Trains to run faster: Railways finally implementing passengers' long-pending demand

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Railways will conduct a survey this financial year for the proposed third line on the Thiruvananthapuram–Nagercoil route. The aim of introducing a third line is to facilitate the operation of more passenger trains and to ensure smoother movement of containers from the upcoming Vizhinjam Port in the coming years. The final location survey for the project has been included in the Railway Budget for the 2025-26 financial year. The Railways has also allotted a nominal amount for the initial work on this route.

The current 71-kilometre stretch has only a single track, and doubling work is already underway. The Railway Budget for this year has allocated Rs 1000 crore for the doubling of the line. Sources indicate that the Railways intends to either begin construction of the third line immediately after the doubling is completed or to plan and start the third line work simultaneously.

The Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil line is one of the most popular routes, heavily relied upon by commuters for educational and employment purposes. Doubling the line will increase train speeds and reduce road congestion. It will also encourage the operation of more passenger and express trains. The doubling work on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari route has already begun.

R Pandyaraj, a former member of the Southern Railway's Zonal Users Consultative Committee, stated that around 50% of the doubling work is expected to be completed in this financial year. Edward Jenny, a member of the Kanyakumari District Railway Users Association, emphasised that with the upcoming Vizhinjam Port, a third line on this route must be considered.