Kerala Government to Decide on Proposed High-Speed Rail Corridor within Two Weeks
The Kerala government is set to make a decision within two weeks on the proposed Kerala High-Speed Rail (KHSR) corridor, following the submission of an interim report by Metro Man E Sreedharan to the state government.
Background of the Project
The proposal, which seeks to establish a high-speed rail network for the state, has gained renewed interest after the UDF government decided to de-notify the SilverLine project of K-Rail, reviving discussions on an alternative semi-high-speed rail network for Kerala.
Key Features of the Proposed Corridor
- Route: Connecting Thiruvananthapuram with Kannur
- Number of stations: 23
- Maximum speed: 200 kmph
- Operational speed: 180 kmph
- Estimated project cost: ₹54,000 crore
Why the Government is Considering the Proposal
The government's renewed interest in Sreedharan's proposal comes due to several reasons, including the proposed corridor requiring comparatively less land acquisition, with most stretches of the rail line planned as elevated structures.
This significantly reduces displacement concerns that had triggered widespread protests against the SilverLine project under the previous LDF government.
Centre's Interest in the Proposal
The Centre had earlier shown interest in Sreedharan's alternative proposal, which could help the state secure approvals more easily compared to the stalled SilverLine project
Timeline for Decision
The Chief Minister informed Sreedharan during the meeting that the government would examine the proposal in detail and take a decision within two weeks.