North Kerala train travel to get safer, faster as Southern Railway plans 150-km fencing

KOZHIKODE: Southern Railway has launched a new project to make train journeys in north Kerala safer and faster. As part of the project, safety fencing will be installed along both sides of railway tracks covering a total distance of around 150 km. The fencing will be installed in the Pazhayangadi-Bekal Fort section, covering parts of Kannur and Kasaragod districts, and the Koyilandy-Thalassery section. The move is expected to improve safety and allow trains to operate at higher speeds along these stretches.

The fencing will create a physical barrier between the railway tracks and nearby areas, helping prevent people, animals and other obstacles from entering the tracks. The tender issued by Southern Railway mentions works related to train operations at speeds of up to 130 kmph, giving particular importance to the Koyilandy-Thalassery section.

Work will initially begin on 70 km of safety fencing in the Pazhayangadi-Bekal Fort section. A 7.4-km protective wall will also be constructed there. According to The New Indian Express, the project is estimated to cost around Rs 45.63 crore and is expected to be completed within 12 months.

The second project covers the Koyilandy-Thalassery section, where 80 km of safety fencing and a 0.7-km boundary wall will be constructed. Southern Railway also plans to complete these works within 12 months. A tender worth Rs 42.01 crore has been floated for the project. The safety fencing will use W-beam steel barriers, while the boundary walls will feature prestressed precast panels and precast pillars.

The projects are expected to strengthen railway infrastructure in the Palakkad division and improve the safety and speed of train services along the two stretches. The fencing will also reduce the risk of people, animals and other obstructions entering the railway tracks.