Centre will cooperate if Kerala requests: High-speed train in Delhi's Regional Rapid Transit System: State government accelerates project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government is actively exploring a high-speed train modeled on the Rapid Rail model to replace the Silver Line, which was scrapped due to public opposition. A metro that can run at speeds of up to 250 kmph, similar to Delhi's Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), is under consideration. The government is preparing to prepare a DPR for the project. It is estimated that it can be built in two phases, from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur and from there to Kasaragod.

The high-speed rail project is being accelerated considering the acceptance received by the BJP, which faced the local body elections with the slogan of "Developed Kerala". High-speed travel has become popular with the advent of Vande Bharat. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had recently announced that the centre will cooperate with the rapid railway if Kerala requests. The project may become a reality if the centre and the state jointly form a company like Kochi Metro Rail.

Although it is the Urban Development Ministry that has to approve the project, the technical approval from the Railways will also be needed. The attempt is to build a metro rail by making an elevated track, where there is opposition to land acquisition and where there is waterlogging. The move is to revise the project document of the Silver Line and make it similar to that of the Rapid Rail and submit it to the Centre. Although there is a Rapid over the National Highway in Delhi, this is not possible on the National Highway in Kerala due to its curves.

Challenge?

There are plans to connect Delhi with neighboring cities like Meerut (UP), Alwar (Rajasthan) and Jalandhar (Punjab). The route to Meerut has been completed. Construction of others will start soon. However, the Union Cabinet has not yet decided to sanction rapid rail outside Delhi. Therefore, the possibility of rapid rail is rare. That is why only its model is being considered.