The proposed high-speed rail corridor in Kerala, led by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) under Metro Man E. Sreedharan’s guidance, remains active. However, the state government clarified that the project will advance only after essential technical and economic assessments are finished.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, briefing reporters after a Cabinet meeting, mentioned that an expert committee, appointed by the government, reviewed the DMRC report and provided recommendations. While acknowledging the DMRC report’s significance, the committee highlighted the need for a more comprehensive project report.
The proposal lacks a mandatory Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and does not specify the necessary land acquisition for the corridor. The government plans to conduct thorough studies on the project’s financial and operational feasibility, considering aspects like freight and logistics movement.
Emphasizing the need for diverse revenue sources beyond passenger revenue, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of economic sustainability. The government will initiate a Detailed Project Report (DPR) only after completing these initial studies, which will guide the final decision on project implementation.
CM Satheesan underlined the government’s cautious and transparent approach towards such a significant project, aiming to avoid the pitfalls encountered in the previous K-Rail project. The government is committed to a meticulous evaluation process before determining the project’s future steps.
In another decision, the Cabinet resolved to enhance project monitoring across departments. A comprehensive project-mapping initiative will identify delays that burden the State exchequer. Introducing a new accountability framework and implementation protocol is part of the government’s strategy to ensure timely project execution and enhance public infrastructure efficiency.
