This EIA is for the new rail line from Angamali to Azhutha (though the line terminates at Kanamala, on the banks of the Azhutha river, the station here is called the Azhutha station) via Erumeli. The Environment Department, Government of Kerala has approached Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) along with Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) to conduct a rapid EIA of the proposed new rail line. KFRI conducted the EIA along the alignment proposed by RITES with the following objectives: to prepare a map of the impact zone showing the alignment; to conduct an initial environment examination in the impact zone; to predict the possible impacts on the biophysical and social systems due to the railway line; and to prepare an environmental impact statement on the project.