Railways Initiate DPR Surveys for High-Speed Train Corridors in Kerala
In a significant development for rail infrastructure in Kerala, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that detailed project report (DPR) surveys have been sanctioned to increase train speeds to 160 km per hour on seven key routes across the state. This announcement was made in response to a query raised by MP P P Suneer in the Rajya Sabha, focusing on the enhancement of superfast railway lines in the region.
Seven Routes Identified for Potential Upgrades
The railways have earmarked the following seven routes for detailed assessments aimed at boosting operational speeds:
- Shoranur-Mangaluru (third and fourth lines)
- Ernakulam-Kayamkulam (third line)
- Thiruvananthapuram-Kayamkulam (third line)
- Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil (third line)
- Shoranur-Ernakulam (third line)
- Thuravoor-Ambalappuzha (doubling)
- Coimbatore-Shoranur (third and fourth lines)
However, Minister Vaishnaw clarified that the sanctioning of these DPR surveys does not guarantee immediate approval for construction or upgrades. The final decision will hinge on a comprehensive consultation process involving various stakeholders, including the state government, as well as necessary approvals from bodies such as Niti Aayog and the Union Finance Ministry.
Challenges in Project Sanctioning and Timelines
In his written reply, Vaishnaw emphasized that the sanctioning of railway projects is a continuous and dynamic process, making it difficult to fix exact timelines. He stated, "After firming up of DPR, sanctioning of project requires consultation with various stakeholders – including state govt and necessary approvals – appraisal of Niti Aayog, Union finance ministry etc. As sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process, exact timelines cannot be fixed."
This cautious approach underscores the complexities involved in infrastructure development, where multiple factors must align before any concrete steps can be taken.
SilverLine Project and Broader Railway Initiatives
In addition to the DPR surveys, the Union minister addressed the ongoing discussions regarding the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod SilverLine project. He revealed that the railways are advocating for the Kerala Rail Development Corporation to revise the DPR for this project to incorporate several key features. These include adopting broad gauge for seamless integration with the existing railway network, implementing a flatter ruling gradient, developing a drainage scheme for yards and sections, provisioning Kavach (an anti-collision system), utilizing 2×25kV electrification, and ensuring environmental safeguards during construction.
Despite these recommendations, the Kerala government maintains its stance on considering the SilverLine as a standalone project, highlighting potential differences in strategic vision between state and central authorities.
Factors Influencing Train Speeds in Kerala
Minister Vaishnaw also elaborated on the various elements that impact the average speed of train services in Kerala. He noted that speed is dependent on multiple factors, such as the maximum permissible speed of sections, track structure, route geometry (including gradients and curves), topographical conditions, number of stoppages en route, line capacity utilization, and ongoing maintenance works.
One of the primary obstacles to improving train speeds and reducing travel time in Kerala is route congestion. This issue has led to widespread public complaints, with many noting that trains often take longer to cover distances that could be traversed more quickly by road. Addressing these congestion challenges is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and appeal of rail travel in the state.
The announcement of DPR surveys marks a proactive step towards modernizing Kerala's railway network, but it also highlights the intricate balance required between ambitious infrastructure goals and practical implementation hurdles. As stakeholders engage in further discussions, the focus will remain on achieving sustainable improvements that benefit commuters and bolster regional connectivity.
