I too doubt about all these projects. Getting environmental clearance and the land acquisition is the big challenge.
Virajpet-Makuttam-Koottupuzha-Iritty-Mattanur route is the state high way. (Muttannur & Mattannur is different. Mattannur is popular and the new airport also coming nearby). As per the Railway’s survey it was around 298KM while the distance by road is around 185 KM. The project was shelved by saying the project is not viable. However according to the TLY-MYS Action Council’s survey the distance is only 145 KM.
One proposed route is via Mattannur, Karikottakkari, Nadukani, Ponnampetu...
more... and Mysore. Another one starts from Kadakola, passes through Hura, Hullahalli, Saragur, Kabini, Karapur, Machur, D.B. Kuppe, Bavali, Chelur, Palvelicham, Payyampalli, Mananthavadi, Valad, Vilangad, Nadapuram and Panur, Thalasseri.
The Nilambur-Nanjangud line should cross the Bandipur National Park, but TLY-MYS does not have that much forest.