Railways Clears Survey For Theni–Erumeli Rail Link

The approval follows a tender floated last year to assess the feasibility of a direct rail link between the two towns. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the sanction in Parliament in response to questions from MPs P Ganapathy Rajkumar and Thanga Tamilselvan.

The survey will form the basis for a detailed project report and the proposal will require further appraisal, including consultations with state governments and clearances from NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. No timeline has been fixed for construction and authorities have indicated that subsequent approvals will determine next steps.

If the project is approved for execution it would offer Theni district direct rail connectivity towards Sabarimala and reduce reliance on road transport for pilgrims and other passengers. At present travellers from Theni and surrounding areas mainly use road routes through Cumbum and Kumily towards Erumeli and Pamba due to the absence of a direct corridor. The new line would extend the existing network westwards from Theni and is expected to improve links between southern Tamil Nadu and the pilgrimage region.

Local representatives and residents have long sought a rail link to ease pilgrim movement and regular travel from the district. Theni regained rail services following completion of the Madurai-Bodinayakanur gauge conversion on a 90-km corridor built at a cost of around Rs 5.93 billion (bn), which restored passenger trains to the area. The survey approval initiates technical work that will inform decisions on alignment, cost estimates and environmental and land clearances prior to any construction.