V D Satheesan government eyes new rail corridor after dropping SilverLine

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even though the proposed SilverLine project between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod has been dropped, the UDF government is now planning to implement a new high-speed rail corridor in cooperation with the Indian Railways. The new proposal aims to build a broad-gauge railway line that can be used not only by high-speed trains but also by services like Vande Bharat Express and goods trains. However, experts say achieving the 200 kmph speed planned under SilverLine may not be possible on a broad-gauge track.

Instead, the government plans to develop a route with fewer curves so trains can run at speeds of up to 160 kmph, which is currently the maximum possible speed on broad-gauge lines. The corridor is expected to be built mainly on pillars, with minimal private land acquisition to reduce difficulties for the public. If the project becomes a reality, the 580-kilometre journey between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod could be completed in around four and a half hours.

The original SilverLine project had proposed a standard-gauge rail system that was not connected to the existing railway network. Earlier, the state government had rejected the Railways’ suggestion to switch to broad gauge, arguing that it would require more land acquisition and reduce speed. However, after the Centre rejected the original proposal, the state is now trying to prepare a new project in consultation with Indian Railways and in line with railway policies. The government may also seek the help of “Metro Man” E. Sreedharan for the project.

Connection every 50 kilometres
Officials believe the new high-speed corridor will be more useful for passengers if it connects with the existing railway network every 50 kilometres.

Benefit for Vizhinjam Port
Indian Railways currently gives approval mainly for high-speed corridors that can handle both cargo and passenger trains. The semi-high-speed broad-gauge corridor in Ahmedabad is one such example. The proposed corridor may also include a Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) system for container transport. This would help cargo movement from the Vizhinjam International Seaport.

"Yellow survey stones placed for the SilverLine project would soon be removed. Landowners would be informed that the notification has been cancelled and their land would be returned to them."
- A. P. Anil Kumar
Revenue Minister