Metroman Sreedharan Remains Optimistic About Kerala High-Speed Rail Project
Despite the notable absence of his proposed high-speed rail initiative in the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, veteran engineer and Metroman E Sreedharan has voiced strong confidence in the project's eventual approval. Speaking to journalists at his residence in Ponnani on Sunday, Sreedharan clarified that the budget omission does not signify the project's demise, highlighting ongoing procedural advancements.
Railway Minister's Directive and DPR Preparation
Sreedharan disclosed that Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw has issued an oral directive to commence the preparation of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the high-speed rail corridor. He anticipates the formal authorization letter to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to be issued within a week, enabling the establishment of a dedicated office in Ponnani starting Monday for this purpose.
"The project will be considered for approval and funding only after the DPR is prepared and thoroughly examined at various levels," Sreedharan stated. However, he expressed unwavering confidence that the Centre will greenlight the project once the report is finalized, drawing parallels with preliminary works for the Bengaluru and Chennai Metro projects that began prior to official sanction.
Criticism of State Government's RRTS Proposal
In a pointed critique, Sreedharan reiterated his stance that the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) proposed by the Kerala state government is impractical and unlikely to receive clearance from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. He emphasized that the RRTS cannot serve as a substitute for the high-speed rail corridor he has advocated for Kerala's railway infrastructure.
"The state government's recent announcement regarding the RRTS appears to be an election stunt, potentially influenced by misleading advice," Sreedharan remarked, referencing comments he made on Friday. He clarified that his high-speed rail proposal remains distinct and technically superior for addressing the region's transportation needs.
Background and Procedural Steps
Sreedharan's optimism stems from a productive meeting with Railway Minister Vaishnaw on January 16, following which he formally requested permission to prepare the DPR. He assured that the authorization is imminent, underscoring that formal project sanction is not a prerequisite for initiating DPR work—a practice observed in other metro projects across India.
The high-speed rail project, aimed at enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time in Kerala, represents a significant infrastructure initiative. Sreedharan's proactive approach and the railway minister's supportive directive suggest that the project is advancing through bureaucratic channels, despite its exclusion from the recent budget announcements.
As the DPR preparation gets underway, stakeholders will closely monitor developments, with Sreedharan's expertise and advocacy playing a pivotal role in steering the project toward realization. The coming weeks are expected to bring formal approvals and clearer timelines for this ambitious railway endeavor.
