High-speed rail essential for Kerala, E. Sreedharan tells CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Metro Man E. Sreedharan has informed Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan that high-speed rail is essential for Kerala's economic growth and development, and that each day's delay in implementing the project would result in an additional cost of Rs 2.8 crore.

Under the project submitted by Sreedharan in May, passengers can travel from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur at a speed of 200 kmph in three-and-a-half hours. The fare would be comparable to AC fares on the Jan Shatabdi. The project was put on hold after the Railways began moves to conduct a survey for another double-track line parallel to the existing railway line. Sreedharan has also sought permission for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to conduct a field survey.

The Railways is planning a location survey for the third and fourth tracks on the Shoranur-Ernakulam, Ernakulam-Kayamkulam and Kayamkulam-Thiruvananthapuram stretches, with the aim of increasing speeds to 160 kmph. However, it could take decades for the project to become a reality. The doubling of the Kayamkulam-Kottayam-Ernakulam line took 20 years, while the doubling of the Alappuzha route remains incomplete even after 25 years.

Sreedharan has argued that the construction of another double track would not eliminate the need for high-speed rail. The existing railway line runs close to the coast, while the proposed high-speed rail line would run further east. By avoiding densely populated urban areas, the project could also reduce land acquisition costs.

The main obstacle to increasing speeds on the existing railway line is its nearly 800 curves. Buildings have come up on both sides of the railway line, meaning additional land would have to be acquired to straighten the curves. Around 30,000 families would have to be relocated.

Demolishing existing stations, yards and platforms could also disrupt train services. Several stations have been renovated recently, and the money spent on these works could go to waste if they have to be demolished.

Construction cost to be lower

• Sreedharan's project proposes an elevated railway built on pillars, which would reduce the need for land acquisition and the demolition of buildings.
• The viaducts would allow water to flow through the areas beneath them without obstruction. As the railway would run on an elevated alignment, the risk of accidents would also be lower.
• Solar-powered operations would help reduce the cost of running the services.