In a significant move for Kerala’s rail infrastructure, the Centre, led by ‘Metroman’ E. Sreedharan, has opted for an alternative high-speed rail project over the state government’s Silver Line proposal. Spearheaded by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with Sreedharan as chief consultant, the new corridor is set to cover 430 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, reducing travel time to about three hours and 15 minutes. The project, expected to have 22 stations and seamless connectivity to key airports, aims to enhance Kerala’s transport network.
Groundwork for the high-speed rail corridor has already commenced, with an office anticipated to open in Ponnani soon, Sreedharan’s hometown. The alignment plan focuses on minimizing land acquisition, with most of the corridor running on elevated tracks and some sections passing through tunnels. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is slated for completion within nine months, with construction estimated to finish in five years at a cost of Rs 1 lakh crore, with the state contributing 30% of the expenses.
The decision marks a shift away from the Silver Line project, a brainchild of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which faced obstacles related to land acquisition, environmental concerns, and financial viability. Sreedharan’s involvement also hints at expediting the DPR for the Nilambur–Nanjangode railway line, reflecting broader efforts to modernize rail connectivity in the region. This move signifies a transition towards execution-focused, technically sound infrastructure development in Kerala, departing from past political and policy standstills.
