Kerala considers converting Semi-High Speed Rail Project
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Kerala considers converting Semi-High Speed Rail Project

In response to public protest against the semi-high speed railway project proposed by the left democratic front government and the lackluster support from the Union government, the state is now exploring the possibility of transforming the project to accommodate both semi-high speed and high-speed train services.

The initial plan was to construct a 530-km Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod semi-high speed standard-gauge railway link, estimated to cost Rs 640 billion and necessitate the acquisition of large areas of land.

To address concerns regarding environmental impact and the division of the state, the new project proposes that 95 per cent of the railway line be elevated and the remaining portion be constructed underground.

E Sreedharan, a seasoned expert in railway projects who has been enlisted for the new venture, has submitted an initial report to the state.

Sreedharan expressed his view that the semi-high speed rail project, which is awaiting approval from the Union government, would become obsolete within a couple of decades, given the national railway plan's vision of establishing a network of high-speed connections between major cities across the country.

He further stated that a new high-speed railway line from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur could be built within a span of five or six years, at a cost of less than Rs 1000 billion, if the project were entrusted to either the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) or the Indian Railways.

In response to public protest against the semi-high speed railway project proposed by the left democratic front government and the lackluster support from the Union government, the state is now exploring the possibility of transforming the project to accommodate both semi-high speed and high-speed train services.The initial plan was to construct a 530-km Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod semi-high speed standard-gauge railway link, estimated to cost Rs 640 billion and necessitate the acquisition of large areas of land.To address concerns regarding environmental impact and the division of the state, the new project proposes that 95 per cent of the railway line be elevated and the remaining portion be constructed underground.E Sreedharan, a seasoned expert in railway projects who has been enlisted for the new venture, has submitted an initial report to the state.Sreedharan expressed his view that the semi-high speed rail project, which is awaiting approval from the Union government, would become obsolete within a couple of decades, given the national railway plan's vision of establishing a network of high-speed connections between major cities across the country.He further stated that a new high-speed railway line from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur could be built within a span of five or six years, at a cost of less than Rs 1000 billion, if the project were entrusted to either the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) or the Indian Railways.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sabarmati Riverfront Two Plots Up for Auction at Rs2.24 bn Base Price

Two commercial plots on the western bank of the Sabarmati Riverfront will be auctioned with a base price of Rs 112 crore each, equivalent to Rs 1.12 bn apiece and Rs 2.24 billion in total. The parcels are located adjacent to the Metro Rail Bridge in Ahmedabad and form the first commercial offering after a prolonged pause. The Riverfront Development Corporation has framed the sale as part of a phased commercial release to revive development along the riverfront. The combined base valuation has been set by the corporation to reflect market rates along the riverfront. The corporation has fixed a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Andhra Pradesh to Connect Over One Million Streetlights

Andhra Pradesh will undertake a statewide smart streetlighting programme across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), bringing around 1.05 million (mn) streetlights under an AI enabled monitoring and management system. The programme will be implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) with the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration under the state Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department. The project aims to convert conventional streetlighting into a digitally managed municipal service monitored and maintained remotely. The initial phase will cover abou..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

AMC To Procure Four Machines For Guard Rail Cleaning

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will introduce four specialised machines for cleaning guard railings along major roads and the central verges of BRTS and Metro corridors. The civic body plans to replace manual labour with mechanised cleaning to improve maintenance of road infrastructure and greenery. The purchase is estimated at Rs 82.8 million (mn), excluding GST. The proposal sets the base price of each machine at about Rs 20.7 million (mn) so four units total Rs 82.8 million (mn) before GST. 18 per cent GST will be applicable separately. During the warranty period each machine will operate ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement