E Sreedharan Unveils Kerala High-Speed Rail Route

02 Mar 2026 CW Team

The line is proposed to originate at Thiruvananthapuram Central and to pass through Thiruvananthapuram Airport via tunnel, Varkala, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Vaikom, Ernakulam, Nedumbassery, Thrissur, Pattambi, Malappuram, Karipur, Kozhikode, Koyilandy, Vadakara, Thalassery and Kannur. Stations have been planned at intervals of 20–30 km to ensure regional access and the corridor will link the three major airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumbassery and Kannur to strengthen multimodal integration. Solar farms at stations are to be deployed to supply energy for operations, with the cost of generation included in project estimates.

The project has been designed with a maximum speed of 200 kmph while the commercial operating speed has been fixed at 140 kmph and the operational top speed is expected to reach 180 kmph in select stretches. The Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur journey is projected to take three hours and 20 minutes, offering a marked reduction in travel time compared with existing rail services. Operations are expected to prioritise speed and reliability to attract commuters away from slower services.

The estimated construction cost for the first phase is Rs56,500 crore, equivalent to 565 billion (bn), and revisions to earlier projections have reduced the overall estimate. The service is projected to attract half a million (0.5 mn) passengers on an average day, according to the presentation. Proposed fares for the corridor were outlined with a Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam fare of Rs440, Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode of Rs640 and Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur of Rs780, with the fare structure presented as more affordable than current Vande Bharat services in the state. Further studies and clearances were said to be required before construction can commence.

E Sreedharan unveiled details of a proposed Kerala high-speed rail corridor at a press conference in Ponnani, presenting a revised alignment that includes Pathanamthitta district and will feature 20 stations along a 465 km corridor. A dedicated team has been constituted to advance project implementation and take forward detailed planning. The announcement framed the project as aiming to strengthen regional connectivity across the state. The line is proposed to originate at Thiruvananthapuram Central and to pass through Thiruvananthapuram Airport via tunnel, Varkala, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Vaikom, Ernakulam, Nedumbassery, Thrissur, Pattambi, Malappuram, Karipur, Kozhikode, Koyilandy, Vadakara, Thalassery and Kannur. Stations have been planned at intervals of 20–30 km to ensure regional access and the corridor will link the three major airports at Thiruvananthapuram, Nedumbassery and Kannur to strengthen multimodal integration. Solar farms at stations are to be deployed to supply energy for operations, with the cost of generation included in project estimates. The project has been designed with a maximum speed of 200 kmph while the commercial operating speed has been fixed at 140 kmph and the operational top speed is expected to reach 180 kmph in select stretches. The Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur journey is projected to take three hours and 20 minutes, offering a marked reduction in travel time compared with existing rail services. Operations are expected to prioritise speed and reliability to attract commuters away from slower services. The estimated construction cost for the first phase is Rs56,500 crore, equivalent to 565 billion (bn), and revisions to earlier projections have reduced the overall estimate. The service is projected to attract half a million (0.5 mn) passengers on an average day, according to the presentation. Proposed fares for the corridor were outlined with a Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam fare of Rs440, Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode of Rs640 and Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur of Rs780, with the fare structure presented as more affordable than current Vande Bharat services in the state. Further studies and clearances were said to be required before construction can commence.

Infrastructure Urban

01 Apr 2026

TVS ILP Signs Rs 2 billion MoU With Karnataka

TVS Industrial & Logistics Parks (TVS ILP) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding worth Rs 2 billion with the Government of Karnataka at the Invest Karnataka Conclave 2026, recently held in Bengaluru.The investment will support the development of tech-enabled industrial and logistics parks across the state, aimed at strengthening manufacturing infrastructure, generating employment, and catering to diverse industry needs.The move aligns with TVS ILP’s strategy to expand its footprint in southern India, where industrial activity and consumption continue to grow. The company already has a..

Building Material

01 Apr 2026

Captain Steel TVC Highlights Role of TMT Rebars

Captain Steel has recently launched a new television commercial (TVC) as part of a consumer awareness initiative aimed at addressing the often-overlooked importance of TMT rebars in construction. The campaign seeks to bring attention to the role of rebars in ensuring structural integrity within a largely commoditised category.The film draws a comparison between cement and TMT rebars, highlighting that while cement handles compressive strength, rebars bear tensile loads. Featuring Sourav Ganguly and Parambrata Chattopadhyay, the narrative encourages homebuilders to apply the same diligence in s..

Equipment

01 Apr 2026

Bobcat Earthforce Excavators Target Infrastructure Growth

Doosan Bobcat India is expanding its presence in the construction equipment market with its Earthforce range of compact excavators, comprising the E18z, E33z and E53. Introduced at EXCON 2025, the machines are designed to address the growing demand for compact, efficient and reliable equipment across India’s urban and rural infrastructure projects.The E18z is built for confined workspaces and features a zero-tail swing design, making it suitable for urban construction, landscaping and utility applications. The E33z offers higher digging force, advanced hydraulics and an ergonomic cabin, with..