M. disposed of the petition following the submission that the project has been defreezed following a meeting held on 18 February, 2026.
According to the submission, the Government of Kerala has agreed to bear ₹1,900 crore, representing 50% of the total estimated project cost of ₹3,800.9 crore, inclusive of land acquisition expenses, with financial assistance from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
The Bench also noted that preparatory measures for land acquisition are underway, with proposals to establish dedicated Land Acquisition units at the district administration level.
The court took on record official communications dated February 18, 2026, addressed by the State to the Railway Board and other authorities, confirming the funding commitment and progress on administrative steps.
“We hope and trust that all stakeholders shall make all earnest efforts to ensure that the project is completed within a reasonable time.” the Court noted while disposing of the petition.
Case Title: Jijo Joseph v State of Kerala
Case No: WP(C) 5316/ 2019
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Ker) 161
Counsel for Petitioner: Jijo Joseph
Counsel for Respondents: A. Dinesh Rao (SC- Railways), Jaishankar V. Nair, Mahesehwar. G, Vinitha B (Sr. GP)