Kerala wants rapid rail; Silver Line's replacement awaiting Ministry of Urban Development's permission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has requested the Centre to allow rapid rail on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod route in place of the Silver Line, which was abandoned due to public opposition. Permission for a feasibility study and preparation of a project document has been sought. Railways' permission is not required. The project is three times the cost of Silverline. The permission should be given by the Ministry of Urban Development.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed out in a letter to Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar that Rapid Rail is practical and efficient considering the specificities of Kerala. Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had announced at the Urban Conclave held in Kochi on September 12, 2025, that Rapid Rail would be considered.

The rapid rail will increase passenger numbers and become more profitable as it connects the Kochi Metro, the upcoming metros in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, and the airports in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kannur and Kozhikode. The Kerala cabinet meeting had given in-principle approval on January 28 and allocated Rs 100 crore in the budget for the initial work.

Limited land acquisition

• This is a metro-like line that runs on tracks at ground level, above bridges (elevated) and in tunnels.
• Land acquisition is minimal. Public anger will be reduced. Water flow will not be obstructed. Tunnels and embankments will be constructed only where necessary. It can be implemented in four phases.
• There are plans to connect Delhi with Meerut in UP, Alwar in Rajasthan and Jalandhar in Punjab. The Meerut line has been completed. Construction of the others will begin soon. The technical expertise of the National Capital Region Transport Corporation, formed by the Centre with the participation of those states, was requested to be utilised by Kerala as well.

Expected cost: ₹1,92,780 crore

The central and state governments will each bear 20%. 60% will be borrowed from international financial institutions.

• The move is to complete the 583 km long line in 12 years
• The rapid rail has the technology to run at speeds of up to 250 km.

''Rapid rail will become a project of national importance. Feasibility study should be undertaken. Discussions should be held with Kerala''

- Pinarayi Vijayan,

Chief Minister